The auditions were taped during the summer in 2008 in cities all across America and Puerto Rico. Some fans suggest that the auditions are their favorite part of the show. They are certainly most entertaining. Which of the contestants in the summer audition tapes will become the next American Idol? Here is the list of the top 36 finalist:

Adam Lambert Video Alexander Wagner-Trugman Video Alexis Grace Video Allison Iraheta Video Ann Marie Boskovich Video Anoop Desai Video Arianna Ayesha Afsar Video Brent Keith Video Casey Carlson Video Danny Gokey Video Jackie Tohn Video Jasmine Murray Video

Jeanine Vailes Michael Sarver Jessica Langseth Joanna Pacitti Video Jorge Nunez Video Junot Joyner Kai Kalama Video Kendall Beard Video Kristen McNamara Kris Allen Video Lil Rounds Video Matt Breitzke Video

Matt Giraud Video Meghan Corkrey Video Mishavonna Henson Nate McGee Nick Western Ricky Braddy Scott MacIntyre Video Stephen Fowler Stevie Wright Video Taylor Vaifanua Video Tatiana Del Toro Video Von Smith Video