Why Being Sent Home From "American Idol" Isn't Always A Bad Thing...

Tonight on "American Idol" Paula, Simon and Randy announced which contestants made the final 24, and which ones would be sent home.

The news they didn't make it can be absolutely devasting to the contestants who are told to pack their bags.

I always hate to hear those contestants say, "this is the most important day of my life."  It isn't.

True, there are some contestants who probably won't get another shot at fame.

On the other hand, there are plenty of contestants -- particularly the younger ones -- who are being sent home because they're just not ready. In those cases, they need to work on consistency, or perhaps they have a natural, raw talent but need to work on performance. It always breaks my heart to see them leave so upset and hurt by the rejection.  The judges know that if these contestants make it into the 24, they probably won't make it to the final 12. If they leave at this stage, they have a shot at coming back in the future.

If they made it that far, and the judges tell them they should continue to work on their craft, that's an affirmation of their talent. I sure hope that when they get home, their family and friends support them or they at least regain the confidence to push forward and not give up on their dreams.

Sure, "American Idol" can jumpstart a career, and eliminate all those years of playing in clubs and bars in the middle of nowhere.  But, it's not the only path nor is it a guarantee of success, just ask winners Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard who were both recently dropped from their record labels.

So for all those "Idol" hopefuls sent home tonight: don't give up!