And the TOP 12 are...

Before he went solo in 1978 to have his huge #2 smash, Baker Street, Gerry Rafferty led a group called Stealers Wheel. You may not remember the name of the group, but in 1973 radio stations played Stuck In The Middle With You in heavy rotation. The 16 remaining finalists pulled together as a group and had some fun singing this golden oldie. Surely they were all full of hope that stuck in the middle is where their votes tallied. But four are destined to be at the bottom...

Ryan mixed it up tonight and had both the boys and girls sitting together to hear the news. Blake and LaKisha were the first to find out that they are coming back next week. They were able to walk across the stage to the special chairs just for the final 12. They were next joined by Chris and Jordin. While Phil heard the good news, Jared Cotter found out that America doesn't really love him. He had to sing If You Really Love Me full of conflicted emotions. He did a great job despite the disappointing circumstances.

Melinda and Brandon, the two former back-up singers, found out together that they are moving forward. Gina and Chris are also seated comfortably in two of the 12 seats. There are now nine finalists one step closer to becoming the Season Six Miss American Idol.

The standard for a successful American Idol career has been set by Season Four Miss American Idol, Carrie Underwood. She had the best selling album of 2006 and she won the 2007 Grammy for Best New Artist. She graced the stage and performed yet another smash from her amazing debut album, Some Hearts. Tonight it was the midtempo track called, Wasted. Just like she sings in the lyrics, she's not spending any time wasted.

Antonella and Stephanie then had to hear their fate. Stephanie's fate is in the top 12, while Antonella's is to sing Put Your Records On one last time. It was tearful, but she got through it like a pro. The pairing of Haley and Sabrina was next. Turns out that Haley's heart had wings enough to get her through, while Sabrina became a victim of the crowded field. With her final performance of Don't Let Go she beautifully demonstrated her powerful vocals. Someday we may hear from her again...

The last seat in the TOP 12 is going to go to either Sanjaya or Sundance. Neither one of them is a shining star, but unfortunately we're gonna be stuck with one of them. Putting a humorous twist on it, we'll get a chance to see what comicly tragic thing Sanjaya does to his hair next week. Sundance, meanwhile, screamed through Jeremy again.

And The Top 12 Are:

Blake Lewis
LaKisha Jones
Chris Sligh
Jordin Sparks
Phil Stacey
Melinda Doolittle
Brandon Rogers
Gina Glockson
Chris Richardson
Stephanie Edwards
Haley Scarnato
Sanjaya Malakar

One of them will be crowned the Season Six Miss American Idol! Who is your favorite? I'd like to see Blake Lewis have the glitter fall around him the night of the finals. I think he is quite talented and he has a unique style that we haven't seen in previous years. Please feel free to share your opinions and comments....