and then there were 12: a SIMULBLOG!...

We're learning the names of the 12 kids who will take the big (and brand new) stage tonight! YAY! But first we have to hear from last year's runner-up Blake Lewis.

Okay, he's an alumnus, so it's okay.

Because THIS is American Idol.

And this is a SIMULBLOG, where the typing is happening as the action is unfolding on the east coast, so if you don't want to know, go. (But come back.) There will be publishing at every break, so if you want to be spoiled, stay! And chat along with us.

Blake is still singing. Ho hum... He keeps promising to "let me go" but he won't. I want a group sing, dang it!

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Random thought: those promos for that moment of truth show make me want to vomit. Just had to say that.

Now back to the show. Ryan shows us the empty 12 seats, just awaiting 12 butts. And, in a continuation of last night, the judges remind us that the show is really just all about them.

So after the shameless self-promotion for Paula's new video, we get to see a retrospective of the guys' performances from Tuesday.

Here we go.

David Cook is given his reviews and is told Lionel Ritchie loved his performance. He's in the top 12. No surprise.

David Archuleta (oh...the suspense) is reminded of his reviews before being sent to sit with David #2.

Jason Castro sounds nervous (why?). He's given his reviews before being sent to sit with the Davids.

And it's time for a break.

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It's time to seat a few of the women on the stainless steel stools.

We get a memory reel of Wednesday's performances. Oh goody. It was last night for heaven's sake. I haven't forgotten.

Brooke White is reminded of what the judges told her last night before being sent to sit with the guys.

Syesha Mercado is told to stand. The judges say 100% that she's going to have to sit on that cold stool. And she does.

It's Kady Malloy's turn. And she's told to hit the road, she bit the dust, she's a has-been before she was ever a could-be. She's gone. Toast. Roadkill. I gotta save some of these delicious words for the next victim.

Kady's gone. And I will not even try to begin to describe the quality of her last song. But it makes last night's performance grammy-worthy.

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We're back to the guys.

David Hernandez is reminded of his critiques. And he's told to take a stool. Something about that just doesn't sound right. But that's what Ryan said.

Michael Johns hits the floor. He's not told to take a stool (thank heavens) but he's told to go sit with Jason and the three Davids.

Luke Menard, and all his hawtness, is the next to die. Sorry Luke. You're cute. You just gotta learn to sing better.

Danny and Chikeze are left waiting. And wondering. Ohhhh. The suspense.

But first a Domino's commercial!

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It's back to the women.

Ramiele Malubay is told to listen to her critiques. Then she's told she's made it through.

Carly Smithson still hasn't found her sleeves, but has a cold, shiny new place to sit.

Amanda Overmyer is told to stand then told to sit.

Kristy Lee Cook and Asia'h Epperson are told to stand together. One will stay; one will go, but they have to wait until we sell more products to unsuspecting and naive viewers. Cause we're all about product at American Idol!

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The judges are asked who should get a stool. Randy picks Asia'h. Paula rambles and says both will be stars. Sorry, Paula, I don't think either will be.

They get their reviews. Neither looks happy to have gotten this far. And Asia'h is told she's on her way home. Via Greyhound, no doubt. Kristy Lee takes her seat as Asia'h watches her funeral video.

Ryan gives her the choice to sing. She gives an emphatic yes. She sings as Danny cries.

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Danny and Chikeze are called to the stage. Danny is still crying. They are reminded of their Tuesday reviews.

And Chikeze is told to sit on a stool. Danny has more to cry about.

But he ends the show in pure Danny style. Good luck Danny.

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The big stage next week! I can't wait!!