Host Ryan Seacrest admitted it was a "very raw" show to kick off the semi-finals, and the results show got started with an equally grating group performance.
Most of the predictions had Danny Gokey and Alexis Grace (pictured) advancing to the next round, with the third spot falling somewhere between Ricky Braddy and Anoop Desai. Would we be in for any shockers? Keep reading.
Ryan chatted with the singers. Anoop claimed they were all relaxed, then admitted he was more nervous than he'd ever been in his life. Tatiana said she was "humbled" to be on the show, and Stevie Wright, again, said she and her mother were "confused" because of the whole old song/new song thing.
Who's out: Casey Carlson got the quick boot, followed by Stephen Fowler.
Who's in: Alexis Grace was the first of the group to get her ticket punched into the top 12. Then Ryan asked her to sing.
Who's out: Ryan brought Ricky Braddy and Jackie Tohn to the stage. Jackie said she disagreed with Simon about his statement that she played the clown on Tuesday. "We'll see," Simon said. Both Ricky and Jackie were out.
Ryan brought Anoop Desai and Michael Sarver to center stage, and the person going through to the next round was ... Michael! That's the first shock of the season. I like Michael, but I didn't see his performance from Tuesday putting him into the top 12. After Michael sang, he told us that out of 24 million votes, only 20,000 separated Michael and Anoop.
Anoop should get in with a wild card from the judges, but so should Ricky Braddy. Can't wait to see what happens there.
Michael Johns and Carly Smithson stopped by to do a little duet of "The Letter."
Who's out: Ryan asked Anne Marie Boskovich, Brent Keith and Stevie Wright to all stand up at the same time, and they all were sent packing at once -- without even getting the home version of "Idol."
The final moment: With one spot left, drama queen Tatiana del Toro and fan favorite Danny Gokey were brought to center stage together. Tatiana looked like she was going to pass out.
Paula added some fuel to the dramatic fire, giving a speech about how you never know how it's going to go on this show and how you can't take anything for granted.
After a timely commercial break, Ryan finally revealed that Danny was moving into the top 12. Danny sang "Hero" while Tatiana went back to the seating area and sobbed.
Next week's group of 12: Megan Corkrey, Kris Allen, Mishavonna Henson, Matt Breitzke, Allison Iraheta, Matt Giraud, Jasmine Murray, Kai Kalama, Jesse Langseth, Adam Lambert, Jeanine Vailes and Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle.
Subject: American Idol cuts 9 
Thu Feb 19, 2009 3:23 am
