Many of the contestants on this stage have been watching Idol since season one, but never dreamed they would be standing here 11 seasons later.

"Win or lose I've made top ten. So proud. Get to be on tour. This has been an amazing learning experience found myself as an artist." says Angie Miller.

"It's an amazing opp because it's the best way to get your music out there it's a platform as an artist." says Nashville's Kree Harrison.
 
    It's not all glam, with every compliment - comes criticism.

"It's really difficult to sway peoples thoughts. It's imprint for people to know TV is TV and editing is editing." says Curtis Finch Junior.

    The public is one thing - the judges another. But the contestants say they welcome all their comments! "The best advice he gave me was last week ago when I sang the Keith song. He said that wasn't the right song for me and I know now just because you like a song doesn't mean you can sing it well." says Lazaro Arbos.

"As a whole I appreciate their opinion. I don't want them to be positive. I want them to give me feedback so I can grow." says Paul Jolley.

    One down and nine to go before we know if one of our locals, or another talented contestant, will take the Idol crown!   

Exclusive: American Idol Top Ten Chat with Stacy McCloud (Part Two)