There's a twist to Season 8. Instead of cutting the competition from 54 down to the top 24, this year American Idol is pushing through 36 singers. To find out their fate, the contestants are invited to the judges' mansion to find out if they've made it through. Some will even have to prove themselves one more time in a sing off in front of Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Kara DioGuardi again.
Challenged to a Sing Off
"Sing for your survival." That's how Simon described it. Those who had to sing one more time in front of the judges to prove themselves included:
- Cody Sheldon versus Alex Wagner-Trugman. Alex won and Cody was sent home.
- Jenn Korbee versus Kristen McNamara. Kristen won meaning Jenn was eliminated from the competition.
- Frankie Jordan versus Jesse Langseth. Jesse was picked over Frankie. "If it's any constellation, you wouldn't have won anyway," commented Simon. "And Jesse I have to say, based on that, nor do you."
- Jackie Midkiff versus Nathaniel Marshall. Nathaniel, whose mother was sent to prison, won a spot over Jackie.
- Matt Breitzke versus Michael Sarver. "We thought both of you deserve a chance," said Paula. So both Matt and Michael advanced to the next round.
Season 8's Top 36 Contestants:
- College student Anoop Desai
- Von Smith, who once performed on ABC's "The View"
- Alex Wagner-Trugman
- Adam Lambert
- Taylor Vaifanua
- Jasmine Murray
- Arianna Afsar
- Casey Carlson
- Megan Corkrey
- Mishavonna Henson
- Stevie Wright
- Joanna Pacitti, who once had a record deal
- Kendall Beard
- Kristen McNamara
- Single mother Alexis Grace
- Scott MacIntyre, who is visually impaired
- Lil Rounds
- Jesse Langseth
- 16-year-old Allison Iraheta
- Danny Gokey, whose wife died weeks before the competition started
- Ricky Braddy
- Piano player Matt Giraud
- Ju'not Joyner
- Puerto Rico's own Jorge Nunez
- Brent Keith
- Stephen Fowler, who forgot the words while playing the keyboard in Hollywood
- Nick Mitchell, aka Norman Gentle
- Jackie Tohn
- Tatiana Del Toro
- Nathaniel Marshall
- Jeanine Vailes
- Kai Kalama
- Anne Marie Boskovich
- Kris Allen
- Welder Matt Breitzke
- Michael Sarver
Eliminated Contestants:
- Cody Sheldon, an amatuer horror film maker
- T.K. Hash
- Chris Chatman
- Reggi Beasley
- Jenn Korbee
- Felicia Barton
- Ashley Hollister
- Devon Baldwin
- Frankie Jordan
- Shera Lawrence
- Derik Lavers
- Jamar Rogers, Danny Gokey's best friend
- Jackie Midkiff
A Tearful Goodbye
Many of the contestants were shocked when they learned Jamar Rogers, Danny Gokey's best friend, did not make it in the top 36. He told Ryan Seacrest, "This guy is going to do great. It's far from the end of the road for me. I'm okay."
Jewelry for Tatiana
Tatiana Del Toro wore her "lucky charm" to elimination day. It was a star bracelet designed by judge Paula Abdul. "Reach for the stars and you just might become one," said Tatiana. When it was Tatiana's turn to learn her fate, Paula noticed Tatiana was wearing the jewelry she designed. "The ring was sold out and I cried over the ring. It was ridiculous. I wanted the ring so bad," said Tatiana. Paula then took the star ring off her finger and gave it it Tatiana. Tatiana's dream came true when she learned she made it into the top 36.
What Happens Next?
The contestants will be divided into four groups of 12. Over the next three weeks, they'll sing for America's votes.
