On March 10, 2009 American Idol kicked off with a Michael Jackson themed show. This year we were surprised with the judges narrowing it down to the final 13 instead of the usual final 12. The judges revealed tonight that next wednesday two contestants will be sent home. The judges sure had their favorites tonight with Simon saying that Danny Goke reminded him of “Michael McDonald — you’re a white man with soul.” And Paula saying to Adam Lambert “I’m going to go out on a limb and say you’re on your way to the finals.”

This year American Idol decided to do the show a little differently. In the past it was narrowed down to twelve contestants. This year the show held a “wild card” night where singers were brought back after being eliminated and given a second chance. This year it came down to a final 13. They are ANOOP DESAI, MEGAN JOY CORKREY, MATT GIRAUD, JASMINE MURRAY, LIL ROUNDS, SCOTT MACINTYRE, JORGE NUÑEZ, DANNY GOKEY, ALLISON IRAHETA, KRIS ALLEN, ALEXIS GRACE, ADAM LAMBERT, and MICHAEL SARVER. I look forward to watching them all.