In a sort of metaphorical act of early-Christmas-present-opening (and as a definite American Idol first), a few of this season's Idol semifinalists were announced Tuesday night as part of a protracted two-night reveal. Seven hopefuls--Michael Lynche, Lee DeWyze, Todrick Hall, Casey James, Aaron Kelly, Didi Benami, and Kaetlyn Epperly--received their good news on night number one, and on Wednesday, 17 more contestants edged closer to their dream of becoming the ninth American Idol.
Below is my breakdown of all 24 semifinalists, along with my thoughts on a couple of the most surprising shutouts.
THE SNUBS
Angela Martin - Sometimes who didn't get through is bigger news than who did, and that certainly is the case with this girl. Many contestants this year have sob stories, but Angela's was by far the sobbiest, which, compounded with her actual legitimate talent, seemed to make her a Season 9 shoo-in. Angela became the ultimate Idol underdog this season when, after her third audition in her final year of eligibility, she made it to Hollywood Week yet again. Angela has a 10-year-old daughter with the developmental disorder Rett Syndrome; she suffered the death of her father in season 7 right before Hollywood Week; and on top of all that, her mother went missing last Christmas. Angela stayed strong and delivered throughout Hollywood Week this season, but apparently it still was not enough. The judges seemed pained when they told her she didn't make it Wednesday, and they encouraged her to keep going. Kara DioGuardi told her: "You're one of the bravest people I have ever met, and I'm going to remember you forever." Too bad the judges didn't remember to put Angela through this time. I personally think they made a major mistake.
Thaddeus Johnson - A Rooooben-esque velvet teddy bear and self-declared mama's boy, Thaddeus was all smiles and giggles throughout Hollywood Week, but when he got rejected on Wednesday, he collapsed into agonized sobs, and it was truly heartbreaking to watch. The judges told him he "did great" and "did nothing wrong," but that feedback only seemed to confuse and upset Thaddeus even more, as in, then WHY wasn't he chosen, if he'd done so well? He sobbed all the way out of Kodak Theatre, with his mother consoling and pep-talking him and hanging on his arm...and his rejection was ultimately almost as sad as Angela's.
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