'American Idol' Top 24 revealed!

Here they are in all their glory!

Back row, from left: Alexandrea Lushington, Robbie Carrico, Jason Castro, Danny Noriega (striped shirt), Brooke White, Amanda Overmyer, Michael Johns, David Cook (bandana), Luke Menard and Carly Smithson (standing far right).
Bottom row, from left: Chikezie Eze, Colton Berry, Asia’h Epperson, Kady Malloy (seated, black dress), Joanne Borgella, Ramiele Malubay, David Hernandez (seated, front), Amy Davis, Alaina Whitaker, Syesha Mercado, Jason Yeager, David Archuleta (seated), Garrett Haley and Kristy Lee Cook.

I have to say that for the first time ever, even with some borderline choices, this is the first time I’ve watched an “Idol” season and not been completely furious about someone making—or not making—the Top 24. Nice job, “Idol,” in that respect.
After the break are my thoughts, to paraphrase Heidi Klum, on some of who are in and others who are out.

Reminder: This is not a comprehensive list of who’s in and who’s out; it’s merely a run-down of some of the notable contestants to make the Top 50.

OUT— Ronald Hodge: The first to be told “no” reminded me of how much I hate it when contestants claim they have no other opportunities.
IN— Carly Smithson: Paula Abdul could not have been more torturous with her news that the Irish lass made it to the next round. It’s bad enough when Ryan Seacrest does it, but at least he can deliver suspense without sounding drunk.

IN— David Castro et al: For all the “zany” auditions to which the audience has been subjected these last few weeks, it’s inexcusable that viewers would have absolutely no idea how a Top 24 contestant sounds. Especially for someone who’s as distinctive-looking as a white guy with long dreadlocks. Good luck, David!
IN— Brooke White: Conversely, White benefits tremendously from all the screen time she received. Also, she might benefit most from the Hollywood makeover treatment. She’s already pretty, but could be drop-dead with the right touches to her hair and make-up.
OUT— Drew Poppelreiter, Lorena Pinot and Natasha Blach: I’m pleased they didn’t make it, but I’m also appreciative of the poise they displayed when being told the bad news.

IN— Michael Johns: Decent pipes, but it’s his robot dance at the end of the show that sold me.
IN— David Cook: The better version of Robbie Carrico, who also made the Top 24.
IN— David Hernandez: I’m really surprised Simon Cowell wasn’t impressed by this guy. Perhaps he only had one good song in Hollywood, but “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” was as impressive as any of David Archuleta’s songs, if not more so.
IN— David Archuleta: The best 16-year-old ever to audition for “American Idol.” Now, if he can just learn to inhale away from the microphone, he’ll be in my personal Top 3.

IN— Amanda Overmyer: I’m tired of her already.
IN— Kristy Lee Cook: Amazing Grace indeed! Her dance at the end of the show was quite provocative. And I’m not exactly complaining.
OUT— Josiah Leming: Good riddance. But why spend 10 minutes on his good-bye when we could have seen extended footage of…
OUT— Carin McKinney: For the wrong reasons, I’m sad to see her go. The McPhee-Cardinale lovechild just got hotter and hotter every time she appeared on camera. Can’t Seacrest have a post-Dunkleman sidekick or something? Carin, do yourself a favor and go into acting or modeling. You’d do well for yourself.

IN— Joanne Borgella: Vocally, I’m not upset the model-worthy McKinney went home, but I can’t say the plus-sized model was that much better. Expect a short run.
OUT— Kyle Ensley: I know he wants to run for office, but he handled his rejection the best out of anyone I can recall. Not a fantastic voice, but you know there’s something charming about the guy when Cowell makes a point to protest the decision to cut him.
IN— Colton Berry: The guy who claimed the final spot over Ensley was ambiguously told by Randy Jackson that he’s “through.” That phrasing should be banned.
IN— Syesha Mercado: Fine, I’ll say it. If there’s any justice, she’s the “American Idol” for Season 7.