The final twelve American Idol contestants have been announced, after four more hopefuls were eliminated in the last semi-final round.

Asia'h Epperson, 19, Kady Malloy, 18, Luke Menard, 29, and Danny Noriega, 18, have all missed out on the chance to become finalists after they failed to impress American viewers in the latest phone vote, which saw over 36 million votes cast.

Among the contestants who have made it through to the final stages are Amanda Overmyer, 23, Brooke White, 24, Carly Smithson, 24, Chikezie, 22, David Archuleta, 17, and David Cook, 25.

They are joined by David Hernandez, 24, Jason Castro, 20, Kristy Lee Cook, 24, Michael Johns, 29, Ramiele Malubay, 20, and Syesha Mercado, 21.

The twelve finalists will fight to stay in the competition when the show continues next week.