American Idol (2010 Series)

American Idol 2010 is the ninth season of American Idol, the long-running talent show. The series launched in the USA on 12th January 2010, with the early auditions stages.

Regional auditions for the show were held between June and July 2009, and the callback round was held between 5th August and 4th September 2009. During the callback phase, a series of celebrity judges joined the panel. Long-time Idol host Ryan Seacrest was in attendance during the auditions stages and returns to present the series this year.

Live shows with the Top 24 contestants began on Tuesday 23 February 2010.

Ellen DeGeneres replaces Paula Abdul

Long-standing American Idol judge, Paula Abdul, decided not to return as a judge for the 2010 series, explaining that she wanted to concentrate on other projects. To fill in for her during the auditions stage of the show, celebrity guests were drafted in, including Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry, Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris and Kristin Chenoweth.

The network confirmed that a permanent replacement for Paula was being sought, and on 9th September 2009, it was announced that chat show host Ellen DeGeneres would join the series as a judge.

Finalists

The Top 24 finalists are divided into 12 female and 12 male contestants.

Top 12 Girls

• Paige Miles
• Ashley Rodriguez - Eliminated 25 February 2010
• Janell Wheeler - Eliminated 25 February 2010
• Lilly Scott
• Katelyn Epperly
• Haeley Vaughn - Eliminated 4 March 2010
• Lacey Brown
• Michelle Delamor - Eliminated 4 March 2010
• Didi Benami
• Siobhan Magnus
• Crystal Bowersox
• Katie Stevens

Top 12 Guys

• Todrick Hall
• Aaron Kelly
• Jermaine Sellers - Eliminated 4 March 2010
• Tim Urban
• Joe Muñoz - Eliminated 25 February 2010
• Tyler Grady - Eliminated 25 February 2010
• Lee Dewyze
• John Park - Eliminated 4 March 2010
• Michael Lynche
• Alex Lambert
• Casey James
• Andrew Garcia

Eliminations