America chooses three more Idol finalists

Three more Idol contestants made it to the finals of the American Idol season 8. The second group of finalists who received the most viewer votes includes Allison Iraheta, a 16-year-old high school student from Los Angeles; Kris Allen, a 23-year-old University of Central Arkansas.; and Adam Lambert, a 26-year-old theater actor from Los Angeles.

Funny man Nick Mitchell who performed as his alter ego Norman Gentle, was one of the nine semifinalists who were sent packing

The four judges were more than satisfied with Lambert's version of the Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction.” They were also impressed with Iraheta’s rendition of Heart’s “Alone.”

"You just blew it out the box!" Randy Jackson commented after Iraheta’s performance last Wednesday.

However, Allen’s interpretation of Michael Jackson’s "Man in the Mirror" got mixed reaction from the judges.

The three will join 28-year-old church music director Danny Gokey from Milwaukee, 21-year-old musician Alexis Grace from Memphis, Tenn., and 27-year-old oil rig worker Michael Sarver from Jasper, Texas, who were voted as the first three finalists last week.

Twelve more semifinalists will vie for three spots in the competition's top 12, next week. Nevertheless, it is not yet over for Mitchell and other semifinalists as they may get another shot to make it to the finals. The judges will choose the last three finalists in a special wild card round after the first nine finalists are selected by viewer votes.