Who Was Eliminated On 'American Idol'?

And then there were seven... Well really, there's 19 — but only twelve American Idol contestants competed this week which means only seven of that group are remaining after tonight's big cut. Five of tonight's twelve performers were eliminated after the first ever Duet Round and, honestly, the results are a little shocking. Some of this season's hottest performers were sent home, which just goes to show how much every performance counts. So who was among them? Emily Brooke, Stephany Negrete, and Jordan Sasser — and it's truly sad to see them go.

Brooke, Negrete, and Sasser were all notable contestants from the beginning. They have proven themselves in one way or another since their initial auditions and will be truly missed from the Top 10. But even though they wowed at the beginning, it doesn't mean they're guaranteed a pass to the finale. In order to stay in this competition, a contestant needs to wow the judges every chance they get — and all three of these artists failed to do this in the Top 24.

Brooke has failed to impress since her first audition. She had a lot of people cheering for her since she was eliminated from Season 14's Hollywood Round, but she missed the mark in the Top 24. Her song choices were wrong and her vocals fell flat. Brooke faltered at a time that she was meant to shine, and that's what ultimately cost her the competition. Sasser suffered the same fate.

Negrete, on the other hand, has really shined since her first audition. Her Hollywood audition was great and her Top 24 solo performance was even better — but she got lost in her duet performance with Ruben Studdard. This really goes to show how important each and every performance is in this competition. If it wasn't for a poor showing tonight, Negrete could still be in the game.

Jenna Renae and James VIII joined Brooke, Negrete, and Sasser in the elimination. This leaves La'Porsha Renae, Sonika Vade, Avalon Young, Giana Isabella, Thomas Stringfellow, MacKenzie Bourg, and Jeneve Rose Mitchell to advance to the Top 14. Is this the group you expected? There are certainly a few dark horses in there. Only time will tell if the right performers have advanced.

Image: Michael Becker/FOX