By Rebecca Fowler
Staff Writer

It’s one of the biggest reality shows on TV…and one of the longest running ones.  American Idol has been in production since Season 1 in 2002, and has grown in popularity.

However, this year’s contestants don’t seem quite up-to-par with previous competitors from past seasons.  With the show down to twelve girls and twelve guys this week, one would think the narrowed-down selection would bring forth better voices.  But that is not what viewers experienced Tuesday and Wednesday.

The judges were extremely critical of nearly all the singers, whether it was bashing their song choice, nerves or general talent.  Though they were occasionally overly-harsh, I think it is safe to say they gave a lot of honest comments and advice. 

The contestants were just not that good.

The ones that managed to shine through however will probably slide into next week, and most likely to the top 12, including Casey James, Lilly Scott, Crystal Bowersox and Siobhan Magnus.

The others, on the other hand, I would not be surprised if we never heard of again after their departures from Idol.