‘American Idol’: Season 11 Top 24 Final Picks Revealed

scognata | February 24, 2012 9:38 am

After a 24-hour wait, we finally learn the fate of Adam Brock, as well as who makes it into the remaining 10 available slots in the coveted Top 24. On Wednesday night, the men came out strong, quickly getting close to filling up the 12 slots for male singers. Last night, however, the scales evened with some stellar female performances, letting America know that voting for a favorite next week will be more than bargained for.

Have mercy on Adam Brock‘s soul! When we left him last night the judges made it seem clear his Idol fate might be less than optimal. But after filling him with enough fear to manifest tears, Steven congratulates him for making it into the Top 24, narrowing down the slots to nine and making it even harder for the remaining contestants.

STANDOUTS

There’s a magic that very few singers have and Jeremy Rosado‘s perfect pitch and beautiful sensibilities highlight this for judge Jennifer Lopez. After what seems like the end of the line for the singer, Lopez welcomes him to the Top 24, reassuring us, only the best of the best are being considered for the next round.

Country cutie, Skylar Laine seems nervous despite her strong performances in the earlier rounds, explaining that after watching Courtney advance to the next round, she’s leery of her chances. Still, judges have faith in her ability and she sings the Reba McEntire song “Fancy,” whom the judges have been comparing her since her first audition. The risk pays off, and she earns a place in the next round.

The pressure continues to mount when Deandre Brackensick takes the stage, knowing that most of the male places left have been filled. And he puts his falsetto to the test, displaying the fact that despite this is his second consecutive year in the top 40, he deserves to make it through. The judges agree, advancing him and taking away another place for the men.

HOPEFULS

Eben Franckenwitz goes toe-to-toe with former teammate David Levens Jr., choosing a song that’s really much too mature for him, but impresses the judges regardless. This mini Bieber better become associated with his demographic before next week if he plans to make it past this round.

Hollie Cavanagh is sent up to judgement with plenty of doubts, but in the end her strong performance allows her to emerge as one of the females to consider a contender. The same goes for blond beauty Shannon Magrane who earns a place in the next round.

Additionally, Hallie Day, Chase Likens, and Aaron Marcellus make it into the Top 24.

SENT PACKING

Scott Dangerfield emerges in front of the judges with a point to prove, only his performance falls flat. Likewise, Jermaine Jones fails his beautiful baritone with a poor song choice, and young David Levens, Jr. disappoints with tone problems and a lackluster performance, getting sent home with Shelby Tweten and Ariel Sprague. Which brings us to your official American Idol Season 11 Top 24:

Girls Elise Testone Haley Johnson Shannon Magrane Baylie Brown Hallie Day Jessica Sanchez Jen Hirsh Chelsea Sorrell Skylar Laine Erika Van Pelt Brielle Von Hugel Hollie Cavanagh

Guys Eben Franckewitz Reed Grimm Heejun Han Deandre Brackensick Aaron Marcellus Sanders Adam Brock Creighton Fraker Phillip Phillips Joshua Ledet Jeremy Rosado Colton Dixon Chase Likens

Next Week: The game changes when the voting is left to the American public.

Did the Top 24 reflect your choices for the best the American Idol contestants had to offer? Sound off in the comments, or on Twitter and Facebook.