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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David Archuleta, 17 closed last night’s American Idol episode with John Lennon’sImagine“  and the judges loved him! Randy Jackson said that’s one of the best vocals he’s ever heard on the show. Paula Abdul said he’s destined to superstardom!Even Simon Cowell loved him. Cowell said he’s the one to beat and boy, you know how tough Simon gets! I bet on Archuleta. How about you?

Watch video of David Archuleta singing Imagine on American Idol: