American Idol Review: Nick Marshall, Norman Gentile Sent Packing

Just in case you missed it, here is a recap of tonight's American Idol, the one hour live results show. According to Ryan Seacrest, over 25,000,000 people voted last night to choose the next group of three contestants to make it into the Top 12. To change things up this year, the girl with the highest number of votes and the guy with the highest number of votes automatically make it into the Top 12. And, the person with the third highest number of votes, girl or guy, will also make the Top 12. The contestants kicked off the show with a rendition of Ne-Yo's "Closer."

Then, Brooke White, a Season 7 finalist, performed her new single that she also co-wrote called "Hold Up" while accompanying herself on the piano. Typical of past Idol seasons, the contestants were called to the center of the stage in groups of 3 or 4 with one or two likely standouts and one or two that everyone knows will be going home. After countless commercial breaks that are supposed leave everyone in suspense, the three contestants that are moving on are announced one by one. Sixteen year old Allison Iraheta who sang Heart's "Alone" was the first contestant to make the Top 12. The next contestant announced was Kris Allen, 23, from Arizona who sang "Man In The Mirror" by Michael Jackson.

The producers tried to keep some suspense in the evening leaving Adam Lambert and Nick Marshall aka Norman Gentile as the final two contestants. And, after another long commercial break, much to Simon's delight, Nick and Norman were both sent home and Adam Lambert, 26, from Hollywood made it to the Top 12. Allison, Kris, and Adam join last week's winners, Danny Gokey, Alexis Grace and Michael Sarver.

Tune in next week on Wednesday to watch the remaining 12 contestants perform live and on Thursday for the results show. The following week will feature the wild card choices of the judges who will have an opportunity to compete for the final three spots in the Top 12.