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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