Mt. Prospect native makes it to top 24 on 'American Idol'
Despite some stinging words from judge Simon Cowell, Mount Prospect native Lee DeWyze was one of seven members of the Top 24 that "American Idol" revealed Tuesday night.
Cowell called DeWyze's first Hollywood performance indulgent, but DeWyze shone on his last individual number when he covered The Fray's "You Found Me."
"You've got a big, powerful instrument," judge Kara Dioguardi told DeWyze. "But I think you suffer from a lack of confidence."
DeWyze looked shaken, but assured the judging panel that he was confident in everything he did, including performing.
Dioguardi then gave him the good news that he'd advanced.
"American Idol"chooses 12 male and 12 female contestants to make it through to the semifinal round, which begins next week.
Whether DeWyze will muster up the stage presence the judges seem to find lacking, remains to be seen.
Another musician from the suburbs also made it through to the top 46, but his fate won't be revealed until tonight.
John Park of Northbrook turned in some strong performances during Hollywood Week, but the judges only made it through about 15 of the contestants before Tuesday night's eliminations ended.
Seventeen contestants go on tonight and 17 will be eliminated. "American Idol" airs at 8 p.m. tonight.
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