In an American Idol first, show bosses decided to release the names of seven of the 24 finalists early. The decision was most likely taken because so many sources have already leaked the full list.

Only 12 girls and 12 guys will make it through to the live shows and the seven who got through last night were hardly a surprise. Most had received significant airtime in previous shows and most have ‘a story.’

The seven revealed last night include:

Casey James: The hunky guy who Kara and Victoria ogled and asked to remove his shirt. He surprised us in Hollywood week by actually having some talent too!

Didi Benami: sang Hey Jude in her first audition and auditioned in honour of her late best friend.

Michael Lynche: his baby girl was born during Hollywood week and he has reportedly since been kicked out of the final 24 after his dad broke American Idol’s privacy agreement.

Lee Dewyze: we haven’t seen much of Lee up until this point but he gave a fantastic rendition of The Fray’s hit, “You Found Me” last night.

Aaron Kelly: the 16-year-old Pennsylvania foster kid who sang Miley Cyrus’ ‘The Climb’ for his first audition.

Katelyn Epperly: the 19-year-old Iowa singer who tried to make a sob story out of the fact that her parents have broken up. She can actually sing really well though but we don’t see her getting to much further…..

Todrick Hall: auditioned in Dallas with an original song. He previously starred former Idol winner Fantasia in “The Color Purple.”