American Idol Top 12 Gets Another Three, Judges Set Wild Card Lineup

Wed., Mar. 4, 2009 8:30 PM PST by Natalie Finn

Michael Becker / Fox

Sorry to spoil this first American Idol Top 12er here, but really...

Was there any doubt that Lil Rounds would sail through? Ryan Seacrest waved her on even before any bad news was doled out Wednesday—and Kara DioGuardi predicted "just ridiculous vocals every single week" from the 23-year-old mother of three.

But what of Scott MacIntyre, Kristen McNamara, Jorge Nuñez, Ju'Not Joyner, Felicia Barton and Von Smith, all of whom gave quality performances last night?

Only two of that standout group got to advance, while the rest were either relegated to wild-card possibility or...well, obscurity.

The action heated up after the top three were revealed, though, when the judges announced which eight contestants will get the chance to keep the dream alive by moving on to Idol's first-ever wild card round.

After Lil, Scott's advancement was also expected, and the voters didn't disappoint.

American Idol Scott MacIntyre, Jorge Nunez

Michael Becker / Fox

Fan-favorite Jorge was granted entrée to the Top 12, as well.

Joining them in the finals, meanwhile, could be:

• Von Smith: He shouldn't wear a hat when he performs tomorrow, according to Paula Abdul.

• Jasmine Murray: "You have to kill us with your vocals," advised Kara.

• Ricky Braddy: The judges already felt he was "pretty flawless," Paula gushed.

• Megan Corkrey: "One of our favorites during audition rounds," praised Simon Cowell.

• Tatiana Del Toro: Cue the waterworks. "Thank you so much," she breathed/sobbed over and over again. "Are you looking at the next American Idol?" Ryan (that devil) asked the audience.

• Matt Giraud: "One of the bluesiest, soulful singers" in the bunch, per Kara.

• Jesse Langseth: A unanimous "last-minute change" who won the judges over with the "unique twist in her voice."

• Anoop Desai: "One of the easiest decisions out of the eight," Simon said.

So these lucky eight get to sing it out tomorrow for the three remaining spots in American Idol's Top 12.

They're all pretty excited, but how do you feel about it?

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