American Idol Season 8 – Hollywood Round Part 1

There were 147 contestants brought to Hollywood and they were treated to the first-ever Idol Bootcamp where they received advice about their hair, clothing and, of course, their voices. Barry Manilow showed up as a surprise mentor.Dennis Brigham and Lil Rounds from Kansas were among the first group. Lil sang “I Will Always Love You” and got a standing ovation. Dennis sang “For Once in my Life” and they didn’t think it was good (it wasn’t).

Asia, Alexander and Lil were kept from the first group. Dennis did not go home without an argument. He even told Simon that he wore very, very cheap pants for a man with so much money. Wow!!!

Nathaniel Marshall did a great job. I was touched. The judges didn’t like his song choice. Anoop, of course, was great. He’s one of my favorites. Jasmine Murray did a good job.

Rose Flack broke down during rehearsals the day before and looked extremely nervous before her audition.

The entire second group was put through to the next round.

Steven Fowler sang a Stevie Wonder song and it was PHENOMENAL.

Jorge Nunez has an amazing voice. He reminds me of Clay Aiken sometimes, to be perfectly honest.

Von Smith was yet another great male performer but Simon just ripped him to shreds.

Still they all managed to make it through! I’m so happy!

Bad song choices cost a lot of potential contestants their chance to remain in Hollywood which, of course, is always sad.

Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle seemed a little stressed about his audition but he chose to come out as Norman and sang “And I Am Telling you.” I don’t think he should have come out as his alter ego, in my opinion. The judges seemed perplexed by him as well but he actually got put through to the next round along with Frankie Jordan.

Jackie Tohn and it was an interesting audition. I like that she’s so personable and unique so I’d like to see her in the finals. She made it to the next round – it’s a start!

Jamar Rogers sang “California Dreaming” just like he did in his original audition. I don’t normally like it when they do that but he did sing it well. Danny Gokey sang “Kiss From a Rose” and I like him. They both made it through to the next round.

Katrina Darrell (who you may remember as “Bikini Girl”) was back and kissing Ryan Seacrest again. She chose to “Breathe” and she started well but I felt it went off at the end. Kara and Paula heard what I heard but Simon and Randy actually liked her enough to put her through to the next round.

Jeremy Michael Sarver, one of my favorites, did a great job. I love that guy!!! WOOHOO!!! He got through to the next round!

Jesus Valenzuela sang “Lately” and he also did a good job but he didn’t make it through.

David Osmond, Erika Wesley and Emily Wynne-Hughes were up next and David sounded good, Erika was okay and Emily made the dumb mistake of changing her song last-minute on stage. That rarely goes well. Still, she and David made it through to the next round. Erika did not take her rejection well and Paula revealed that she hadn’t voted against her.

In all, 104 contestants made it through the first round. Tomorrow, they break into groups. They promise drama that we’ve never seen before! We love drama! Can’t wait for tomorrow night!