LOS ANGELES — Tatiana Del Toro had something else to cry about. The emotional 28-year-old crooner from San Juan, Puerto Rico, was one of nine "American Idol" semifinalists sent packing Wednesday.
Del Toro, whom judge Simon Cowell called a "drama queen" after her performance Tuesday, bawled after she wasn't selected to continue in the "Fox" singing competition.
"It's up to America," she told host Ryan Seacrest before the results. "It's up to the power of love."
No tears were shed by the first three finalists of season eight: Alexis Grace, the soulful 21-year-old single mother from Memphis, Tenn.; Michael Sarver, the beefy 27-year-old oil rig worker from Jasper, Texas; and Danny Gokey, the spikey-haired 28-year-old church music director from Milwaukee. The trio received the most viewer votes.
Recent widower Gokey overwhelmed the judges with Mariah Carey's "Hero" at the conclusion of Tuesday's ho-hum performance episode. They were also impressed with Grace's take on Aretha Franklin's "Never Loved a Man," comparing her to first "Idol" Kelly Clarkson. Sarver, who sang Gavin Degraw's "I Don't Wanna Be," received a mixed reaction from the panel.
"I think if you get through, it's because people like you," Cowell told Sarver on Tuesday.
Next week, 12 more semifinalists will vie for three spots in the competition's top 12, but Del Toro and the other dismissed semifinalists, such as Anoop Desai and Ricky Braddy, may have another chance. After the first nine finalists are selected by viewer votes, the judges will pick the last three finalists following a wild card round March 5.
Entertainment
'American Idol' selects first 3 finalists
- Entertainment
-
-
Few inspired moments during predictable Oscars
Nostalgia ruled at the Oscars, with the classic film homages "The Artist" and "Hugo" dominating with five awards each, Meryl Streep winning her first best-actress prize in nearly three decades and longtime favorite Billy Crystal returning as host.
-
SLIDESHOW: Madonna hypes Super Bowl halftime show
Madonna answers questions from the media during a news conference to hype the halftime show for Super Bowl XLVI.
-
Something new on exhibit
Artist Janice LeBrun may not be far from home, but her journey as an artist ranges far and wide.
-
Creations celebrate Day of the Dead
After living in the Ashland area for about a year, Jessica Brooks had made some startling realizations about Appalachian culture. One of them had to do with death.
-
Webbville musician's album is receiving high praise
Bluegrass musician Brandon Adams is quietly finding success from his Webbville home and enjoying the influence of a wide variety of music.
-
'Coffee with a Conscience'
Event to generate funds to fight human trafficking
-
Christian music artist JJ Heller to perform in Ashland Saturday
Contemporary Christian recording artist JJ Heller will be in concert at 6 p.m. Saturday at Second Free Will Baptist Church.
-
Crowds embrace Dreamcult
Like many bands, the core of Dreamcult were friends since childhood.
Clint Adkins and Morton Counts met in grade school. -
Monkee business
HUNTINGTON The pop band known as “The Pre-Fab Four” will perform in the Tri-State 45 years after their hit show and controversial music career.
-
Plenty more to come
As the Paramount Arts Center approaches its 80th birthday and the celebration that will ensue, the venue also announces its next lineup, which will include a variety of Broadway shows and musical events ranging from pop icons to classical masterpieces.
- More Entertainment Headlines
-
Few inspired moments during predictable Oscars




