Wednesday night, American Idol revealed 14 of its 24 semifinalists, then left viewers hanging on the fate of a 15th.
"I have to sing," said a teary Adam Brock, his voice breaking. "It's where my joy comes from. It's how I know God blessed me."
Idol will reveal Adam's fate Thursday -- and the decision isn't unanimous. But six other men -- and eight women -- left what host Ryan Seacrest called "The Final Judgment" feeling redeemed.
Two returning country singers -- Season 6's Baylie Brown and Season 10's Chelsea Sorrell -- made the cut. So did two of the season's more unique stylists, Creighton Fraker and Reed Grimm.
Joshua Ledet gives Idol its first gospel-styled shouter in for, like, ever. Heejun Han survived, but his cowboy-hat-wearing arch-nemesis Richie Law didn't.
Jessica Sanchez, one of the 16-year-olds, showed more promise with a version of Celine Dion's The Prayer than we've seen from her to date. Jen Hirsh, Haley Johnson, Elise Testone, Brielle Von Hugel and Erika Van Pelt also got through.
Phil Phillips continued to show a gift for rearranging songs, singing Usher's Nice and Slow in a style that had judge Jennifer Lopez squirming (in a good way) in her seat. And Colton Dixon, who was the last person eliminated last season during the round, got at least one place farther this year.
Who's out? So far, in addition to Richie Law, the promising Neco Starr, Caleb Johnson, Clayton Farhart, River St. James, Blair Sieber, Naomi Gillies and Lauren Gray.
Thursday's episode will reveal the remaining 10 semifinalists. Will that group include Adam Brock? (I'm betting yes.)
The first 14:
