American Idol Season 6 Hollywood Week Episode 1

We are finally in Hollywood where stars are born. We have spent the last 4 weeks suffering through the truly deluded of America trying for their 15 minutes of fame. Now we are getting closer to seeing who the real stars are going to be this season.
The Hollywood episodes are always interesting because while we hear some singers we don't hear them all and the clips are usually so fast you can't even remember their names.
Tonight should be full of drama, tears and cheers from all the Hollywood hopefuls.
I just have to say the judges are clearly getting to the end of their rope and they are taking no prisoners where in previous seasons I think they let people through for no good reason. I was happy to see that wasn't the case last night. It appears every single contestant who forgot a lyric got the heave ho. It is time the pressure is put on, if you can't survive this I am not sure you can survive all the other crap that happens when you are in the celebrity spotlight.
172 contestants made it to Hollywood including 114 women and 58 men.
Day 1 found the girls performing first and it wasn't pretty. During the individual auditions each contestant would get 30 seconds. The first 6 who tried out got cut immediately. This is going to be harsh. After all 6 were told they weren't good enough Simon turned to the rest and said let this being a warning to you.
The rest of the girls flew by and too much time was spent on some rather then others. I am personally tired of all the back stories I just want to hear them sing.
After day 1, 56 women are sent home leaving 58.
Day 2 the men get to perform and their odds are better because there clearly aren't as many men who have to be cut. There was nothing really outstanding about any of the quick clips of the men singing. In the end 24 men get cut leaving 34 left to go on to the group auditions.
Next up are the group auditions always an interesting part of the final round given the nature of groups and the total lack of the contestants remembering the prior Hollywood audition episodes. These contestants clearly need my help in remembering the rules.
There was an unusual twist this year compared to prior years, everyone had to find their own group vs. being assigned. They spent too much time on the few who couldn't find a group. We had more of the back story of the groups and their fighting about everything from song choice to choreography. This is a friggin' singing contest, during this portion focus on the singing folks.
I was under whelmed for the most part as usual with the group auditions with the exception of one group which they did focus on, this group was Blake, Rudy, Tom and Chris. These contestants were truly spectacular. They chose "How Deep Is Your Love" and completely nailed it, dancing and all. Paula of course gave them a standing ovation which they deserved. Luckily they all made it through.
After the group auditions we are left with 56 contestants remaining.
Day 4 will find only 40 people standing at the end. Everyone is broken out into 3 rooms, 2 rooms will go forward and 1 room will not. Oh the tears, the joy, the hugs - give me a break - it is dog eat dog and everyone of those left standing would stab the next person to get through to the top 24.
I just love watching this drama unfold.
Tonight 40 will be cut to the final 24, 12 men and 12 women. Then America will finally take over on deciding who stays and who goes. The call in numbers are programmed into my phone, my dialing fingers are ready, let the fun begin!
P.S. Talking about 15 minutes of fame, I think I need to call a press conference and throw my name in as one of the potential fathers of Anna Nicole Smith's daughter. We are already up to 5, what is one more? The things people will do for fame and money....