American Idol narrowed its list of contestants to 12 on Thursday, sending home 18-year-old Danny Noriega and retaining former male stripper David Hernandez.

American Idol is the No. 1 U.S. television program and has launched the singing careers of pop star Kelly Clarkson and country singer Carrie Underwood, among others. Winning a spot among the coveted final 12 is a young performer’s step toward stardom! 

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photo provided by PR Photos

There you go…you did it kiddos, you don’t have to make it to the # 1 spot in Idol – you’re the final 12 – you can be another Jennifer Hudson.

The 12 finalists in alphabetical order are: David Archuleta, 17, Jason Castro, 20, David Cook, 25, Kristy Lee Cook, 24, Chikezie Eze, 22, David Hernandez, 24, Michael Johns, 29, Ramiele Malubay, 20, Syesha Mercado, 21, Amanda Overmyer, 23, Carly Smithson, 24, Brooke White, 24. – Reuters

With David Archuleta being the youngest of the 12 contestants.

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