Judges pick the 24 semifinalists on ‘Idol’

More ecstatic semifinalists
David Archuleta was told matter-of-factly by Simon that the judges had to spend more time debating those contenders who were under 18, “to make sure that they were confident enough to go through what will happen next.” Apparently he passed the ego test, because he’s still in. So is 18-year-old Danny Noriega, who got the news quickly and painlessly.

Michael Johns has always been portrayed as one of the male contenders, and it was no shock that he advanced. Kristy Lee Cook suffered a minor setback when she struggled in her first Hollywood audition and had to sing for her “Idol” life in an elimination round, but it was still no surprise that she made it. Robbie Carrico also advanced, though Simon said it was without the support of Paula.

Syesha Mercado lost her voice early in Hollywood week, but when she found it again on the final day, she blew the judges away. So did rocker Amanda Overmyer, who could contend as long as she’s allowed to sing classic rock every week. They were joined by a pair of younger singers — tiny Ramiele Malubay, who makes the diminutive Ryan Seacrest look like a basketball star, and Asia’h Epperson, who has been nothing but outstanding from her first audition.

Others got the good news … and that was it as far as the cameras were concerned. Chikezie Eze, Jason Yeager, Garrett Haley, Kady Malloy, Amy Davis, Jason Castro, Luke Menard and Alexandra Lushington all got to see their benediction on TV, but not much more.

The final spot of the 24 came down to a choice between Cardin McKinney and Joanne Borgella. Borgella told the judges that she “re-fell in love with singing in Hollywood,” and in doing so earned the right to prove that love to a national audience next week.

Her story continues. For McKinney, along with Leming, Ensley and the 23 others who were eliminated at the last possible stage before the semifinals, it was the end of the road.

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