THEY didn’t make the cut the first time around – but 12 “Wild Card” contestants will get one more shot at redemption on tonight’s “American Idol.”

“AI” judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson thought enough of these 12 performers to invite them back one more time.

So, tonight at 8 (Ch. 5), Elizabeth LeTendre, Eric Yoder, New Yorker Marque Lynche and nine others will sing their hearts out, hoping for the chance to compete as an “AI” finalist and perhaps win the Brass Ring – an RCA recording contract and the release of a single.

Following tonight’s show, viewers will vote for their favorites – with four of the “Wild Card” contestants sent on to the finals in tomorrow’s show (8:30 p.m.).

They’ll join John Stevens, Jasmine Trias, Amy Adams, Camile Velasco, Diana DeGarmo, Fantasia Barrino, LaToya London and Matt Rogers.

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TIARA PURIFOY

Age: 22

First round song: “I Wanna Dance With Somebody

LISA LEUSCHNER

Age: 21

First round song: “Sweet Thing

ERIC YODER

Age: 24

First round song: “In the Still of the Night

GEORGE HUFF

Age: 23

First round song: “Always and Forever

MATTHEW METZGER

Age: 23

First round song: “Walking in Memphis

JENNIFER HUDSON

Age: 22

First round song: “Imagine

KATIE WEBBER

Age: 22

First round song: : “Orange Colored Sky

JON PETER LEWIS

Age: 24

First round song: “Tiny Dancer

SUSAN VULACA

Age: 21

First round song: “Unbreak My Heart

ELIZABETH LETENDRE

Age: 20

First round song: “I Wanna Dance With Somebody

LEAH LABELLE

Age: 17

First round song: “I Have Nothing

MARQUE LYNCHE

Age: 23

First round song: “The Wind Beneath My Wings`