'American Idol,' 2011: Top 24 May Be Best Yet

"American Idol" judges, Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez, had their work cut out for them in whittling the pool of 40 vocalists down to twenty-four. This season's contestants are talented. Normally, when watching Idol, I'd wonder how some singers made it as far as they did. That really isn't the case this year. Most viewers I've talked to are excited about this season. They like the judges and they're anxious to hear more from the vocalists.

The selection of the top 24 singers was spread out over two days, mustering up the usual drama we've come to expect from "American Idol." In the end, 12 girls and 12 guys were the lucky ones. The guys' first performance takes place on Tuesday and the girls will perform on Wednesday, 8pmET on FOX. I look forward to hearing them sing entire songs. The heat is on.

Top 24 Contestants: Age, Residence and Tidbit

Guys
Clint Ju Gamboa: 26, CA; wears unique glasses; kicked Jacee out of Hollywood group
Paul McDonald: 25, AL; judges describe as "quirky."
Robbie Rosen: 16, NY; in a wheelchair as a youngster
Tim Halperin: 23, TX; sang to Jennifer Lopez in his audition
Scotty McCreery: 16, NC; deep-voiced country singer
Jovany Barreto: 22, LA; Cuban American, loves Marc Anthony, J-Lo's husband
Jordan Dorsey: 21, LA; gave vocal lessons to other contestants
Stefano Langone: 21, WA; self-described "soulful, classical" singer; inspired by father
Jacob Lusk: 23, CA; gave one of Idol's best performances with "God Bless the Child"
James Durbin: 21, CA; idolizes Steven Tyler; suffers from Tourette's Syndrome
Casey Abrams: 19, CA; first bass player on Idol; plays several instruments
Brett Loewenstern: 16, FL; "Renaissance Man"; bullied throughout life

Girls
Naimi Adedapo: 25, WI; wants to give her 2 children a better life
Haley Reinhart: 18, WI; sang with her parents' band starting at 8 years old
Ashton Jones: 24, TN; gone through a lot and credits her family for helping her
Karen Rodriguez: 21, NY; hopes to be the first Hispanic American winner
Tatynisa Wilson: 20, IL; messed up words in Hollywood Week, but proved herself later
Julie Zorilla: 19, CA; Columbian parents went through a lot for the family
Lauren Turner: 24, LA; inspired by Etta James; says she does a great Australian accent
Rachel Zevita: 21, NY; describes herself as "a breath of fresh air"
Kendra Chantelle: 21, TN; Carrie Underwood fan
Lauren Alaina: 16 (15 when she started), GA; Steven Tyler sang with her at audition
Pia Toscano: 21, NY; friends with contestant, Karen Rodriguez
Thia Megia: 15, CA; youngest member of the group

Source: American Idol; 2/24/2011; FOX TV