American Idol 7 - Top 24 Revealed - 2/13/08

Last night’s show opened with Ryan and Hayden Christensen sitting on top a monument in Egypt, i.e. shameless plug for the new movie “Jumper” which opens today. I guess Fox got a boat load of cash. Hayden jumps Ryan to Hollywood in time to announce “this is ….American Idol!”

It takes an hour to get the announcements with lots of crying and joy! I love the elevator ride and the walk to the lone chair in front of the judges. The pain, the agony of it all.

We will just get to the heart of the matter, the top 24 one of who will be the next American Idol.

Carly Smithson, 24, auditioned in San Diego. Carly is from Ireland and was chosen in Season 5 but had problems with her work Visa and could not appear. I did like her audition and I agree with this choice.

David Cook, 25, auditioned in Omaha. I liked David’s original audition as well.

Amanda Overmyer, 23, auditioned in Atlanta. This is our Goth rocker nurse. I like her as well so I am fine with this choice.

David Archuleta, 17, auditioned in San Diego. I really did like his original audition and what I saw in Hollywood.

Kristy Lee Cook, 24, auditioned in Philadelphia, who lives in Oregon. I liked her original audition as well but what they showed in Hollywood she seemed to kind of choke but I guess time will tell.

Brooke White, 24, auditioned in Philadelphia. She was okay but I am not impressed.

Danny Norriega, 18, auditioned in San Diego but his original audition was not shown on air. I really liked his performance in Hollywood.

Jason Castro, 20, auditioned in Dallas but his original audition was not shown on air. They really didn’t show much of his Hollywood audition either.

Luke Menard, 29, auditioned in Omaha but his original audition was not shown on air. The clip they showed in Hollywood did provide some potential.

Alexandrea Lushington, 16, auditioned in Atlanta. I did not like her audition when it was shown during the Atlanta auditions.

Ramiele Maluky, 20, auditioned in Miami. I didn’t like her audition but it could be because they started her clip with reminders of Season 3 Jasmine Tres.

Michael Johns, 29, auditioned in San Diego. His original audition was great and his Hollywood performance was spectacular. Great choice!

Syesha Mercado, 21, auditioned in Miami. I didn’t like her original audition because she was shouting but I did enjoy her Hollywood performance especially given she sang her heart out while suffering vocal issues.

Robbie Carrico, 26, auditioned in Miami. His original audition was okay and the clips from Hollywood didn’t give me enough to really determine an opinion.

Garrett Haley, 17, auditioned in San Diego but they did not air his audition. They didn’t really show much of his Hollywood audition.

Kady Malloy, 18, auditioned in Dallas but the audition was not in the episode on air. The material from Hollywood was not sufficient to really determine potential for me.

Chikezie Eze, 22, auditioned in San Diego. I did like his audition.

Amy Jean Davis, 25, auditioned in Dallas but the audition was not in the episode shown. The clips from Hollywood didn’t show much.

Alaina Whitaker, 16, auditioned in Dallas. I did not like her original audition and we didn’t see much of her Hollywood performance.

Jason Yeager, 28, auditioned in Dallas but the audition was not shown on air. The clips from Hollywood were insufficient to really get an impression.

Asia’h Epperson, 19, auditioned in Atlanta, she whose dad had just died the day before. I didn’t like her original audition and I still can’t believe she made her family wait while she auditioned. I realize her dad was dead but it irritated me when I watched her during her audition and it still irritates me. I was not impressed by what I saw in Hollywood either.

David Hernandez, 24, auditioned in San Diego but the audition was not shown on air. The clips from Hollywood were insufficient to really get an impression.

Colton David Berry, 17, auditioned in Charleston but the audition was not in the episode shown. The clips from Hollywood showed some potential. I definitely agreed to this choice versus Kyle.

Joanna Borgella, 25, auditioned in Philadelphia and I liked her original audition. I think she does have potential.

It is interesting that only 14 of the final top 24 were shown during the audition episodes. Since we continued to hear out much talent this season contestants have these people have a lot to live up to.

We have a much younger group this year as well. It will be fun to see how they can hold up to the pressure and the hectic schedule because many of them will have to study as well.

San Diego was the winner with 7 out of 24 coming from this city, Dallas was next with 5, there was a three way tie for Atlanta, Philadelphia and Miami with three, Omaha had two, and Charleston had only 1.

For the next three weeks American Idol will be on three days a week while we move closer to the top 12. Performances will be on Tuesday and Wednesday with 4 people getting kicked out on Thursday.

Voting starts on Tuesday let your fingers do the dialing. I can’t wait!