American Idol Semifinalists: Revealed!
On last night's edition of American Idol, five of the final 24 contestants were announced.
Congratulations are in order for Naima Adedapo, Clint Gamboa, Ashthon Jones, Paul McDonald and Haley Reinhart.
Now, thanks to the magic of the Internet, the identities of the next 19 - to be officially revealed tonight - have also been leaked. Did you favorite make the cut? Find out below:
Jennifer Lopez Eliminates Chris Medina, Breaks Down
Five singers advanced to the semifinals on season 10 of American Idol last night:
- Naima Adedapo
- Clint Jun Gamboa
- Ashthon Jones
- Paul McDonald
- Haley Reinhart
But many viewers are talking this morning about one contestant who did NOT make the cut: Chris Medina, whose story of heartbreak regarding his brain damaged fiancee was featured on the show a couple weeks ago.
Jennifer Lopez delivered the bad news to Chris, tearing up as she explained the panel's decision and then breaking down in front of Randy and Steven as soon as Medina exited the room. It was raw, emotional stuff. Watch now:
Clint Jun Gamboa Advances to American Idol Top 24
He caused controversy in Hollywood by kicking Jacee Badeaux out of his group. But Clint Jun Gamboa will now have a chance to make it up to American Idol viewers:
The singer has been named one of the final 24 contestants on season 10.
Gamboa received the good news last night, joining a quartet of other contestants that have also moved on to next week's live performances: Paul McDonald, Ashthon Jones, Haley Reinhart and Naima Adedapo.
Clint is is a two-time karaoke champion of Southern California and you can watch him in Idol action below.
Meet Ashthon Jones, American Idol Semifinalist
Remember the name Ashthon Jones. You may be hearing it often over the next couple months.
The Tennessee native joined others such as Paul McDonald and Haley Reinhart in being named a season 10 semifinalist last night. Such an honor completes an amazing journey for Jones, who started singing with her church choir.
She actually ran away at the age of 15, a year after the man who raised her since birth passed away. Ashthon has never met her biological father. A fan of painting and roller skating, Jones never gave up on her dream. Might it lead to an American Idol title? She's on her way...
Paul McDonald Moves On, Impresses with Original Song, Suit
He was not featured often prior to last night, but Paul McDonald took advantage of his time in Las Vegas.
The 25-year old contestant, who originally auditioned in Nashville, first took to the stage with Kendra Chantelle and impressed with a duet of The Beatles classic "Blackbird."
He then took a risk for his final audition of the evening, donning an eccentric suit and choosing an original song, one titled "American Dreams." Apt for a hopeful who was later named to the season 10 semifinals, don't you think? Check out both performances below:
Haley Reinhart and Naima Adedapo Named American Idol Semifinalists!
American Idol took its show on the road last night, heading to Las Vegas for the first time and naming its first set of semifinalists.
Following an hour devoted to group performances that honored The Beatles, the judges spoke to various contestants individually and delivered either dream-making or heart-breaking news.
Two of the women who received the former? Haley Reinhart and Naima Adedapo. They have moved on to the season 10 semifinals, partly based on their most recent rendition of "Long and Winding Road."
Joined by Jacob Lusk, listen to Reinhart and Adedapo now and decide: are they worthy semifinalists?
American Idol in Hollywood: The Best of the Rest
Before American Idol picked up and took its show to Las Vegas - where contestants will be challenged by The Beatles next week - the show narrowed its numbers of contestants from 100 to 60.
Which hopefuls separated themselves from the pack, at least for one week?
Below, we've posted videos of such impressive talents as Lauren Alaina, Chris Medina, Thia Megia, Colton Dixon, Robbie Rosen and Brett Loewenstern. Sit back, give each one a listen and choose an early favorite...
Jacob Lusk Brings Himself to Tears
It's very early on season 10 of American Idol, but one thing appears clear: we're in for many weeks of contrasting auditions and artists.
Take John Wayne Schulz and his restrained, collected, acoustic cover of "Landslide." Simple, straightforward, impressive.
Now, compare that to the emotion delivered by Jacob Lusk last night, as this hopeful scatted one moment and soared the next while giving viewers a rendition of "God Bless the Child." He even brought himself to hysterical tears by doing so. Might this be the John Boehner of American Idol contestants?
Watch for yourself:
John Wayne Schulz Covers Landslide: Watch Now!
He's a former recording artist and a professional cowboy. He's also an early American Idol favorite.
During the final round of Hollywood auditions last night, John Wayne Schulz confidently took to the stage, guitar in hand, and dedicated his rendition of Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide" to his mother, who was in the audience.
He gave it a simple, country spin, earning a brief duet with Jennifer Lopez, as that judge sung along with Schulz for a few seconds. That's always a good sign for any contestant. Watched John Wayne in action and sound off: He has to be among the top contenders at this point, right?
Stefano Langone, Jovany Barreto & Jacee Badeaux: Off to Vegas!
Hollywood treated Stefano Langone, Jovany Barreto and Jacee Badeaux very well last night.
This trio of American Idol hopefuls were featured in the same segment, each impressing the judges with versions of singles such as "You Can Feel It All Over" and "Time of My Life."
As a result, all are a part of the final 60 and all will take to the stage in Las Vegas next week. Check out snippets from each of their performances below, with a warning/apology to our female readers: Barreto keeps his shirt on...
