And then there were 14. With 10 more to go, of course.
On last night’s installment of American Idol, Randy, Steven and Jennifer broke the hearts of some contestants, while making the dreams of others come true, as they started the process of whittling 42 hopefuls down to the 24 semifinalists that will compete live next week.
Did one of your favorites make the cut? Let’s take a look at the first 14 semifinalists on season 11, with the final group to be named this evening…
Jen Hirsh: A winery worker, referred to by Randy as “one of the best singers this year.”
Creighton Fraker: Discovered late in life that his birth father was the lead singer of a heavy metal band.
Joshua Ledet: “Hallelujah,” he simply shouted upon hearing the great news.
Haley Johnsen: Said she has one mission: To “break out of my shyness and gain confidence.” Now has her chance.
Elise Testone: Also referred to as “one of the best singers we’ve seen” by Randy, says she can feel “in my heart” that this is her time to shine.
Reed Grimm: Played the drums again and broke out in a dance when named a semifinalist.
Erika van Pelt: This mobile DJ and wedding singer was teased by J. Lo before being told: We’re going to take one more chance on you.”
Chelsea Sorrell: A fan of Carrie Underwood, dreams of being a mom and a country singer.
Baylie Brown: Failed to advance this far on season six when she forgot the words during Group Round.
Heejun Han: Hails from Queens, said it’s the dream of every Asian man to hug Jennifer Lopez.
Jessica Sanchez: Faces serious pressure, saying: “My mom is unemployed because of my music career. I’m tired of seeing my family struggle.”
Phil Phillips: Works at a pawnshop, Randy worries his unique might “not play in front of everyone else.”
Colton Dixon: Considered a “veteran,” is moving on after a couple of failed previous years. His sister did not make the Vegas cut.
Brielle von Hugel: “This just proved to me that this is my life and I’m doing it,” she said after getting the news.