American Idol Reveals Seven Of The Top 24 Semi-Finalists

Michael Lynche - Fox

Viewers are one step closer to being able to let their voices be heard this season on American Idol.

Last night’s episode found Idol judges Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres, and Simon Cowell chopping the talent pool from 71 to 46, before beginning to announce the 24 lucky contestants who would go on to sing for our votes.

Seven semi-finalists were chosen on the episode, with some early favorites making the cut and others seeing the door close on their dream.

Here’s who we have so far:

Michael Lynche: Michael held Idol’s focus as soon as Hollywood week started. Besides being a talented guy, Big Mike came with the added drama of missing his first child’s birth all in the name of pursuing his dream to give his family a better life. He gets even more attention off screen since we’re still trying to figure out if he is or isn’t disqualified from the competition for having a daddy with loose lips.

Didi Benami: Didi’s a passionate singer who may not always be the most consistent, but when she’s on, she’s knock-it-out-the-park amazing. Didi is carrying on her late best friend’s dream while reaching her own.

Katelyn Epperly: Ellen put poor Katelyn through the torture of stalling before telling her she made it into the top 24. Katelyn is certainly not one of the best vocalists, but she isn’t bad. She sails through on the strength of her “package”: adorable, sweet, good voice — i.e. MARKETABLE!

Casey James: Striptease — we mean — Casey slowly got better and better as Hollywood week went on, but that did nothing to erase his embarrassing audition from our memories. (Kara made Casey let his hair down and take his shirt off.) Behind his guitar, Casey lived up to the potential Kara saw, and that earned him a place in the top 24. Kara was all too happy to hug it out with him after he got the good news. Scandal!

Aaron Kelly: And who didn’t see this one coming? 16-year-old Aaron struggled a bit during Hollywood week, even committing the ultimate crime of forgetting his lyrics, but he isn’t going anywhere any time soon. The young lad is trying his best to pick up where David Archuleta left off in season 7, but he just isn’t on Archie’s level vocally. Comparisons aside, Aaron has a nice voice, but his too-laid-back personality could hold him back.

Lee Dewyze: We never got to see much of Lee, but what we do know is Simon feels the sensitive crooner may lack a bit of confidence. Thankfully for Lee, the judges feel with his talent and his growing sense of self, he deserves to show America what he has.

Todrick Hall: Todrick has been a standout from the very beginning with his original song tailor-made to please the judges. With no vocal training, Todrick was concerned his inexperience could be his downfall. Working with past winner Fantasia in The Color Purple and getting her advice made the decision to try out a “yes” for him. It was also a “yes” from the judges for the top 24.

And then there was Jessica Furney. Jessica returned for her second chance at the Idol crown and made it through to Hollywood as she did in the previous year. This time she made it much further, but getting the news that she wouldn’t make it past Hollywood tore Jessica to shreds. She wouldn’t go down without a desperate beg. “I have it in me! You have no idea what I can do! Please!” The judges were steadfast in their decision and even tried offering a comforting, ‘This isn’t the end of your career.” “How do you know that?” Jessica snapped back. Sweet Jessica suddenly turned into an obnoxious brat.

The rest of the top 24 is announced tonight. The preview promises more emotional yeses, and a shocking no.