Ole Miss' Simeon sings his way into 'Idol's' top 24

Lumberton native Michael Simeon advanced to the Top 24 on "American Idol " Wednesday with a rousing performance of "Classic" by MKTO before a live audience at the House of Blues in Los Angeles.

Simeon, 21, sang and rapped and loosened his bow tie to the delight of the crowd.

"I took a huge risk by rapping in my song," he said. "I wanted to show the judges I could entertain."

A day after the performance, Simeon met with judges Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban.

Lopez told him, "I thought it was a good performance. We'd like to have you in our Top 24."

Simeon's mother, Lumberton Public School District superintendent Linda Smith was at the House of Blues for his performance.

She said she was thrilled her son was in the Top 24.

"It's amazing," she said. "I'm so proud that his hard work is paying dividends that he never expected."

The judges are whittling down 48 contestants to 12 girls and 12 guys.

Host Ryan Seacrest said the 24 picked Wednesday and Thursday will go on to face America's vote.

Simeon advanced to the House of Blues after a grueling Hollywood Week, during which he performed with one group and sang two solos.

This is not Simeon's first try at "American Idol." Last season, he made it to the Top 48 before being eliminated.