American Idol

Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell greet the top 50 finalists this season to determine who will make the Top 24.

Hollywood Week was rough for some of the 164 finalists during Season 7 of American Idol. And only 50 contestants remain. Tonight they go one by one up the elevator to see who makes the Top 24. It’s time to see.

7:02 p.m.

The judges finally have made their decisions. And the elevator rides begin …

First up is Ronald Hodge. He gets disappointing news, and he must make the ride down the elevator with a “no.”

Nina Shaw also didn’t make the cut. Nor did a few other girls.

But it’s Carly Smithson’s turn. She got turned away in Season 5 after not having proper work permits. The Irish favorite certainly has had a strong week, plus she’s already had a somewhat established career. (I promise to write more on that later.)

Even though Carly was emotional — tears and emotions were running quickly — but she officially became the first Top 24 finalist in Season 7. And certainly she’ll be a favorite.

7:13 p.m.

David Cook becomes the first guy to make the Top 24. He’s definitely the resident male rocker of this year’s competition. As far as the resident rocker chick? Of course Amanda Overmyer made it. How could she not with so much exposure this season?

After a few more disappointed singers take the ride down the elevator with tears in their eyes, it’s David Archuleta’s turn. The 16-year-old also gets a spot in the Top 24. Grandmas and teenager girls everywhere are celebrating. David’s youth and boyish looks certainly will make him a favorite among these two important groups of voters.

7:22 p.m.

Kristy Lee Cook, another singer who has recorded an album in the past, has been saved this season by her renditions of Amazing Grace. Even after a difficult week in Hollywood, she makes the cut. So, what will her past experience mean for her future in the competition?

More important, will her new friend Brooke White make the cut. She also had a bit of a difficult time making it through Hollywood Week, but her “I’ve-never-seen-a-Rated-R-movie” story certainly makes her an interesting one to watch. Plus, she has a beautiful voice.

After getting tears in her eyes before she even makes it off the elevator on the way to see the judges, it appears the pressure could be too much. Brooke sees this as her last chance to become a real recording artist. The good news, for her and her fans, is she’ll make it.

Danny Noriega had fantastic success during Hollywood Week, helping him make the Top 24 this season on American Idol.

Next up is Danny Noriega, who quickly got a “yes” from the judges. Jason Castro, Luke Menard and Alexandrea Lushington also quickly made the cut.

Ramiele Malubay, another one of this year’s more interesting contestants, also got good news. “Sweet little thing, isn’t she?” Simon said as she left the room.

7:34 p.m.

After a few disappointments, Michael Johns takes his turn in the elevator. Much like Danny, Michael’s true talent really shined throughout Hollywood Week, turning the judges heads. And it paid off with a unanimous “yes.”

Syesha Mercado was up next. One of my definite favorites — and I do mean one of my few favorites — she struggled with losing her voice during Hollywood Week. I’m thrilled she’ll be around to compete in the Top 24.

Even though it wasn’t a unanimous vote, Robbie Carrico joins the Top 24. This former boy band member certainly has changed his look and style, and it’s already clear he’s going for the Bo Bice style that worked so well for the Season 4 runner-up.

7:43 p.m.

Garrett Haley, Kady Malloy, Chikezie Eze, Amy Davis, Alaina Whitaker and Jason Yeager were quick to get a “yes,” taking away valuable spots. Next up was Asia’h Epperson, who lost her father just a couple of days before she went to audition for the show.

The emotional journey paid off for Asia’h, as she, too, will be a competing to try and get America’s votes.

Even without Simon’s vote, David Hernandez got the support of Randy and Paula to send him into the next round.

Next up is another of the season’s early favorites, Josiah Leming. His story — living in his car — got him great camera time. But the road ended for the teenager just before making the Top 24. This denial certainly will have fans across the country disappointed. Even before the live show, Josiah was gaining fans throughout the country. Maybe next time …

Even though I haven’t been the biggest fan of Josiah throughout the season, I can’t help but feel a little bad for the kid. Seeing that much disappointment on his face, tears streaming down his cheek, it’s what makes this show so appealing. This means everything to him.

7:54 p.m.

With just two guys and two girls left to hear the news, there’s only room for one of each.  Colton Berry and Kyle Ensley take a seat side by side, waiting to hear the news. … And Colton makes the cut. But Simon still gives Kyle a pat on the back, saying he believes the singer’s performances during Hollywood Week should have given him a chance in the Top 24.

So, what about the girls?

The final two, making the walk together, are Joanne Borgella, the resident plus-size model, and Cardin McKinney, a professional musician who moved to Nashville to try and push her career to the next level.

After a long day, the two women are equally emotionally drained. The good news goes to Joanne, who I must say is one of my other early favorites. I just love the plus-size model story. Plus, she has an incredible voice.

So, before we go — cue Ferras‘ Hollywood’s Not America — there are several more scenes of rejection from the final cuts before the live shows begin. It looks like the rumored Top 24 that leaked last month was filled with truth.

As we move forward, who are your favorites?

American Idol