7 News Features: American Idol Top 24

WSVN -- For the most part, the judges were dead-on with their Top 24. Some of my favorites, making the cut. And it's shaping up to be quite the season.

Simon Cowell: "You're good enough to stand in the front of the stage. You're through to the next round."

So, happy background singer Melinda Doolitle made the cut. She wowed me from the first note in Memphis.

Melinda sings: "For once I can say, this is mine. You can't take it."

And another background singer now takes center stage -- the judges loving Brandon Rogers and got it right.

Randy Jackson: "Welcome, you made it baby, you made it baby."

Paula Abdul: "You're through."

Gina Glockson: "Shut up!"

Gina Glockson's got reason to celebrate. She was cut season 5 and is now top 24

And proud papa Phil Stacey now's got something else to be proud of. He missed his daughter's birth to audition in Memphis, but he's Top 24, baby!

Phil Stacey: "Ahhhhh!!! Yeahh!!!!!!!!!!"

Phil sings: "Baby, now I compare you to a kiss from a rose."

Chris Sligh made the Top 24. He surpised the judges in Birmigham and then blew it out in Hollywood. His group by far the best of the bunch.

That performance also got Blake Lewis from Seattle in the Top 24. This boy can "sang!"

And Rudy Cardenas from L.A. also made the cut after first showing off his powerhouse voice in Seattle.

Randy Jackson: "Jordan, guess what? You made it, baby."

No surpirise here -- Jordan Sparks blew me away during the Seattle auditions. I knew she was Top 24.

And a nail biter for Sundance, no doubt making his papa proud. Roy Head, a big star in the '60s. Now it looks like Sundamce is on his way.

In the end, 12 boys and 12 girls made it through -- check 'em out -- one will be your new American Idol.

Now it's up to you, South Florida. America starts voting next week -- the Top 24 now hoping to make the Final 12.

The singing showdown begins right here on 7, next Tuesday night at 8 p.m. for a special two-hour show.