The contestants nervously awaited their fate tonight on ‘American Idol’ as the top ten finalists were slowly and painfully revealed.

For years, “American Idol” has been notorious for dragging out its elimination process, tonight was no exception.

The Top 10 is comprised of five men and five women, all of whom survived the sudden death rounds and the tough criticism of the judges and were whittled down from 20.

The judges had no idea who was selected, so they found out when the live and viewing audiences did.

For the guys, Lazaro Arbos, Paul Jolley, Burnell Taylor, Curtis Finch Jr.and Devin Velez made the cut.

On the ladies’ side, Kree Harrison, Candice Glover, Janelle Arthur, Angie Miller and Amber Holcomb earned the five available slots.

READ THE FULL RECAP HERE…