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Idol's Final Round of 12 Expands to 13

Desai makes the cut in surprise expansion of next round

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 6, 2009 7:03 AM CST

(Newser) – American Idol gave fans a surprise with its remaining batch of finalists last night, the AP reports. After three wild card finalists were chosen to bring the total up to the usual 12, Simon Cowell announced that 22-year-old college student Anoop Desai also would advance to the next round as an unprecedented 13th finalist.

Desai will join the other three previously dismissed wild card picks—Jasmine Murray, Megan Corkrey, and Matt Giraud. Semifinalist Tatiana Del Toro's emotional plea to be included won no sympathy from the judges—although host Ryan Seacrest had to be reminded it was a family show after telling her she could stay on her knees. The 13 will begin competing for the title next Tuesday.

[Images (6)]

[Videos (1)]

"American Idol" contestant Tatiana Nicole Del Toro. (AP Photo/Fox, Chris Cuffaro)

"American Idol" finalist Anoop Desai of Chapel Hill, N.C., arrives at the American Idol Top 13 Party in Los Angeles, Thursday, March 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

"American Idol" contestant Jasmine Murray. (AP Photo/Fox, Chris Cuffaro)

"American Idol" contestant Anoop Desai. (AP Photo/Fox, Chris Cuffaro)

"American Idol" contestant Megan Corkrey. (AP Photo/Fox, Michael Becker)

"American Idol" contestant Matt Giraud. (AP Photo/Fox, Chris Cuffaro)

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The 13 finalists for this year's American Idol. (BlazeTigerSoul)

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Idol's Final Round of 12 Expands to 13