gina glocksen

Without Idol releasing a complete list of last night's Top 40 contestants, and with so few contestants getting airtime, it's difficult for me to even figure out who's who, let alone predict just who will make tonight's Top 24. I think that the Idol producers purposely keep things vague, otherwise we'd pretty much be able to compile our own list of 24 (based on who DID get airtime), and wouldn't need to tune in for tonight's episode.

From re-watching last night's episode, and searching other sites for their observations, I've been able to piece together a list of people who (probably) advanced to the Top 40. But I'm really not sure, so if you have definitive information, feel free to share.

(S06E09) After four long weeks of auditions, we've finally made it to the infamous "Hollywood Round." Ryan tells us that 172 contestants are just five days away from becoming finalists, but "those five days are going to be a nightmare."

It might be a nightmare for the contestants, but at home, we are spared most of the mayhem. In fact, Idol speeds through most of the singing completely and a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff, as well. Where's the emotional build-up? Where's the drama? Where's Simon's nasty comments? Where's the angry outbursts from exhausted rejects pushed to the brink of insanity? I can't get a handle on who's who or who's singing what. Before I blink, people are being sent home.