American Idol 9’s Hollywood session finally came to close Wednesday night, when the remaining members of the season’s Top 24 contenders was slowly, painfully revealed. How close is the reality to the spoilers that were released weeks and weeks ago? There’s only one way to find out.

Michael Lynche, Aaron Kelly, Didi Benami, Casey James, Todrick Hall, Lee Dewyze and Katelyn Epperly were all revealed as Top 24 contestants at the end of Tuesday’s two-hour marathon episode. Wednesday would narrow the remaining 37 would-be Idols down to a mere 17.

Janelle Wheeler was the first to be featured on the episode. The pretty blonde auditioned in Orlando and won her shot to Hollywood on a split decision from the judges. Wheeler was disappointed in her final solo performance in Hollywood, admitting that she “couldn’t take the pressure” once it was all over. Ellen DeGeneres led Wheeler’s interview. “It’s hard to tell somebody that has a great voice that they’re not going to go through,” she said, then surprised Janelle by giving her the good news - Wheeler is indeed in the Top 24.

Tyler Grady, who has something of a Jim Morrison vibe, was the next to face the judging panel. Kara DioGuardi remarked on his 70s-ish performance style, then smilingly welcomed him into Top 24.

Lacey Brown, who was rejected at the end of Hollywood Week last season, was the next to walk into the Kodak Theater to find out her fate. Would the second time be the charm for Lacey? “I think it was the right decision. I think I needed to wait a year,” Brown told Simon Cowell when she finally sat before the judges. “It’s really good news. You’re through,” he announced, making Lacey the next Top 24 Idol for the season.

Ashley Rodriguez, Alex Lambert and Joe Munoz were then very quickly welcomed into the elite group to join Lacey, Tyler, Janelle and all the others.

Crystal Bowersox was an early attention-getter this season. With her unique sound and look, she could go pretty far on the show - or, alienate too many of the voters. “I definitely can’t deny that this is huge,” Crystal told the cameras. “We were all in agreement on this decision. I want you to know that,” Simon Cowell delivered the words a little grimly, but the news was very positive. Bowersox was the next to join the Top 24.

Only ten spots remained in the competition at this point, but they would be quickly filled.

Katie Stevens caught the eye of the cameras during her audition, mostly by virtue of her back story (something about a grandmother). She has a powerful voice for one so young (only 19), and a pretty face to go with. It seemed obvious from the word go that Katie was going far in the competition, but the show chose to draw out the suspense and give her a lengthy video package anyway. By the way, you’re supposed to be forming favorites and quickly forgetting the faces Idol doesn’t really want you to care about. “It’s the worst thing in the world for me to ever deliver bad news,” Ellen DeGeneres told Katie, finally adding “So, you’re going through.” Nine spots left.

But they would not all hear good news that day. Many more contestants faced the judges only to hear bad news. The ones who have made it to this final elimination all have true singing talent, which makes the final cut the deepest of all.

Angela Martin gained attention several times during her audition path. Martin is a three-time contestant with such a dramatic back story, she was a lock to catch the producers’ eyes. Martin was in tears before she completed the walk to the stage, which drew out Kara DioGuardi’s sympathetic side. Pushing the younger girl to the side, Kara sat in the chair next to Angela to speak quietly to her, offering praise. “It has been so difficult to pick twelve girls,” Kara explained regretfully. “I’m sorry. Listen, you are a great singer.” Martin’s elimination was emotional and filled with hugging, not all of which seemed genuine.

Lilly Scott easily drew attention in Hollywood for her unique look and strong singing voice. “I wouldn’t say you have the biggest voice of all the girls,” Kara DioGuardi explained, but her speech ended on a smile. “You’re going through to the next round!”

Paige Miles, Siobhan Magnus, Michelle Delamor, Jermaine Sellers and John Park were all quickly welcomed into the ever-growing group of Top 24 contestants after Lilly Scott’s video package came to a close. If you blinked, you might have missed it.

With only three spots left in the Top 24, the holding room grew much more tense at the Kodak Theater.

Haeley Vaughn and Tori Kelly remained in the contest, but with only one spot left for females one would be forced to hear bad news. Simon Cowell told Haeley that she is “fantastic” at some times, and “annoying” at others. “But you are super, super talented,” he added. Randy Jackson questioned Tori Kelly, then gave her the grim news. Cowell had the honor of welcoming Vaughn into the group of Top 12 girls, which was now been fully revealed.

Thaddeus Johnson and Andrew Garcia were the next to compete for the same spot. Which one of them would be moving forward in the contest? Thaddeus made a big impression during his solo performance when he had a bit of a mix-up with the band. “I’m nervous,” he admitted to Simon Cowell as he sat before the panel. “You didn’t make it,” the judge delivered the bad news. “Come on, chin up,” Simon stepped forward to offer a handshake - a genuinely kind gesture from the stoic Brit. Johnson was extremely tearful following his rejection, and perhaps rightly so. He is a very talented singer, and received no real reason for being dismissed. That’s the business, kid.

Andrew Garcia unknowingly walked up to the judges, purportedly dim to the news of Johnson’s rejection. Ellen DeGeneres reminded Garcia that there are “only twenty-four people” being let through in the contest. “We can’t wait to see you. You made it!”

You might have noticed that Tim Urban’s name was shoved in at the end of the broadcast, when all of the Top 24 Idols were re-introduced individually. According to reports from the media, Urban is a last-minute sub for Chris Golightly (listed in the original spoilers). Golightly had to be replaced due to a preexisting contract which was thought to be in effect during his time in Hollywood.

As such, the list of the Top 24 is as follows:

Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia,Alex Lambert, Todrick Hall, Casey James, Tim Urban, Jermaine Sellers, John Park, Joe Munoz, Lee DeWyze, Michael Lynche, Tyler Grady, Ashley Rodriguez, Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami, Haeley Vaughn, Janell Wheeler, Katelyn Epperly, Katie Stevens, Lacey Brown, Lilly Scott, Michelle Delamor, Paige Miles and Siobhan Magnus.

Keep up with all this season’s action, and check out all our other American Idol 9 posts.