Smallscreen News
American Idol's first lucky seven: Wednesday night reveals 17 more
By April MacIntyre Feb 17, 2010, 7:12 GMT
The judges, courtesy of FOX
American Idol said goodbye to lots of producer favorites; people who captured poignant side story moments that added sentimentality to the talent juggernaut on FOX.
Tonight Hope Johnson, Shelby Dressel and Mary Powers, three women who were featured, were sent packing.
In a series first, the judges tonight announced seven semifinalists who have secured a coveted spot in this season’s Top 24.
These seven semifinalists are: Didi Benami, Lee Dewyze, Katelyn Epperly, Todrick Hall, Casey James, Aaron Kelly and Michael Lynche.
Tune in tomorrow night Wednesday, Feb. 17 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) as the judges reveal the remaining 17 contestants who will round out the Top 24.
The first seven semifinalists to be named to the Top 24 are:
Didi Benami
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Currently Resides: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 23
Benami’s mother inspired her passion for music by singing to her when she was a little girl. She is currently pursuing a career in music in Los Angeles and is learning to play the guitar and writing songs.
Lee Dewyze
Hometown: Mount Prospect, IL
Currently Resides: Mount Prospect, IL
Age: 23
Dewyze has been performing music since age 16. He graduated from Mount Prospect High School and enjoys playing the guitar and scuba diving.
Katelyn Epperly
Hometown: West Des Moines, IA
Currently Resides: West Des Moines, IA
Age: 19
Epperly was born in Iowa City, IA, and has been singing since she was 2 years old. She is a sophomore at Millikin University in Decatur, IL, and enjoys playing the piano.
Todrick Hall
Hometown: Arlington, TX
Currently Resides: Arlington, TX
Age: 24
Hall grew up in Plainview, TX, and has been singing since age 10. After graduating from Bowie High School in 2003, he went on to perform on cruise ships and in theme parks.
Casey James
Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
Currently Resides: Fort Worth, TX
Age: 27
James has been singing since before he could speak. He enjoys playing the guitar and mandolin, and has been a fulltime musician for the past 10 years.
Aaron Kelly
Hometown: Sonestown, PA
Currently Resides: Sonestown, PA
Age: 16
Kelly lives in Sonestown, PA, and is currently a senior at the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School. He also enjoys songwriting and photography.
Michael Lynche
Hometown: Astoria, NY
Currently Resides: Astoria, NY
Age: 26
This is the new dad; Big Mike Lynche grew up in St. Petersburg, FL, and has been singing since he was in junior high. He played football for the University of Central Florida, and currently works as a personal trainer.
