American Idol Contestants Compete for a Spot on the Top 24

American Idol has graduated past the audition shows. American Idol hopefuls have arrived in Hollywood to compete for a coveted spot in the top 24. Making it through to Hollywood is a fete in and of itself and every American Idol hopeful should be proud to make it this far. However Hollywood week is much more demanding than singing in front of the American Idol judges during auditions.

At the beginning of American Idol, "Hollywood Round", we saw a group of 164 hopeful singers. Simon, the man every Idol fan loves to hate, tells the group in his "tell it like it is" fashion that only 50 singers from the group will be moving on.

This latest group of American Idol hopefuls has it made this season as they each will be given a second chance, meaning that not one of them will be cut within the first two days of Hollywood week. Apparently the show's producers do not want to take the chance of losing any truly talented singers during Hollywood week. If only everything in life offered a second chance.

The show begins with the first American Idol hopeful to go on stage, a singer by the name of Brooke who was discovered in Philadelphia, who you may remember as the young woman who has never seen a rated 'R' movie in her life. At this point in American Idol we find out that for the first time ever contestants of the show will be allowed to play instruments. Brooke, our singer from Philadelphia, begins the show by singing "Beautiful" and playing keyboard as well. Based on Brooke's performance I felt that the remaining contestants had better be prepared to do their best as the competition appears to be fierce. Even Simon had a compliment for this American Idol hopeful who made it through the first round.

After watching Brooke nail her first Hollywood week audition we were shown some of the contestants who didn't fare as well. Loreana Pinot from Miami was the first American Idol hopeful to be told by the judges that her performance was subpar. Simon actually compared her performance with "watching your Mom get drunk". Not exactly something you would want to hear if you are a contestant on American Idol. Amy Flynn frfon Knoxville was the second contestant on Idol who blew her performance as well. Leo Marlowe from Charlotte (IA) was told by Simon that he went from "memorable" to "forgettable" because he, due to his performance, was evidently not what the judges are looking for. Luckily for these American Idol contestants there is a second chance.

Just when you would think you were going to see some real talent, American Idol instead remains focused on the contestants who were not at their best. The American Idol show went on to show contestants who were struggling with their instruments showing viewers that apparently not all American Idol contestants benefited from being allowed to play instruments during Hollywood week. In fact Simon had some interesting things to say about these performances such as: "You have the stage presence of a flea." as well as "There was absolutely nothing redeeming in it other than the fact that we stopped it early."

As always there appeared to be some hope in finding talented American Idol contestants. David Hernandez gave a performance that reminds us viewers that there is often some real talent showcased on American Idol, despite past mistakes in contestant choices. David's performance earned him three yeses from the American Idol judges allowing him to escape offstage without a single nasty remark from Mr. Nasty himself, Simon.

Amanda Overmyer from Mulberry, Indiana, is best known as the "rock n roll nurse" from the American Idol auditions. As seen in past American Idol seasons there always seems to be at least one "rocker" beloved by the judges and viewers to make into the final group, and this year it appears that Amanda may just be the one. Amanda used her unique rock vocals to sing a classic Doors song for the judges. It appeared, at no surprise, that Amanda had what it takes to receive three yeses from the American Idol judges, though not without a bit of constructive criticism from Simon.

Forgotten lyrics have often plagued American Idol contestants in the past. Whether it is nerves or lack of preparation some contestants appear to struggle with remembering the lyrics which Simon has no tolerance for. It goes without saying that these contestants will appear during round two of Hollywood week auditions. Hopefully these American Idol hopefuls will come better prepared and with calmed nerves.

You may remember American Idol contestant Chaleb Emachah, from Miami, for his Venezuelan accent and charm. Unfortunately Chaleb did not do so well during his first round of auditions for Hollywood week. Simon called his performance corny and Paula told him that she didn't enjoy his audition as much as she did the first one. The old saying may just be true, "Nice guys finish last."

Chaleb was not alone in his inability to impress the American Idol judges. Chaleb as well as 54 other American Idol hopefuls were forced to audition, as part of the new "second chance" feature of the show, on day two to prove that they have singing talent.

Josiah Leming, the young man who admitted to sleeping in his car, made a decision to play the keyboard during his audition. Josiah delivered a pleasing performance that won the American Idol judges over, not always an easy fete. Not only does this young man deliver a great performance but, he has a likeable personality as well. American Idol contestants Danny Noriega, Ramiele Malubay, Carly Smithson, and Michael Johns were among the contestants who impressed the judges to make through to the next round.

Many contestants chose to sing Bryan Adams' famous song "(Everything I Do) I Do it For You" for their American Idol Hollywood audition. Unfortunately not everyone received a yes. Lucky for them, however, they will receive a "second chance" to wow the American Idol judges.

Kyle Ensley, possible future Presidential candidate, delivered a performance which confused Idol judge Randy, made Paula deliver a "spirited" speech, and ultimately led to Simon walking away from the judge's booth feeling irritated. I can't blame Simon. However Kyle still has a chance at being the next American Idol. May make a great entry on his resume when he runs for office.

It's the end of day one of American Idol Hollywood auditions and all of the contestants still have a chance at making it to the final group. I wouldn't rest easy however as day two of the Idol auditions bring with it no more "second chances" as the cuts are soon to begin.

The American Idol contestants arrive on stage in groups of ten as they are given one last chance to prove to the judges that they have singing talent. Each American Idol hopeful is given Accapella singing time to impress the judges. As it was explained by Simon, "It's do or die." It truly appeared to be tough going for the contestants as the American Idol judges only allowed four out of the first forty contestants a pass to the final round of auditions.

Angela Martin, one of the memorable single parents, faced the end of her American Idol journey when the judges gave her the ax. Good Idol Auditions were performed by David Archuleta, Kyle Ensley, Syesha Mercado, Michael Johns, Carly Smithson, and Asia'h Epperson allowing them to make it to the final round. Bad Idol auditions were performed by Jeffrey Lampkin, Joey Catalano, Brooke Helvie, and Josiah Leming. Lucky for Josiah he received three yeses based on his past performances. Unfortunately for the rest their journey on American Idol has ended.

And now we sit and wait. Just who will make it to the final 24 contestants of American Idol? Be sure to watch tomorrow night's American Idol to see the contestants ride up the elevator to reveal their fates. Judging from the competition shown on tonight's American Idol I am sure that this season of American Idol will be a good one.