Way before American Idol’s seventh season started, fans were treated to a PR blitz that capitalized on how different the show would be this time around. They believed; they watched; they weren’t disappointed. Season Seven certainly does have a different feeling and tone at times than previous episodes, and Wednesday’s final decision night struck a few sad notes.

One by one the fifty contestants were carried toward the judges who so menacingly waited. One by one they were told to take that long, disappointing ride back down without happy news to report. Enter Carly Smithson, devastating diva from Ireland who missed her Idol chance in season 5. She was the first female to win a Final 12 slot, and I breathed a sigh of relief. This talented lady has definitely earned her place. I was also pleased to see husky-voiced Amanda Overmyer and 16-year-old sensation David Archuleta join the final group. Poor blonde Brook White cried her whole way up in the elevator and grinned with relief the entire way down.

Plus-sized model Joanne Borgella and country singer Kristy Lee Cook both won a place among the 12 ladies, as did never-before-seen Alexandrea Lushington, Amy Davis, Kady Malloy and Alaina Whitaker. Tiny Ramiele Malubav with the big voice also made it in, as did Syesha Mercado (who lost her voice early in Hollywood Week). Asia’h Epperson, who tragically lost her father just before her initial audition, also made it in.

I remember very little about Robbie Carrico, Jason Castro, David Cook, Garrett Haley, David Hernandez, Luke Menard, or Jason Yeager - but they all made it to the Final 12. Australian-born Michael Johns also made it into the competition, as did Chikezie Eze (who had an impressive audition, though he’s been seen very little since). Young Danny Noriega continues to blow me away with his voice and performance power, and happily he will move on in the contest.

But, for me, there were two huge disappointments Wednesday night.  Sweet Josiah Leming, who lives in his car, didn’t make it in. This was a bad move - plenty of people would watch just to see how well this sad story kid will do. Another bad decision was the exclusion of adorable Kyle Ensley, whom I’ve been calling the Governor of Oklahoma.

Simon Cowell didn’t like the decision and neither do I, but Kyle’s out and in his place is Colton Berry, a performer I’ve seen very little of since the show started. Cowell disagreed with his fellow judges on this and other decisions, displaying more than the usual amount of tension in the small group. He seems more at odds with them than ever, making for an uncomfortable episode.

At the end of Hollywood Week, all that matters is that the Final 24 are set. We’ll love some of them, hate others and vote for who we want to win. As usual, it will be an exciting ride to discover who will become the next American Idol. Look for the guys to take the stage next week.

(You can find all the American Idol 7 posts here.)