American Idol

It was filled with unprecedented emotion.

And it was the longest walk they've ever taken.

I deserve a spot in top 24.

You did not make it this year.

Last night, the judges began building the top 24.

You're going through.

Oh, my god.

Congratulations.

It's so amazing.

You're in the top 24.

Oh, my god!

Yeah!

Big Mike!

But earning their spot was the hardest thing these contestants have ever done.

Seriously, I have this in me.

I can do this.

My heart is in my throat right now.

Tonight, we reveal the complete top 24.

There are only a few spaces left, and everyone wants one.

It's bad news.

All of that drama went down on this stage,

but that's nothing compared to what's gonna happen right here tonight.

Because this is the final judgment, and this is American Idol.

Hollywood, California.

It's a little after 6:00 p.m. at the Kodak theatre

and the end of a grueling week of auditions and eliminations.

And the remaining contestants are already emotionally exhausted.

They have been waiting all day,

not knowing if they'll perform for America's vote.

It's complete and total agony.

Already, the judges have chosen seven talented singers for the top 24.

Jump for joy, 'cause you made it.

So far, moving on are Mike Lynche, Didi Benami, Casey James,

Lee Dewyze, Todrick Hall, Aaron Kelly, and Katelyn Epperly.

Thank you so much.

But with seven spots already gone and 37 contestants still waiting

in the holding room, tensions are high and many are just

praying to get it over with as soon as possible.

I'm ready right now.

I wish I could go in.

I wish I was the first person to know if I made it or not.

I'm trying to keep my cool.

Not really working.

I'm really shaky right now.

But no one was feeling more shaky than 24-year-old Janell Wheeler.

I just want to be here so bad.

This means a lot to everyone.

But this is my chance too, you know?

And it means a lot to me.

Janell first auditioned in her hometown of Orlando,

Florida.

# there is a house #

# in new orleans #

# that they call #

# the rising sun #

Based on your voice, Janell,

I would have said no.

But you got two.

You're through to the next round.

Janell was left feeling she had something to prove in Hollywood.

# he said #

# hey, sister #

# it's really, really nice #

# to meet ya #

# I just met this 5'7" guy #

# who's just my type #

Janell, I genuinely couldn't remember you, but I thought that was good.

Well done.

Thank you so much.

But after a rough group day...

I thought that was a disaster.

And stumbling through her last solo performance...

# we were both young #

# when I first saw you #

# I close my eyes #

# and the flashback starts #

# you're standing there #

Janell feels chagrined.

It's such a disappointment when you have that one chance and you flub it up.

Couldn't take the pressure...

Every step of the way, it's kind of... it's up and down.

It's a roller coaster.

I'm shocked.

I'm shocked that I've come this far.

I'm just in awe.

I can't even put it into words.

It's...

A dream come true.

Hi, guys.

How you doing?

Oh, god, I'm so emotional.

Honestly.

But I'm good.

Are you exhausted?

Yes.

Did you sleep last night?

Um, yeah, actually.

Once I actually got to rest...

Calmed down?

I slept really well.

It's hard.

This is... uh, this is cra...

'cause you don't do this for a living, right?

No, I'm a wine sales rep.

So this gets harder and harder.

That's the thing.

It's... it's...

I don't think anything is as hard as American Idol.

I really don't.

I mean, it's... yeah.

It's... it's intense.

Well, it's different.

It's a different way to go.

But it's a crash course, and...

and it gets, uh, more and more stressful, and... and you're up

against a lot of people who have been singing for a long time

and do it, sort of, you know, on a regular basis.

So that's tough.

And we have 24 slots.

12 girls, 12 boys, and that's hard.

So, um, it's hard to... to tell somebody that has a great voice

that they're not gonna go through,

because it doesn't make sense, 'cause you have a great voice.

So I'm not gonna tell you you're not going through.

I'm gonna tell you you're going through.

Congratulations.

Well, you got through now.

Thank you so much.

Congratulations.

All right.

See you later, kiddo.

Bye-bye.

Yay!

Yay!

Yay!

Yay! Say it loud!

Yay!

Yay!

oh, man.

Nothing's like American Idol.

Janell, what's the verdict?

Tears of happiness?

Joy.

Joy.

Congratulations.

If I were bikini girl, I'm kiss you right now.

What are you gonna do with this job you were telling me about?

Um...

With the wine distributor?

I don't care.

Yeah, you're gonna drink their wine and celebrate.

Yes, I am.

This is just everything to me.

I just can't stop thinking about calling in to work

and saying I'm not coming in.

So the cowgirl from the sunshine state is through.

But how will a 20-year-old '70s rocker fare?

Tyler first came to us in Boston,

# and if you feel #

# like I feel, baby #

# then come on #

I was a nervous wreck.

I did not expect to get through at all, and I got four yeses.

I'm going to Hollywood, baby!

Whoo!

But his song choice for his final performance in Hollywood was a talking point.

# well, I'm going home #

# to the place where I belong #

# where your love has always #

# been enough for me #

I just wanted to let you guys know that, uh, going home is not

one of the things on my list to do, so don't take that too literally, please.

Thank you.

Thanks.

Okay, we'll try not to, then.

Now he's left wondering if he's done enough to make Hollywood his home.

This is the biggest opportunity that has presented

itself to me so far, and I don't know if I'll ever get another one.

I don't even know what to feel or think right now.

I mean, this is huge.

Fancy seeing you guys here.

What's going on?

How's it goin'?

I like that word, "fancy."

"Fancy".

It's sort of a... you're very '70s.

I like that about... what is the thing with the '70s with you?

Oh, all my idols are from the '60s and '70s.

You know, Robert Plant.

Uh, Roger Daltrey.

Morrison.

Did you get some of your moves from them?

Where do you get those great moves?

Well, I... I actually... I have a lot of, like, rock dvds, and I...

I watch a lot of old concerts,

So...

You can really tell that,

'cause you kind of, sort of went to your own place a lot of times.

Thank you very much.

Sort of, like, Planet Tyler.