American Idol

It’s time to move one step closer to the crown. Tonight’s episode separates the semi-finalists from the finalists. Four more are going to be picked off, locking in the Top 12 contestants to fight for the American Idol Season 7 title.

7:02 p.m.

Last year’s runner-up Blake Lewis is taking the stage to perform a track from his debut, Audio Daydream. It’s nice to see the show bring back performers from past seasons, but I think it would be really great if they brought back some older alums. Who doesn’t want to see the return of Ricky Smith (Hercules, Hercules)? Or Amy Adams.

7:09 p.m.

David Cook was the first to make it into the Season 7 Top 12. After a couple of only decent weeks, the singer easily was one of the best two or three performers this week. I may even say he put himself in a great position to make the Top 5.

As Ryan Seacrest walks around 12 stools reserved for the final 12, the Top 16 contestants gather on couches across the stage to see if they make it past this very important cut. After some annoying banter among the judges, it’s time for a recap of the guys’ performances — certainly the stronger of the sexes this week.

The lights are dimmed. David Cook is first up. And, as expected, he’s the first to make the Top 12. Next up, another David … as in David Archuleta. Again, no surprise he’s in the Top 12.

Now, it’s time for Jason Castro. Another standout in the competition, it’s also not surprising he, too, is headed to the finals.

7:21 p.m.

After the commercial break, it’s time for the girls to feel the pressure. The recap is just a sad reminder last night’s episode wasn’t the best showing from this talented pool of singers. At the same time, we can’t forget how much Brooke White shined. She’s been improving week after week, but will she make it?

Here we go. Brooke, in fact, is the first one to stand. And she’s the first one to … make the Top 12. Again, no big surprise here. I’m actually quite happy she was the first to get through, proving she has something to offer.

Kady Malloy was the first Top 16 contestant eliminated from the show, leaving her just short of making the Season 7 Top 12.

Next up, one of my early favorites, Syesha Mercado. Also safe. Now, it’s time for Kady Malloy, who had a rough night last night. As a result, she’s the first one ot leave tonight.

So, what went wrong? She just never hit her stride beyond Hollywood Week. Obviously, she has some incredible talent — if for no other reason that her amazing Britney Spears impressions. But I think this girl could be a great recording artist. It just didn’t come together during the crucial last few weeks.

7:34 p.m.

Now, it’s back to the results. David Hernandez is the next to hear the news. And it’s good news for him, as he joins the other guys as a Top 12 finalist.

Luke Menard was the first guy eliminated from the Top 16.

David Johns, the resident Australian, is up next. He, too, is safe. Luke Menard, however, is not as lucky. He joins Kady Malloy as one of the four contestants to leave the show just shy of the finals.

7:42 p.m.

It’s back to the girls. There are just four spots left for them. Will one go to Ramiele Malubay? Of course it will. This wasn’t much of a surprise, really. In fact, there’s been no surprise thus far tonight.

Carly Smithson, an early favorite of fans, also gets the go-ahead to compete as a Top 12 finalist. And, much to my annoyance, Amanda Overmyer gets a chance to keep on keeping on.

It’s down to Kristy Lee Cook and Asia’h Epperson. One will stay. The other will go. But a commercial stands between them and the results …

7:49 p.m.
We’re back, and it’s about to be a difficult time for either Kristy Lee or Asia’h. Randy thinks it will be Kristy Lee. Simon thinks it will be Asia’h. So, who gets the boot?

Tonight will be the last night Asia’h Epperson performs on the Idol stage. She had an incredible journey from the moment she sang How Do I Live at her audition, just a couple of days after her dad died. It was one of the most touching stories of the season, but apparently America is heartless! Do I think Kristy Lee should have gone home? Maybe. I definitely think Asia’h should have been around for a couple more weeks, at least.

Now, it’s down to Danny Noriega and Chikezie Eze. One will stay, one will go. Danny has tears in his eyes, sad to see some of his newfound friends leave the competition. America voted … and, again, made the WRONG decision. Chikezie is through, and Danny — clearly the most entertaining contestant of the show — gets the boot.

Danny Noriega was the last Top 16 contestant to be eliminated just short of next week’s beginning of the finals.

I’m not saying Danny was the strongest guy in the competition, but he is a fun person to watch. So, what went wrong? I hate to say maybe America had a problem with his flamboyant attitude, but maybe that was exactly what happened. Or maybe it was just the fact he hasn’t lived up to his potential in the last few weeks … much like Kady Malloy. Or, it could be a number of other factors. You just never know.

One thing that’s for sure — Danny Noriega will be able to use this small amount of fame to make a career of entertaining.

These are just my thoughts, though. What about you? Who should have gone? Who should have stayed? Which singer do you think will be the first to go from the Top 12?

American Idol, Danny Noriega, Kady Malloy, Blake Lewis, Luke Menard, Asia’h Epperson