Trimming to 24 Finalists

Let's get to it. The judges are pouring over the contestants' profiles and performances and more than half of the remaining 50 are about to get some bad news.

Ronald Hodge is up first and also is the first one out of the competition. He's quickly followed by Nina Shaw, Mycale Guyton and Lisa Aukerman.

One contestant I hope is not heading out the door is Carly Smithson, the Irish chick with the amazing voice. She is now heading up the elevator for the long walk to learn her fate. After a guidance counseling session from Paula, Carly finds out she's sticking around. There is good in this world!

David Cook, who in Hollywood rounds stunk it up with the guitar, sneaks a spot in the Top 24, but I don't think he'll stick around long once America gets to vote.

Someone with definite Top 10 potential is respiratory nurse Amanda Overmyer. Her husky voice and overall package earn her a spot in the Top 24 too.

So many others aren't so fortunate. After a brief spotlight on the rejects, our attention turns to the young David Archuleta. Simon delivers the fabulous news that this kid, through a unanimous decision, is in the Top 24.

Christie Lee Cook makes it through too but then tragedy strikes. You see, we have a DVR/cable box through Suddenlink. We recorded American Idol tonight and are watching it about two hours after it airs because once again, I came home late from the real job. During the recording process, a weather alert was sent through the cable box, causing every single channel to revert to The Weather Channel. The husband acted quickly and put a video tape (gasp!) into one of the VCRs (gasp even more!) and salvaged the rest of the show for us. While we miss a few minutes, my husband is once again my hero!

Now we're watching the video and learn that Brooke White, Danny Noriega and several others it through.

As more spots get filled, the contestants still waiting grow even more anxious to learn the news. Contestants' names are displayed only so briefly so I miss a few of them but at this point, who cares? Well, I guess I kind of do as I'm saddened by the news that Drew the farmer doesn't make it.

The nerves hit Michael Johns, the Aussie, but he shouldn't sweat it. The judges decide unanimously that this cutie is in our Top 24. Girls, young and old, should cheer!

Syesha Mercado, who had lost her voice during the Hollywood rounds, is in the Top 24 too!

Robbie Carrico, the rocker dude from Miami, makes it through by the grace of Randy and Paula.

Asia'h Epperson, whose dad died the day before she auditioned, is now in front of the judges. She's on board for the amazing ride. Hooray!

Josiah Leming, whose final performance in Hollywood was not well received as he dismissed the band and decided to go acapella, is about to learn his fate. He made a dangerous move the judges did not like and it apparently weighed heavily on the judges' decision as Josiah learns it's the end of the road. I would have liked the opportunity to see more of his talent. The good part is we won't see any more of his emotional outbreaks.

Now we're down to only four contestants - two guys and two girls. The guys are up first and immediately, Colton Berry and Kyle Ensley learn that their fates were not a unanimous decision among the judges. As Colton learns he's the lucky one, Simon makes it clear that he's really disappointed that Kyle is the one going home. Regardless, Kyle is going to make an admirable politician one day.

Cardin McKinney, the professional musician from Nashville faces Joanne, the plus-size model. The judges torture them with questions before revealing that Joanne makes it.

It will get fun next week as we get to choose the castaways. I can't wait, can you?