IDOL WATCH: The Green Mile; Judges Pick the Top 24!

By: Feb. 24, 2011
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In a last minute switch by American Idol, Wednesday night's episode featured just one hour of Las Vegas Beatlemania instead of the scheduled two. Because of the change, Idol fans got an early taste of the ever dramatic and always bittersweet Green Mile portion of the show, when each contestant takes the long and painful walk to his impending doom.

Last night, the judges revealed the first five singers that will make up the top 24. Ashthon Jones, Clint Gamboa, Haley Reinhard, Naima Adedapo and Paul McDonald got the good news early, while early favorite Chris Medina found himself in the not so lucky bunch that had to pack their suitcases for home. And the marathon continued on into tonight's installment, with an additional two hours of dream crushing.

In a touching cliffhanger yesterday, JLo went through an emotional breakdown that left the audience wondering if she'd be able to suck it up and continue. But after a five-minute break she was back in action. So are the other 19 that will get to sing for America's votes next week? Read on if you dare!

Robbie Rosen
Final Audition Song: "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word"
Judges' Thoughts: He has been a standout from the beginning.
Through?: Yes

Tatynisha Wilson
Final Audition Song: "Unbreak My Heart"
Judges' Thoughts: She took a disappointing nosedive during Hollywood week.
Through?: Yes

Jackie Wilson
Final Audition Song: "Because of You"
Judges' Thoughts: She started out strong but quickly fizzled out.
Through?: No

Tim Halperin
Final Audition Song: original composition
Judges' Thoughts: He has gotten stronger throughout his Idol journey.
Through?: Yes

Julie Zorrilla
Final Audition Song: ?
Judges' Thoughts: Some of her performances have lacked depth and connection.
Through?: Yes

Scotty McCreery
Final Audition Song: "Long Black Train"
Judges' Thoughts: He has been authentic since Day 1.
Through?: Yes

Jovany Barreto
Final Audition Song: "Angel"
Judges' Thoughts: It was a tough decision, but he has been consistent.
Through?: Yes

Karen Rodriguez
Final Audition Song: Selena song
Judges' Thoughts: She disappeared as an artist during Hollywood week.
Through?: Yes

Lauren Turner
Final Audition Song: "Steal Away"
Judges' Thoughts: She has had both bright and questionable moments.
Through?: Yes

Colton Dixon
Final Audition Song: "Decode"
Judges' Thoughts: He showed off his potential in his final performance.
Through?: No

Rachel Zevita
Final Audition Song: "Speechless"
Judges' Thoughts: She hasn't always sincere in her performances.
Through?: Yes

Kendra Chantelle
Final Audition Song: "Fallin"
Judges' Thoughts: She has always done a good job.
Through?: Yes

Jordan Dorsey
Final Audition Song: "So High"
Judges' Thoughts: He didn't impress the judges with his attitude during Hollywood week.
Through?: Yes

Lauren Alaina
Final Audition Song: "Unchained Melody"
Judges' Thoughts: She has wowed them with her voice from the beginning.
Through?: Yes

Stefano Langone
Final Audition Song: original composition
Judges' Thoughts: He has had lots of great moments.
Through?: Yes

Jessica Cunningham
Judges' Thoughts: She has shown improvement in her seventh time auditioning for the show.
Through?: No

Jacob Lusk
Final Audition Song: "A Song for You"
Judges' Thoughts: He has impressed them with his big voice and big personality.
Through?: Yes

Pia Toscano
Final Audition Song: "Doesn't Mean Anything"
Judges' Thoughts: She laid it all on the line with her final performance.
Through?: Yes

James Durbin
Final Audition Song: "A Change is Gonna Come"
Judges' Thoughts: He came on strong from the beginning.
Through?: Yes

Jacee Badeaux
Final Audition Song: "Gone Too Soon"
Judges' Thoughts: He has had many struggles throughout his time in the competition.
Through?: No

Casey Abrams
Final Audition Song: "Why Don't You Do Right"
Judges' Thoughts: He might be the most talented musician in the past 10 seasons.
Through?: Yes

Thia Megia
Final Audition Song: "You Raise Me Up"
Judges' Thoughts: She has had both strong and shaky moments.
Through?: Yes

Brett Loewenstern
Final Audition Song: original composition
Judges' Thoughts: He has been original since his first audition.
Through?: Yes

Don't forget to check in with BroadwayWorld's IDOL WATCH next week's special Tuesday night episode, when the top 12 guys duke it out for America's votes! American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm on Fox.

Miss last American Idol's Las Vegas Round last night? Click here for a full recap!

Emmy Award-winning AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive produced by Simon Fuller, Founder, 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc.; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, President, Big Red 2 Entertainment.

Among the many American Idol finalists and winners to appeared on the Broadway stage are Fantasia, Justin Guarini, Jordin Sparks, Diana DeGarmo, Ace Young, Tamyra Gray, Constantine Maroulis, Frenchie Davis, Clay Aiken and Taylor Hicks.

Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.

 



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