American Idol's Top 12 Revealed -- Who Are You Rooting For?

I'll admit it -- I've been an American Idol nut since the beginning. I once even dragged my BFFs with me 2 1/2 hours in a snowstorm just to see the very first American Idol Tour with Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini.
Sure, there have been years where it wasn't as exciting... and tons of my friends kept telling me this was one of those years because the contestants were "boring," But I beg to differ... I was glued to the screen more than ever this season and thought this year's Top 24 was probably the best yet! Most years I only really start to remember their names at the Top 12, but all 24 this season had something unique that they brought to the table.
Needless to say, every week I was a little bummed to see some of my favorites go. And just knowing four of them had to go this week put a little sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.
And then the results came last night... EEKS!
The American Idol Season 9 Top 12 are:
Aaron Kelly, Tim Urban, Crystal Bowersox, Siobhan Magnus, Didi Benami, Lee Dewyze, Michael Lynche, Casey James, Andrew Garcia, Lacey Brown, Paige Miles, and Katie Stevens.
I'm sure I wasn't the only one shocked by the absence of Alex Lambert since I saw his name skyrocket to the top of the Twitter trending topics immediately. I had fallen in love with his shy yet soothing voice... and thought he was the kind of star that American Idol was made for. The guy who might not make it in the business on his own -- but is a powerhouse of talent that not even he knows (kind of like Kris Allen last year)!
And Lily Scott. Cute little Lilly Scott... there's just something so unique and likable about her. The cuteness of Diana DeGarmo mixed with the cool factor of Kerli.
Oh, and I don't even think I can get started on Katelyn Epperly. Again, she had that raw kind of talent that might not help her break through doors at a music label, but that America needed to see and fall for on their own.
And of course, Todrick Hall. As much as others criticized him, he won me over at his original audition with his silly yet catchy original diddy about the judges. At the very least, his run on the show will propel him from Broadway backup singer to frontman.
Sure, I have strong opinions about who should have gone home instead, but I'm not going to name names. Instead, I will say that I'm still totally rooting for 16-year-old Aaron Kelly (pictured) like I have since Day One. He's got the adorable innocence of David Archuleta mixed with the cool, hip confidence of Jesse McCartney... yet really stands apart on his own. And then there's Tim Urban (pictured)... the one that everyone criticized for cruising through the rounds because of his good looks (and I so agree... heck, even my mom thinks he's cute too!). But his amazing song choice of "Hallelujah" this week was smart and strong enough to get him through a few more rounds.