As advertised, “American Idol” revealed a portion of this season’s Top 24 during a two hour broadcast Tuesday, and in most cases, those through are the individuals one would have expected since the auditions first got underway.
On the male side, those set for the semifinals include Michael “Big Mike” Lynche, Casey James, Aaron Kelly, Lee Dewyze and Todrick Hall. The seven remaining male semifinalists will be revealed during Wednesday’s broadcast.
Female semifinalists include Didi Benami and Katelyn Epperly. “Idol” will announce their ten rival females Wednesday.
In the wake of criticism over how the return to the more traditional semifinal structure played out last year, “Idol” brought back its Top 24 format–featured from seasons four through seven–for the current ninth season. Over three weeks, the Top 24 will be reduced to 12–six males and six females–for competition in the “American Idol” finals.