America's Top 24
American Idol's Finalists Well Rounded Group This Year
Who got airtime and who got snubbed? American Idol auditions laid the foundation for some of the top 24. Who will benefit from their early recognizability.
It’s that time of year again. American’s can tune into Fox on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays to see their favorites duke it out to continue on in their quest to become the next American Idol. Season seven’s top 24 kicked off on February 19th, 2008. Some familiar faces from auditions found their way into the final 24 while others most of America is just learning about. The coming weeks will reveal how their airtime prior to voting has effected their ability to move on to the top 12.
Female Contestants
- Avid viewers probably remember Alexandrea Lushington, one of the younger contestants at 17. Her Great grandmother chilled with Ryan while Alexandrea auditioned for the judges.
- Amanda Overmyer, the rocking nurse from Mulberry, IN is recognizable by the blonde streaks in her hair. She also shared her battle with an 18- wheeler and subsequent medivac experience prior to making it to Hollywood. She’s a hardcore chick.
- Most will remember Asia’h Epperson, her father passed away while she was en route to the auditions. She brought judge Paula Abdul, and probably most of America, to tears.
- Brooke White, the wholesome nanny and Carly Smithson, the girl who didn’t get to go in season 5 because of her work visa also had significant camera time during early auditions.
- Ramiele Malubay auditioned to mixed reviews but eventually made it to the final stage. Simon originally questioned whether or not the other judges thought her voice was “that good” or if they were merely impressed by the size of the voice coming out of her tiny body. After Hollywood week, Simon conceded that she was indeed quite talented.
In addition audiences will have the pleasure of hearing Alaina Whitaker, Amy Davis, Joanne Borgella, Kady Malloy, Kristy Lee Cook and Syesha Mercado sing their hearts out this season.
The Guys
- David Archuleta entered the audition with his own back-story. He dealt with a paralyzed vocal cord and all the judges thought he was pretty great.
- Chikezie (no last name required) also had screen time during the early auditions. Simon found him “interesting” but didn’t really find his voice all that amazing. Either way he battled his way to the final stage.
- Michael Johns' claim to fame was his Australian accent. He captured hearts during Hollywood week and here he is on the final stage.
- Johns David Cook caught a glimpse of fame at auditions. Not because of his singing, but more because no one is sure what “a bit wordy” means in regards to singing and his interesting hairdo.
- Robbie Carrico was also well featured on the show. He seemed to be stuck between “boy band chic" and "dirty rock god".
Colton Berry, Danny Noriega, David Hernandez, Jason Yeager, Luke Menard, Garrett Haley and Jason Castro round up the guys America will be seeing.
