AMERICAN IDOL Top 24 Revealed…At Least Some of Them

Last night 5 guys and 2 girls found out they will soon be singing on the biggest stage in the world, as these talented 7 singers were named to AMERICAN IDOL‘s Top 24. The remaining 17 contestants moving on to the next round and competing for you vote will be revealed tonight.

Given the amount of screen time devoted to some contestants, I can’t say last night was chock full of surprises. But a few contestants that we hardly heard from at all made it through. But as last year’s winner Kris Allen will tell you, screen time in the early days isn’t everything. When Kris took the stage during the first night of competition he wowed the audience with his beautiful voice. Having only seen Kris in passing during Hollywood Week, he took everyone by surprise. And no one, not even Kris, would have predicted that he would walk away with the title of AMERICAN IDOL.

So who will be the next Kris Allen.  Here are 7 contestants in the running, with my quick take on each.

Lee DeWyze
I can’t say I remember much about Lee up to this point in time. Based on the video of him from Hollywood Week, I’m not exactly sure why he made it through, or why we should vote for him. There’s a thin line between confidence and cocky and I can’t tell which side this guy falls on. He’s a bit cookie cutter. Nice guy and a decent voice. I’ll be keeping an eye out for Lee, to see if he can win me over.

Todrick Hall
I’m convinced this guy gets paid every time he drops Fantasia’s name. I remember his very unique audition, but hadn’t thought much of him until they showed his final audition last night. He did some great things on stage last night. But is he different enough to shine through give the talent level this year? I’m not sure.

Casey James
Of course he was going to make it through. The hair alone guaranteed him a Top 24 slot. But I like what I’ve seen from Casey so far. He didn’t impress me in his first audition but he’s really brought it since. Great vocals and seemingly strong sense of musicality. The worst part about Casey is how Kara embarrasses herself every time she opens her mouth sees him. Down, Cougar, down.

Aaron Kelly
Seriously? Were they not satisfied with David Archuleta’s second place finish, so they tried to bring in this other kid to seal the deal? What I’ve heard from Aaron his placement certainly seems like casting, rather than talent got him through. They needed a teen to grab the attention of the tweens. I’m sad someone else got cut so this kid could make it through.

Michael Lynche
Seems like a nice of enough guy, but I don’t think he stands out vocally. He’s got a good voice, but so did the majority of people that made it through to the end of Hollywood Week. I think he’s going to be gone from the competition early on. More time to spend with that baby we hear so much about.

As for the top 12 girls, some talented ladies have made it through to the next round.

Didi Benami
If this girl can manage a performance without crying then I’m expecting her to go far. I love the texture and originality of her voice. She’s not afraid to take vocal risks. I’ve been sold since her rendition of “Terrified” on Day one. She’s one of my favorite gals in the competition so far.

Katelyn Epperly
Can’t say that I saw this one coming. I know more about Katelyn Epperly’s family drama than I know about her as a performer. The way she assisted the producer’s in exploiting her family situation had me turned off dating back to her first audition. This chick has got to really bring it for me to even want to give her a shot.

So there are the guys and girls who have made it to the Top 24 so far. The rest will be revealed tonight. I’ve seen the complete list of who makes it past tonight, and while there are a few surprises still left, I can say that I’m more excited about this season of IDOL than I have been in a few years.

Thoughts on the contestants that have made it through? Who are you rooting to join them tonight?

(PLEASE NO SPOILERS!)