Merrick's Robbie Rosen advances to top 24 on 'Idol.'

Merrick’s own Robbie Rosen, a junior at Calhoun, continued his journey towards stardom last night on “American Idol,” advancing to the top 24 in the famous national competition.

The fate of Rosen is now in the hands of the public, as eliminations are decided by the number of votes each performer receives following their performances.

On Wednesday night, Rosen performed in a group of three, singing the Beatles’ “Got to Get You into My Life,” and the trio did so well that they all advanced.

Thursday, Rosen had one more performance to give before the judges decided if he was advancing to the top 24. He chose to sing Elton John’s “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word.”

After the performance, Rosen was informed by the judges that he had advanced to the round of 24.

“Honestly, you’re one of the best singers we have,” judge Jennifer Lopez told Rosen.

“You know what I love about him?” judge Randy Jackson said to Lopez after Rosen had walked off stage. “He’s so unassuming. You wouldn’t even know that he’s a genius.”

The final 24 is divided between 12 females and 12 males. Each week, two from each side will be eliminated until there are six females and six males. On Tuesday at 8 p.m on FOX, Rosen, along with the rest of the males, will perform live, hoping to keep his dream alive.