American Idol's Top 24 Contestants Named Wednesday Night

The wait is finally over for American Idol fans. We now know the twelve girls and twelve guys that have made through Hollywood Week and landed a spot in the coveted Top 24. Last night, we were introduced to the first seven contestants who are moving on in the competition. We met 26-year-old Michael Lynche ("Big Mike") the contestant that was rumored to be disqualified after his father allegedly spoke to the media. We learned that Aaron Kelly, 16, and Casey James, 27, will be moving on much to the delight of the female fans. Lee DeWyze, 23, and Todrick Hall, 24, also made it to the Top 24.

The first two female contestants were also announced last night. Didi Benami, 22, who continues to deliver emotional performances dedicated to a best friend that passed away, and Katelyn Epperly, a curly haired bubbly 19-year-old, are also moving on.

Wednesday we met the final 17 contestants rounding out the Top 24. Crystal Bowersox, a 22-year-old, wowed the judges in Hollywood Week with her performance of Natural Woman accompanying herself on guitar and harmonica. Janell Wheeler, 24, who hasn't been shown much on television, auditioned in Orlando with House of the Rising Sun. Tyler Grady, 19, a retro rocker auditioned with broken wrists after falling out of a tree. Lacey Brown, 23, finally made it to the Top 24 after making it to the final round last year and losing out to former contestant Megan Joy. Ashley Rodriguez, 21, Alex Lambert, 18, and Joe Munoz, 19, all made it past the judges.

Katie Stevens, 16, impressed the judges during Hollywood Week with her performance of At Last. Lilly Scott, an eclectic 20-year-old, is also moving on. A short video montage showed Paige Miles, 24; Siobhan Magnus, 19; Michelle Delamor, 22; Jermaine Sellers, 26 and John Park, 20 receiving the good news they were still in the competition. .

Rounding out the Top 24 are 16-year-old Haeley Vaughn, 23-year-old Andrew Garcia and 20-year-old Tim Urban. Idol viewers with an eye for detail noticed Chris Golightly in group shot behind Ryan Seacrest, however when the 12 guys individually danced in front of the logo, we saw Tim Urban in place of Golightly. Rumors are swirling but nothing is official as to why Urban has replaced Golightly in the competition.

Tune in next Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST on FOX when the 12 girls perform live. The guys will perform on Wednesday at 9 p.m. EST.