American Idol, Hollywood Week - Night #1

This is American Idols (AI) biggest season yet. Over 100,000 people auditioned for the show. 147 will take the stage at the Kodak Theater. Ryan says this will be a test of courage, stamina and strength. The contestants have this one final shot on this first day of Hollywood week to make themselves stand out - otherwise - they will go home immediately. One shot in the first round. In a few short weeks, one of these 147 will be the next American Idol !

Hollywood - the Kodak Theater - is where the past American Idols were crowned. This season they did something new - they offered an Idol Boot Camp for hair, make-up and also vocal coaches. They also heard a surprise mentor, Barry Manilow, give them an inspirational talk.

Will the preparations pay off? Half the group will go sightseeing - while the other half perform. They take the stage in groups of 8 and sing a capella. They will all perform, the judges will deliberate and send some of them home - and some will make it to the 2nd round of Hollywood week.

In each group - not all performers were shown - just select people. So the ones I highlight here will be standouts from the initial auditions. Also - I don't think they showed us ALL of the performers who go to round 2 of Hollywood week.

GROUP 1 success stories: Lil Rounds - impressed judges in initial audition

Dennis Brigham - judges were split on him

Asia ?

Alexander ?

GROUP 2 successes: Nathaniel Marshal, Anoop Desai, Jasmine Murray, Rose Flack. Also in this group - we catch a glimpse of David Castro - brother of Jason. They are all through to the 2nd round.

GROUP 3: Von Smith, Jorge Nunez, Stephen Fowler are through to the 2nd round.

GROUP 4: Nick Mitchell (aka Norman Gentle), Scott McIntire and Frankie Jordan are all through.

Next day, the sightseeing group of 83 people performs.

GROUP 1: Jackie Tohn is through. She does a good job.

GROUP 2: Danny Gokey whose wife passed away, has become good friends with Jamar Rogers. Both of these talented guys are through to the next round!

GROUP 3: Katrina a.k.a. bikini girl. Paula and Kara are still not fans of hers, but boy Simon and Randy are. This whole entire group is sent through to the next round.

GROUP 4: Jessica Furney (she cares for her grandmother), Sharon Wilbur, Patricia Roman, Jesus Valenzuela, and roughneck Jeremy Michael Sarver. Only Jesus and Jeremy make it through to the next round.

Group 5: This group included David Osmond, Alex ??, Erika Wesley, Ann-Marie ?, Adam Lambert and Emily Wynne-Hughes. Seven people from this group make it to the next round - but Emily Wynne-Hughes isn't one of them. She takes exception to being the only one in her group of 8 to not be selected. She begged for the judges to re-consider. Simon and Paula bicker - but in the end - she still goes home.

104 contestants survived the first day and will compete in Round 2 which is Group Day. They will be back at the Kodak Theater. Ryan Seacrest promised a lot of drama and also promises a lot of outstanding performances and unbelievable breakdowns.

See you tomorrow! I am looking forward to it!