The announcement of American Idol Top 12 was full of surprises as contestants that most of us thought have a big chance of making it didn’t survive the cut.

The first contestant eliminated was Katelyn Epperly, who had impressed the judges in prior weeks with strong vocals. But her performace yesterday of I Feel The Earth Move might have not impress America.

The first male to hear bad news was Todrick Hall, who’d been criticized for overinterpreting his songs in past weeks. 

The next one is Alex Lambert, the judges said to him every time to control his nerves and have some self-confidence. Ellen somehow comforted Lambert saying that “You just need to have more experience — you need to believe in yourself, and that only comes from time and getting knocked down and getting back up again.”

The biggest shocker of the nigth was the elimination of Lily Scott, one of the strongest contenders based on the judges’ comments. Judge Kara DioGuardi can be seen shaking her head upon hearing the news.  ”I thought that I was appealing to a lot of people. It’s surprising, a lot of incredible talent is going home tonight. I don’t know what America wants to hear, I don’t. I just know that there’s an audience out there for me.” said Lily Scott.

The contestants that made it to American Idol top 12 of season 9 are:

Didi Benami

Crystal Bowersox

Lacey Brown

Lee Dewyze

Andrew Garcia

Casey James

Aaron Kelly

Michael Lynche

Siobhan Magnus

Paige Miles

Katie Stevens

Tim Urban