[Netizen]

I think I kind of understand what you are saying but to me I don't get too wrapped up in the stuff prior to the final 12. At that point the real show begins. It is only from this 12 that I pay attention to. I understand how Velasquez left and that brought in a new 12th person. But, that is the only return that I can think of. I didn't watch the first season and only caught the last episode or two of the second season.

[GraniteStateConservative]

Well, it was interesting that George Huff was in the Top 5 of the finals after not even being good enough for the Top 32.

Here's a history of replacements on the show:

http://www.beaversonidol.com/articles/morethingschangemoretheystaysame.html