They are: Didi Benami, 23, of Los Angeles; Lee Dewyze, 23, Mount Prospect, Ill.; Katelyn Epperly, 19, West Des Moines, Iowa; Aaron Kelly, 16, Sonestown, Pa.; Casey James, 27, Fort Worth, Texas; Todrick Hall, 24, Arlington, Texas; and Michael "Big Mike" Lynche, 26, of Astoria, N.Y.

The other 17 semifinalists chosen by the show's four-judge panel will be revealed on Wednesday's episode in the culmination of "Hollywood Week" auditions. Sentiment ruled Tuesday among the few who emerged from the remaining field of 71 contestants.

Lynche, who last week was shown listening in by cell phone as his wife gave birth to their daughter, had a message for the newborn: "Coming to take care of you. Big Daddy's coming." Benami said she was competing with an "angel" on her side, her late best friend.

"She would have wanted to do this so much, and she never got the chance to. And I have the chance to do this," said Benami, who wept when the judges gave her a thumbs-up. Hall was incredulous but upbeat.