In a surprise twist, “American Idol” decided to have a top 13 this season, which means Matt Giraud, Anoop Desai, Jasmine Murray and Megan Corkrey will move forward to the next round.

Lil Rounds, the 23-year-old single mother of three from Memphis; Scott MacIntyre, the blind piano player from Scottsdale; and Jorge Nunez, the delightful college student from Puerto Rico, will join the previously picked finalists.

Lil Rounds has made a big impression on the “Idol” judges. The single mother of three from Memphis closed the show with a powerful take on Mary J. Blige’s “Be Without You.”

Scott MacIntyre, “American Idol’s” blind contender, sang “Mandolin Rain” and he made quite an impression on the judges.

Those finalists not headed to the unemployment line are…

Last year’s American Idol finalist Brooke White is back singing her first single, “Hold Up My Heart.” Nice melody and sincere lyrics but I think radio stations won’t get excited about this song because it’s quite old fashioned.

Jesse Langseth sang “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes and I think she did a pretty good job.

“American Idol” went live for the first time in Season 8 on Tuesday. Three of the show’s four judges heaped praise on Danny Gokey’s version of Mariah Carey’s “Hero.”

“American Idol” contender Joanna Pacitti has been disqualified from the TV talent show after producers discovered she’s a professional.

Kendall Beard has gotten a lot of buzz on the internet after her American Idol…

Check out this totally awesome video of Randy Jackson performing in Journey.