American Idol Begins: The Top 24 First Cut

 

Year after year, Americans turn on their TV's to tune into the live tunes of young hopefuls.  This year is like any other.  The phenomenon of American Idol culture blows me away, and yet I understand its appeal and exactly what makes it great. 

The concept of the show is based off of beautiful looking 16-20 something year olds with amazing voices all striving for the American Dream.  Who wouldn't be sucked in?  It's almost impossible for a viewer not to root for their favorite- even if they aren't texting in to vote.  Each viewer has a unique experience with the show: they choose their protagonist and antagonist and then let the story unfold to the sounds of classic and simply GOOD music.

This year, Ellen Degeneres joins the panel of judges giving feedback to the contestants.  Yes, Paula will no longer be with the AI team- I think a little substance abuse may be tied into that....I mean really, did you see the way she acted and dressed?  Anywho, the point is Ellen is here and she is FANTASTIC.  Like always, she brings her comic expertise and love of music to enrich the show.  Fingers are crossed that this will keep up through out the season.

The Other three judges: Randy Jackson, Kara Dioguardi, and Simon Cowell are true to their archetypal personas they have built up for the show.  You will be sure to hear a "Yo dawg" tossed about followed by a "It was a little pitchy",  Kara will hound girls who are pretty and defend her singing ability, and Simon will roll his eyes, disagree with anyone, and yet deliever such honesty that America can't help but love him.

And let's not forget Ryan....doing what he does best....smiling....and talking....and hair....

Our Judges have narrowed down the hopefuls and left us with 24 talented young performers.  Among them are parents, students, Broadway stars, country girls, 70's throwbacks, and plenty more.

Here are the top 12 men (front row from left), Andrew Garcia, John Park, Tyler Grady, Joe Munoz and Jermaine Sellers and, (back row, from left), Lee Dewyze, Aaron Kelly, Tim Urban, Michael Lynche, Todrick Hall, Casey James and Alex Lambert

And here are the top 12 women  (seated from left), Katelyn Epperly, Lilly Scott, Ashley Rodriguez, Lacey Brown, Janell Wheeler, Haeley Vaughn and, (standing from left), Didi Benami, Michelle Delamor, Katie Stevens, Crystal Bowersox, Paige Miles and Soibhan Magnus, are shown.

After the first elimination voted by viewers, American Idol says goodbye to Ashley Rodriguez, Joe Munoz,  Janell Wheeler, and Tyler Grady.

Those voted out, had somethings to say about their experience with the judges:

"'They were coming in throwing punches,' [Rodriguez] told a teleconference. 'I wouldn't say they were too hard but we definitely could have used a little bit of love from them, that's for sure.'"

"'I will keep on trying and you will definitely hear more about me in the future,' Munoz told the teleconference."

"Grady, whose retro sound and look would fit neatly in a production of 'Hair,' said he doesn't regret his approach or his lament Thursday about a lack of "constructive criticism" from the four-judge panel.
'I was just expressing myself and I meant no disrespect and I'm not bitter at the judges. Seems kind of silly,' Grady said in rebutting reports he said painted him inaccurately."

"'If I had to go out, I'm glad I went out that way,' said Wheeler."

Of course it's almost impossible not to tune in to find out who will be the next American Idol.