American Idol Picks Seven Finalists in Hollywood -- Recap & Review

It's been a tough time for American Idol contestants and judges in Hollywood. The 71 American Idol hopefuls came in to tonight's competition hoping to be part of the final 24. Each contestant performed with a full band in front of American Idol judges Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres, and Randy Jackson. They received no judge feedback, and were simply left to wait for the results.

American Idol Hollywood Seven -- Three Waiting Rooms

Tonight's American Idol was again a mish-mash of names and faces thrown at us faster than we could truly process them. After performing, contestants were put into three rooms. Each room would be either welcomed to the next round or dismissed entirely. This, of course, led to hours of sitting on the floor and staring at the other kids in the room and trying to figure out if you were in the winners' or losers' room.

American Idol started with a quick taste of contestants in each room. Angela Martin from Chicago, who despite some difficult family circumstances, put on another stellar performance in front of the American Idol judges. Angela was in Room 3, while blond country rocker Casey James was in Room 1. One of many singers who tackled Colbie Caillat's "Bubbly", James was "not pleased" with his own performance, which was probably not his best of this competition. In contrast, Room 2's Jermaine Purifoy "felt good" about his "Brickhouse" performance, confident he'd done well enough to move on.

American Idol Hollywood Seven -- Room 1

American Idol broke it down for us, then, giving us a broader view of each room's contestants. Room 1 had Jermaine Sellers, who performed "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson, and seemed a little warbly with the higher notes. After the song, Jermaine told the judges he had cut out that last part in practice, indicating that the band had incorrectly played it anyway. Kara seemed a little stunned that Jermaine "threw the band under the bus."

American Idol contestant Siobhan Magnus was also in Room 1. We saw footage of a previous performance by Siobhan, where Ellen told her "don't be so old", and to jazz things up a bit. Tonight Siobhan performed Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City", donning a pink dress and jean jacket and definitely livening things up.

Room 1's Crystal Bowersox knocked the American Idol judges' socks off with a strong vocal and guitar performance of Sheryl Crow's "If it makes you happy". This lady has shown her extraordinary talent time and again.

American Idol Hollywood Seven -- I'm Yours

American Idol's Room 1 also had a trio of contestants singing Jason Mraz's song "I'm Yours". Alex Lambert started off with a cheerful and quirky performance, accompanying himself on ukulele. It suited his performance style much more than Michael Lynche, who played guitar and didn't seem to be showing his voice to best advantage. Todrick Hall put his own spin on the song, slowing it down, and turning in another strong showing.

American Idol Hollywood Seven -- I'm Not Bubbly

American Idol Room 1 contestant Thaddeus Johnson got a little montage of his supportive mother, who jumps and screams and hugs Thaddeus at every opportunity. Thaddeus also has one of the best laughs of the night, when he took to the American Idol stage and the band plays the wrong music. With a turn of his head and a stern look, Thaddeus said curtly, "I'm not 'Bubbly'."

"If looks could kill," Simon teased, prompting Thaddeus to say "But I'm a bubbly person!" with a smile, earning him more laughs. The band then launched into "Man in the Mirror", and Thaddeus put on an extremely appealing show. His rendition showed off his big, full voice, he hit great notes, and he had lots of movement as he sang. A top-notch American Idol performance.

American Idol Hollywood Seven -- Room 2

American Idol gives us a brief look at Room 2's Charity Vance, Tasha Layton, and Mary Powers. None of them seem to be operating at their best, and Mary's rendition of Katy Perry's "Hot 'n Cold" definitely has too much of a yelling quality. Mary is confident, though, feeling she's barreled her way past her group's week performance on Hollywood Day 2 and is doing well on her own. After Mary's performance, Simon mentions to the other American Idol judges that he thinks Mary is "interesting 'cause she's older". When she's hitting her mark, there is definitely more maturity and fullness to Mary's voice than the teenage contestants have.

Lloyd Thomas cries as he talks about his wife and family, and how he's doing this for them. Though he puts on a weaker performance of "Man in the Mirror," Simon comments to the other judges, "I just like him." Policeman Bryan Walker felt confident after getting a point and a wink from Simon. We got another glimpse of Jermaine Purifoy, and then Hope Johnson did Daughtry's "Home". Hope is a sweet and talented girl, but sadly this American Idol performance was a little flat and stilted.

American Idol Hollywood Seven -- Room 3

Shelby Dressel is panicky in American Idol round 3 practice, as she struggles with the lyrics of "More Than a Feeling". The great session musicians do their best to steady her nerves and get her through her trial run. She nails the actual performance, singing well and remembering every word.

In contrast, little Aaron Kelly completely forgets the words to Sarah McLachlan's "Angel". He's lost, totally frozen, until Randy cues him. Kelly sings well once he picks the thread up again, but it's a devastating error after also flubbing the words in the American Idol Hollywood group round.

Next we see some okay, occasionally clunky, American Idol performances from Ashley Rodriguez, Lee Dewyze, Joe Munoz, and Haeley Vaughn--though the judges seem to like Haeley. Janell Wheeler attempts Taylor Swift's "Love Story", but something's just off. She seems nervous and stuck on one note throughout. Kara murmurs after the performance, "Completely wrong song," and Janell knows it. "I think I blew it," she cries afterwards.

American Idol Hollywood Seven -- Room 1 Results

After seeing clips of stellar performances by Tori Kelly, Lilly Scott, and Andrew Garcia, we're all getting a strong feeling of how Room 1 is going to do. The American Idol judges finally come in to let the contestants know their fate. In typical American Idol fashion, Ellen goes on and on with her speech, sounding like she's trying to soft pedal the bad news. Then of course, she tells them that they're moving on. Amongst the joyous victors are Siobhan Magnus, Tyler Grady, Thaddeus Johnson, Katie Stevens, Big Mike Lynche, and Casey James.

American Idol Hollywood Seven -- Room 2 Results

After hearing tonight's American Idol performances from the contestants in room 2, I think we can all guess what happens next. The judges enter the room, and Simon starts the big consolation speech. He says, "Whatever happens, most of you have been better than we thought you would be, and we're glad you entered." The room is silent as he tells them they're going home, but most comply when Simon tells them to give themselves a round of applause. Some contestants get up to shake the judges' hands or hug them.

Among the departing American Idol contestants are an extremely disappointed Mary Powers, Charity Vance, Bryan Walker, Lloyd Thomas, and 16 year old cancer survivor Christian Spear.

American Idol Hollywood Seven -- Room 3 Results

American Idol judges Randy and Kara tag team Room 3, going on about highs and lows, the best talent they've ever had in a competition, et cetera et cetera. Kara finally lets them know that they're staying for another round, and it's huge relief and happiness all around. Amongst the contestants moving on are John Park, Jessica Furney, and Shelby Dressel. There are now 46 contestants remaining, that have to be whittled down once again to make the final 12 women and 12 men.

American Idol Hollywood Seven -- Ellen Sustains a Back Injury

Big Mike Lynche got to be the first to take the long walk down the auditorium aisle for the American Idol judges' yay or nay decision. Simon told Mike that he thought he'd improved a lot during the competition, but "we never felt that total believe in winning from you." Mike protested politely, calling Simon "sir", saying that he'd felt that confidence grow as the week went on. Simon finally lets Mike off the hook and tells him he's moving on. Mike is overjoyed and leaps up.

Ellen begs him to not pick her up again, but Mike grabs her and shakes her like a rag doll. "My back!" Ellen protests. Mike nearly squishes the life out of Randy, and the judges vengefully and gleefully order Mike to go "squeeze Ryan". It takes a little more effort, but Mike picks Ryan straight up and then sets him down again, and the "Not again" look on Ryan's face is priceless.

American Idol Hollywood Seven -- I Got It, I Got It...I Don't Got It

Didi Benami performed "Angel" for her final performance, which I didn't think was her strongest showing vocally, but she definitely has emotional power. Sitting down with the American Idol judges, Didi once again cried as she confessed she felt she'd done well, that she'd "tried really hard". Simon told her she'd had good and bad moments, but "when you were good, you were fantastic." It sounds like a gentle letdown, but nope, Didi is moving on. Overjoyed, Didi shouts to Kara, "Your song was awesome!" Of course Simon ribs Kara, telling Didi, "You made it sound good."

Outside the doors, Ryan spoke to Didi's brother, asking him if he was ready to talk to Didi--win or lose. "I'm a big brother, I got it," he replied confidently. "I'm a big brother and I don't always have it," Ryan joked. It was no problem, however, as Didi came out to give her brother a giant winning hug.

American Idol Hollywood Seven -- Ellen Does It Again

Katelyn Epperly seems confident about her American Idol experience, no matter the turnout. She says she's learned that her parents' divorce doesn't have to define her, that "it doesn't mean we can't go on and do great things." When Katelyn sits down in the chair, Ellen seems somber, and you can feel that the end is near.

Ellen tells her that she's heard "no" many times herself in this business, and she knows how terrible it is to wait, so she's going to just get to it right away... Ellen then goes on to ramble for a full two minutes, talking about how horrible it is to wait and how she's going to get to the response quickly. The other American Idol judges finally start to crack up, and then Ellen gives Katelyn the good news--she's going through.

American Idol Hollywood Seven -- The Wrong Choice

Adorable Shelby Dressel may be remembered for the facial paralysis that gives her a quirky crooked smile, but she should be remembered for her sassy and quality performances. "I deserve a spot," Shelby told the American Idol cameras, "and to go further would be such a blessing."

The American Idol judges had other ideas, unfortunately. Randy gave Shelby the usual spiel about the highs and lows of her performances, then told her that she didn't make it. He did, however, encourage her to come back. After she left, Simon sighed and said just what I was thinking: "That was the wrong decision."

American Idol Hollywood Seven -- Too Sexy for My Shirt

I was thinking it as Casey James walked towards the judges, and then Ellen said it to Kara: "He put his hair down for you." Kara perked up at the sight of Casey's wavy blond locks. "Nice," she murmured. American Idol amusingly played the song "Oh yeah" by Yello (made famous in Ferris Bueller's Day Off) as they relived Casey's shirtless audition and Kara's appreciation of Casey's good looks.

The American Idol judges then made some puns about Casey's hometown of Cool, with the gals saying they felt it was cool, and Randy saying he felt hot, and Simon cagily responding that he was sort of "mid-range". Then Kara told Casey it was cool that he was going on to the next round, and within a second, Casey was out of his seat. Jumping up and down, pumping his fist, Casey was definitely excited about his win.

Kara stood up, too, anxiously awaiting her hug. After Casey left the American Idol stage, Randy pointed out to Kara that she flirtatiously kicked one heel up as she hugged Casey, the classic sign of romantic interest. Kara wanted to protest, but there was the incriminating footage, with that adorable little pointed foot.

American Idol Hollywood Seven -- Dubious Choices?

American Idol next brought out Aaron Kelly, the contestant who's forgotten the words in two performances. Politely responding "yes ma'am" to Ellen, who talked him through to the good news, Aaron was probably chosen for the "good kid" category that will appeal to tweens and their moms.

Next up was Lee Dewyze, whose last American Idol performance of "You Found Me" was fine, but not stellar. Kara told Lee that he had a big voice on stage, but seemed to have a lack of confidence when performing. Lee didn't agree, saying he wouldn't have done this if he wasn't confident about his chances of winning. Kara then trickily replied, "Well, we didn't agree...until about 5 minutes ago." Her answer so confused and shocked Lee that it took him a minute to even be able to get out of the chair to celebrate his win.

American Idol Hollywood Seven -- That's It?

American Idol next gave us a montage on Todrick Hall, who trained as a dancer and never had a singing lesson. Working with Fantasia on The Color Purple Broadway show, Todrick quizzed her about her American Idol experience and decided to try it for himself. As he sits down, Kara looks like she's not sure what to say, but then says, "Yes." After all the usual teasing and rambling, Todrick is more confused by Kara's brevity. "That's it?" he asks. When he's assured he's in, Todrick is all smiles. "I was so nervous, y'all!"

American Idol Hollywood Seven -- An American Idol Meltdown

American Idol showed that Jessica Furney was a feisty competitor. After her group fell apart in Hollywood, they were cut off before she got to sing her own solo. She complained to the judges, and asked if she could sing her part of the devastatingly difficult Stefani hit "Sweet Escape." She got her chance, and was one of the few to rattle off the lyrics without a glitch. The judges were impressed and she moved on.

Tonight she wasn't so lucky. "I won't delay this," Randy said, and unlike Ellen, he didn't. "You didn't make it this time." Jessica's response was abrupt, and forcefully emotional. "You have no idea how hard I've worked," she protested, "I can do this. Do not send me home. You have no idea. You have to see that..." She went on for awhile, but the American Idol judges finally cut her off. Asking why she was cut, Simon told her simply that she didn't sing as well as the others.

Jessica tried to protest again, saying she'd lost her voice during group, and others didn't have that problem. "Yes they did," Simon retorted. Randy tried to soothe her by saying the talent pool was really deep this year and she could try again. "This is not the end for you," Ellen said, but Jessica snapped, "How do you know that?" Simon told her that her attitude wasn't helping. The American Idol judges tried to pep talk her a little more, and then it was time to say goodbye.

Jessica wasn't comforted. As she left the theater, she told the American Idol cameras that it was her group's fault, that she had lost her voice trying to make up for their lack of effort. She promised that in future she would just let it all fall apart and only worry about herself. I'm not sure if that's the attitude American Idol is looking for, either.

So it was on a sad note that American Idol ended, and we've only got 7 of the 24 finalists chosen: Michael Lynche, Didi Benami, Katelyn Epperly, Casey James, Aaron Kelly, Lee Dewyze, and Todrick Hall. We'll find out tomorrow who else will make it to the final 24.

Check out: American Idol Hollywood -- Day 2 Group Performances Review

Watch American Idol on FOX, Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Check local listings for exact times, as they vary.