Last night we got down from 50 contestants to 24 on “American Idol.” That means, from here on out, America decides who stays and who goes. You gotta love how they plod along through the initial auditions and then blast through Hollywood week like they have somewhere else to be. But I’m not complaining.

Anyway, the one-hour episode last night was all about having the remaining 50 go up an elevator and walk across a long, hardwood floor to sit in front of the three judges and meet their fate. You can see how excruciating it is on their faces and how the judges just have to mess with them and make them wait as long as possible to learn about their decision. And right from the start of the show, they let us know that not every decision was unanimous, and that Simon did not agree with all of the final calls.

With that, here are some of the contestants that were sent packing…

Ronald Hodge, who was sort of goofy, and the judges said he just wasn’t ready….Nina Shaw, who I don’t remember seeing on any opening episode or previously in Hollywood Week…..Buck Smith and Amanda Hawkins…again, who??

Among the most notable sent home were Josiah, the dude who lives in his car. He was overconfident in his last audition, and even was overconfident as he went in to face the judges again. Poor Josiah was sent back to his car, but not before they showed him crying about fifteen different times. Please, this kid would have been this year’s Sanjaya if they let him in.

There were four left then, with only two spots….first Colton, the boy-band looking kid, and Kyle, the politician from Texas…..Kyle was sent home, but first, Simon Cowell went off about how he completely disagreed with Paula and Randy and how he deserved a shot. Wow, to hear that come out of Simon’s mouth was pretty amazing, and had to make the kid feel pretty good in a losing effort. And I have to say, I agree with Simon 100%. That Colton kid is not going to last long, and Kyle had some kind of charisma.

Then there was Cardin, the waitress from Nashville, and JoAnn, the plus-sized model. Based strictly on vocal ability, this was a no-brainer, but you know the judges considered that JoAnn was well, a plus-sized model. Still, they got it right and sent Cardin home.

Now, for the rest who got in and who we will see more of in the coming weeks..

Carly Smithson, the tattooed woman who was so incredibly nervous heading in to the room. The judges told Carly she needs to lose that fear and gain some confidence if she wants to stick around. There is no doubt she’s got the pipes.

David Cook, the rocker from Missouri, who was wearing a ridiculous pink tie. I didn’t really get this one, but again, what do I know?

Amanda Obermeyer, the biker nurse. The judges warned her that she needs to be careful not to get too pigeonholed in this competition. But I gotta tell you, this girl also has an amazing set of pipes.

David Archuleta, the 16-year-old kid who Simon told needs to step up his game, got another chance and he could also do really well. He also seems like a good kid who is not at all full of himself.

Kristy Lee Cook, who probably is going to be cast as this year’s Carrie Underwood….though Paula warned Kristy that she fell apart a bit in some auditions.

Brooke White, who played the piano and did a great rendition of Carole King, kind of made it in by the skin of her teeth, but made it in.

Danny Noriega, who my wife is convinced might be a girl…..but he has a great voice too.

Two other women who I don’t really remember much of…Alexandrea and Raimi. I mean, the producers didn’t show us much of them the last five weeks.

Syesha Mercado, one of the two who lost her dad recently….her heart was beating out of control before and during the time she was to learn her fate. I was really pulling for her, because I know how awesome she is, and she made it. Paula played some stupid word game with her first…oh forget it, it’s not even worth explaining.

Asia-h Epperson was the other one who lost her dad, and she also has a monster voice. Folks, I would keep a close eye on both Syesha and Asia-h….they both could be top 10 if not top 5 material.

Michael Johns, the Australian dude, who I’m convinced could have won that INXS: Rock Star thing going away, also made it, and he could definitely go far.

Some others that made it were Robbie Carrico…who? Chikeze Eze, who is really talented but had to have received points based on his name alone….and David Hernandez, who I really liked but the judges did not vote in unanimously.

So that’s it…..there were a few more who made it in that I didn’t remember from the first auditions or from Hollywood Week at all, but that’s okay. Next week the fun really begins, and I hope you’ll join me here for the ride…