Michael Becker/FOX

It’s been an exciting week for American Idol fans as the Top 12 Finalists have been revealed. It was sad to see four more contestants leave last week, especially knowing that they are prohibited from joining the tour. There are special perks included for Top 12 contestants. Last week, Katelyn Epperly, Todrick Hall, Alex Lambert, and Lilly Allen were eliminated.

American Idol News

Now that the contestants are down to 12, programming for American Idol will change from a three night weekly event to a two week event. This week, the remaining Top 12 will perform live on Tuesday March 16, 2010 between 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. ET live, in Pacific Time zones the show will be tape delayed. The finalists will perform on a newly unveiled stage and will perform songs by the Rolling Stones.

Another new feature unveiled next week is that the songs performed by the Top 12 will be available for download on iTunes. ITunes will have songs and playlists from American Idol in advance so fans can preview songs before the show as well.

The results show will air on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. ET. Those in Pacific Time zones will have a tape delayed airing.

The American Idol Top 12 contestants are as follows:

Didi Benami

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Currently Resides: Los Angeles, CA

Age: 23

Songs Performed: “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson (Feb. 23), “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers (March 3) and “Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac (March 9)

Crystal Bowersox

Hometown: Elliston, OH

Currently Resides: Toledo, OH

Age: 24

Songs Performed: “Hand In My Pocket” by Alanis Morissette (Feb. 23), “Long As I Can See The Light” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (March 3) and “Give Me One Reason” by Tracy Chapman (March 9)

Lacey Brown

Hometown: Amarillo, TX

Currently Resides: Amarillo, TX

Age: 24

Songs Performed: “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac (Feb. 23), “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer (March 3) and “The Story” by Brandi Carlile (March 9)

Lee Dewyze

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Currently Resides: Mount Prospect, IL

Age: 23

Songs Performed: “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol (Feb. 24), “Lips Of An Angel” by Hinder (March 2) and “Fireflies” by Owl City (March 10)

Andrew Garcia

Hometown: Moreno Valley, CA

Currently Resides: Moreno Valley, CA

Age: 24

Songs Performed: “Sugar, We’re Going Down” by Fall Out Boy (Feb. 24), “You Give Me Something” by James Morrison (March 2) and “Genie In A Bottle” by Christina Aguilera (March 10)

Casey James

Hometown: Fort Worth, TX

Currently Resides: Fort Worth, TX

Age: 27

Songs Performed: “Heaven” by Bryan Adams (Feb. 24), “I Don’t Want To Be” by Gavin DeGraw (March 2) and “You’ll Think Of Me” by Keith Urban (March 10)

Aaron Kelly

Hometown: Sonestown, PA

Currently Resides: Sonestown, PA

Age: 16

Songs Performed: “Here Comes Goodbye” by Rascal Flatts (Feb. 24), “My Girl” by The Temptations (March 2) and “I’m Already There” by Lonestar (March 10)

Michael Lynche

Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL

Currently Resides: Astoria, NY

Age: 26

Songs Performed: “This Love” by Maroon 5 (Feb. 24), “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” by James Brown (March 2) and “This Woman’s Work” by Maxwell (March 10)

Siobhan Magnus

Hometown: Cape Cod, MA

Currently Resides: Marstons Mills, MA

Age: 19

Songs Performed: “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak (Feb. 23), “Think” by Aretha Franklin (March 3) and “House Of The Rising Sun” by The Animals (March 9)

Paige Miles

Hometown: Naples, FL

Currently Resides: Houston, TX

Age: 24

Songs Performed: “All Right Now” by Free (Feb. 23), “Walk Away” by Kelly Clarkson (March 3) and “Smile” by Charlie Chaplin (March 9)

Katie Stevens

Hometown: Middlebury, CT

Currently Resides: Middlebury, CT

Age: 17

Songs Performed: “Feeling Good” by Michael Bublé (Feb. 23), “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae (March 3) and “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson (March 9)

Tim Urban

Hometown: Duncanville, TX

Currently Resides: Duncanville, TX

Age: 20

Songs Performed: “Apologize” by OneRepublic (Feb. 24), “Come On Get Higher” by Matt Nathanson (March 2) and “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley (March 10)

See below for photos and a slideshow of the Top 12 Contestants.

Casey James saves American Idol from boredom, top 24 elimination round Thursday (photos, videos)

Thank God for Casey James! If you’re home asking yourself what happened to the fantastic talent seen in the American Idol auditions and Hollywood week, you aren’t alone. Something is clearly amiss with American Idol. Maybe it’s the sound, nerves, they all want Paula Abdul or are sad that Simon Cowell is leaving- who knows. But one thing is certain; this season’s contestants are off to a dismal start.

Slideshow: Photos of  Top 24 American Idol Contestants

Could it be that Adam Lambert raised the bar so high that this year’s singer’s every imperfection is magnified? Maybe, but at least there’s Casey James!

Actually, we have several picks including Casey James and Crystal Bowersox, that we’re counting on to save us from the gloom and doom lurking on the stage when we’re supposed to be entertained.   W e’re sure those two will make it to the end.  Another surprising pick that we’re counting on is  Siobhan Magnus. Her song was memorable and unique. It’s one of those that if you listen to it again, sticks with you- the sign of pure talent. You can listen to the top 12 girls perform their songs here:  American Idol Top 12 Girls

We expected much more from the men, and felt that only Casey James delivered the goods. It seemed as if all of the contestants have lost their energy and the songs were flat, dry, and boring.

Last season was full of high octane, energetic performances, partly due but not solely due to Adam Lambert. Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen kept the energy flowing throughout the season.

We’re not sure what’s going on but hopefully next week, the contestants will be excited to be on the show, or at least sound like it.

Prime Writer News Network Topic:  American Idol

American Idol top 24 contestants set to square off, let the singing begin (photos, videos)

The top 24 contestants of American Idol, Season 9 are set to square off on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in what will be the first performance where American viewers will judge.

Slideshow: American Idol top 24 contestants season 9 (photos, videos)

Tuesday will see the top 12 girls compete, followed by a show on Wednesday night where the top 12 males will compete. Thursday will present the results show and special guests, Alison Iraheta and reigning American Idol winner, Kris Allen will perform.

The top 12 girls include Ashley Rodriguez, Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami, Haeley Vaughn, Katelyn Epperly, Katie Stevens, Lacey Brown, Lily Scott, Michelle Delamor, Janell Wheeler, Paige Miles, and Siobhan Magnus. The top 12 guys who will perform on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 include Tyler Grady, Todrick Hall, Tim Urban, Lee Dewyze, Michael Lynche, Jermaine Sellers, Joe Munoz, John Park, Casey James, Andrew Garcia, Alex Lambert, and Aaron Kelly.

Though the top 24 were just announced last week, the Idols have been hard at work preparing for their live performances, participating in photo shoots, and enjoying their new found, Idol spotlight fame.

How long will their newfound infamy last? Who will be the first to go?

Don’t forget to call in and vote for your favorites.

Prime Writer News Network Topic:  American Idol

Allison Iraheta to appear on American Idol’s result show (photos)

Season 8 contestant Allison Iraheta will appear on this week’s American Idol result show. She will take the stage and sing her new single, “Scars.” Thursday will be the first result show of Season 9 and will see the elimination of the first contestants. Last week, the top 24 contestants were named, including the top 12 guys and top 12 girls.

American Idol top 24 contestants season 9 (photos, videos)

Allison Iraheta was the fourth runner up during Season 9 and released her debut album, “Just Like You’ on December 1, 2009. She appeared on the show at the tender age of 16, yet she continually wowed the judges with her vocal prowess. During her performances, the judges continually praised her performances.

Simon Cowell is quotes as saying, “You have complete confidence and terrific vocals.” Former American Idol judge Paula Abdul once compared Alison to Janis Joplin and Randy Jackson told Allison that she could sing anything. Kara DioGuardi, during her first year on the show had this to say to Allison, “I see your personality in your performances.”

When asked why Allison auditioned for the show she stated, “I have wanted to audition since I was nine years old.”

American Idol will air on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. ET and the girls will perform. They will be followed by the guys at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m. ET. The results show, in which Allison will appear will air on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Prime Writer News Network Topic: American Idol