AceShowbiz -

From thousands to 16, the contestants of "American Idol" this week are finally wilted down to 12. America has voted and Katelyn Epperly was the first to walk away from the Top 16. This means Paige Miles who was pitted against her is through to the next round. Katelyn performed for the last time before running crying to the other contestants. Earlier in the show, Didi Benami and Siobhan Magnus have secured their Top 12 spots.

Then Ryan Seacrest called a bunch of the guys, Casey James, Tim Urban, Todrick Hall and Lee Dewyze. The first two advanced to the next round, much to Tim's surprise. Judge Randy Jackson said that Lee deserves a spot in the Top 12 and indeed he got it. Todrick was sent packing. Like Katelyn, he reprised this week's performance.

The next names called to enter the Top 12 circle in respective order are Crystal Bowesox, Michael Lynche, Lacey Brown, and Aaron Kelly. Ryan then put Andrew Gracia and Alex Lambert in the center stage together. Andrew was in, Alex was out. Alex cried, saying he should have opened up about himself more. "I had a lot of fun, learned a lot," he said "...There are a lot of things America didn't see me do yet."

This leaves Katie Stevens and Lilly Scott. The former went to Top 12 while the latter looked surprised by her elimination. "I don't know, I thought I did really well," Lilly said. "I thought I was appealing to a lot of people." She added, "It's surprising how a lot of incredible talent is going home tonight. I don't know what America wants to hear, I really don't. I just know that there's an audience out there for me."

The Top 12 will compete against each other next week, singing songs from The Rolling Stones.

Top 12 of "American Idol" season 9 thus are:

• Siobhan Magnus
• Paige Miles
• Didi Benami
• Crustal Bowersox
• Lacey Brown
• Katie Stevens
• Casey James
• Tim Urban
• Aaron Kelly
• Lee Dewyze
• Michael Lynche
• Andrew Garcia