American Idol: Hollywood Week, Part 2

The Wednesday episode of "American Idol" continued with Hollywood Week where the remaining 96 singing hopefuls formed into groups for the always dreaded and terrifying group singing. The singers formed their own groups, giving themselves names like Destiny's Wild, Faith, Dreamers, Middle C, and Neapolitan. The groups had 12 hours to prepare for their performance which included singing and choreography. In past years some groups worked through the night to prepare for the next day's performance; however, this year none of the groups made a night of it.

While group day is always dramatic, it was even more dramatic for one singer - Michael "Big Mike" Lynch. As Mike was preparing for the stage, his wife was preparing to give birth to the couple's first child. As the groups began to perform on stage Mike talked his wife through labour on the phone. Mike's wife gave birth to a baby girl and later Mike performed "Get Ready" with his group. For Mike Hollywood Week is bittersweet since he will have to wait a little longer to see his new daughter after advancing to the next round.

Some groups survived in tack, while others did not. The groups may have had only 12 hours to perfect their performances, but each singer only had to learn one verse and a chorus; even with that there were singers who could not remember the words. Even after being warned by head judge Simon Cowell that if they forgot the words they would not advance, a few singers still chose to try and argue or bargain with the judges. After round one, 96 singers were left; by the end of group day 71 had survived to move on to the final round for Hollywood Week and a chance at the top 24.

When Ellen DeGeneres was announced as the new judge to fill in the spot vacated by Paula Abdul, there was much speculation and wonder as to why she was chosen and what she would bring to the judging table. After seeing DeGeneres in her first week as a judge, the comments seem to be positive. Fellow judge Kara DioGuardi has praised DeGeneres on her first week as a judge. And while little was heard from DeGeneres, she did provide a bit of comic relief for the show.

Next week the contestant hopefuls will perform one last time for a chance to make it on the show and leave their fate in the hands of the voting fans as only one third of the remaining singers will advance and then half of those will be eliminated as the search continues for the top 12 and the themed weeks of "American Idol".