American Idol

Simon Cowell says that in Hollywood, contestants basically have just one chance. As inspiration, FOX has invited singer/songwriter Barry Manilow to speak to the contestants!

The contestants will take the stage in groups of 8 and sing a capella, as the judges look for a star! Lil, the first to audition, gets a standing ovation from the panel - she's in. Ryan Seacrest explains that this year, if you're out, you go straight home. Aisa, Alexandra and Lil all go through from the first group. A disgruntled young man named Dennis stops at the mic on his way out to insult the judges!

Next there is a succession of nervous singers who don't do so well. Then comes Nathaniel Marshall, in a turquoise t-shirt and man tie, sings a soft song, and Paula says it might not have been the best song choice. Nathaniel breaks down as he explains how badly he wants this. Anoop Desai is up next in Hollywood - he does well. Jasmine Murray from Florida also wows the judges. Kara Dioguardi smiles, and says she has natural talent. Rose Flack is a contestant who had trouble finding her voice in rehearsal and lays it all on the line as she sings on stage. Simon Cowell makes their day by telling them they are all going through!

Steven Fowler takes the stage, and Paula Abdul tells him he nailed that Stevie Wonder song! Jorge Nunez quickly follows, and also gets compliments. Von Smith belts one out next, and is stunned when Simon Cowell tells him it was indulgent nonsense, like a child would do! All three guys make it through, but Von is still shaken!

Debra Byrd, the vocal coach stressed to the contestants just how important song choice is in the Hollywood round, but many auditions were nevertheless ruined by the wrong choice of song. Nick Mitchell, the comedic 'Norman' from the New York auditions, takes the stage and has Simon Cowell cringing at his antics. In the end, Nick, along with two others, go through.

Day 2 Hollywood

Jackie Tohn, the girl who brought down the windows - literally - at the New York auditions, is up first. Randy and Paula like her. She is the only one of her group to make it through to the next round. Danny and Jamar, two young men who are friends, and who both made it to Hollywood, try out next. Paula Abdul tells Danny he is ready to record! Both friends make it through to the next round.

Katrina, aka, Bikini Girl comes out on stage to sing Faith Hill's Breathe. Kara Dioguardi tells her she is a beautiful girl, but the song went off at the end. Paula Abdul agrees, and Katrina complains that she needs the music around her. Randy and Simon think she's just fine, and Katrina and her whole group go through to the next round!

In the next group of hopefuls, oilrig worker Jeremy Sarver is first, and Randy Jackson tells him it one of the best today! Jesus, another young father, also auditions in this group. Unfortunately, Jeremy and some of the others go through, but a disappointed Jesus is headed back to Sacramento on the next flight.

David Osmond and Erika Wesley are among the next group of contestants to perform. After those two, is Emily Wynne-Hughes, who sings a song by No Doubt. The dubious song choice may ruin her chances of advancing. Once everyone in the group has sung, Alex, David, and Emily go on. Erika, however, does not make it, and comes back on stage to plead for another chance! She doesn't get it.

Kyle and Anne-Marie go through from the last group of the day in Hollywood.