“American Idol” Top 24 Selected

The season 9 semifinals, for American Idol is set with a few surprises. 17 new semifinalists announced last night, joining the 7 announced advancing on Tuesday. There was a last minute switcheroo, as viewers may have noticed that curly haired shoe salesman Chris Golightly, 25, of Los Angeles was among the semifinalists on stage at the end of Wednesday’s episode, but it was 20-year-old college student Tim Urban who was among the 12 dancing male semifinalists. A statement from Fox said Urban replaced Golightly because Golightly was “ineligible to continue in the competition.” No further explanation was provided.

The Top 12 women will compete for the nation next Tuesday, while the male singing stars will perform live on FOX Wednesday, Feb. 24.

The Top 12 women are:

Janelle Wheeler
Lacey Brown
Ashley Rodriguez
Crystal Bowersox
Katie Stevens
Paige Miles
Siobhan Magnus
Michelle Delamor
Haeley Vaughn
Lilly Scott
Katelyn Epperly
Didi Benami

The men compete for two hours on Wednesday, and on Thursday, Feb. 25, the first four contestants will be sent home.

The Top 12 men are:

Tyler Grady
Alex Lambert
Joe Munoz
Jermaine Sellers
John Park
Andrew Garcia
Tim Urban
Michael Lynche, AKA Big Mike
Casey James
Aaron Kelly
Lee Dewyze
Todrick Hall

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