by Gina Scarpa

Last night, on American Idol, the remaining 71 contestants were divided into three rooms for the good or bad news to be delivered to them. For two of the rooms, it would be good news. They'd move on to the Top 46, the home stretch for making the Top 24 and landing a spot on the show. For the third room, it means a plane ticket home. Nerves were shot, emotions ran high, and all the contestants could do is wait for the judges to come in and play mind games with them before handing down their decision.

In the room of eliminated contestants sat Charity Vance, Hope Johnson, Christian Spear, Lloyd Thomas, Brian Walker, and Mary Powers. Though some may have seen Mary's potential, all I saw was her obnoxious, cocky attitude and didn't feel sorry at all that she was headed home.

The Top 46 had to wait yet again to meet with the judges in the Kodak Theatre and find out whether or not they had made the show. It was bad news for Shelby Dressel, the singer with a nerve disorder that left her with a partially paralyzed face. She took the news well, thanked the judges and went on her way. Class act. The same cannot be said for Jessica Furney, who launched into a rant, where all she said was, "Please, you guys don't even understand. I have it in me. Please, you don't understand. Puh-lease!" Simon summed it up when he said that she wasn't helping herself. True enough!

Seven singers were given the green light to the Top 24 last night. They are: Casey James (the object of Kara's affection), Michael Lynche (proud dad who missed the birth of his first child to be part of this season), Didi Benami (emotional singer whose best friend passed away last year), Aaron Kelly (poor man's David Archuleta), Lee Dewyze (powerful singer who took a few wrong steps during Hollywood week but I'm a fan), Katelyn Epperly (big, curly blonde hair), and Todrick Hall (sang an original song about Idol in the audition rounds and did "The Color Purple" with Fantasia).

Tonight, the remaining singers find out their fate. Still waiting to get in to the Top 24 are two of my favorites, Andrew Garcia and Katie Stevens, who should have no problem getting a spot on the show. Seacrest said at the end of last night's episode that someone's elimination will leave us speechless. I have a bad feeling it's Angela Martin, an amazing singer who has suffered some serious personal issues over the last year.

American Idol airs tonight at 8/7c on Fox.

(Image courtesy of FOX)

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