Big Changes for American Idol Season 7 Hollywood Week

Hollywood Week has finally arrived at American Idol, and we couldn't be happier with the talent this year. While we have been entertained with the footage of the auditions, Hollywood Week is where the talent really starts to become apparent, or not. The bar has really been raised this year and there are so many talented competitors this year that the judges were ruthless in cuts right from the beginning.

164 made it through the audition phase and competed in Hollywood Week. In the two hour show Tuesday night, the judges further pared down the hopefuls to 50 singers; of which only 24 will go on to compete in the live shows where America gets a say in who goes on and who goes home.

Season 7 of Idol sees some big changes come to the show. No group portion this year, amen. The groups never seemed to really let the individuals shine. During Hollywood Week, no cuts were made on days one and two. Those who were extremely talented got the nod and moved on to the second round without fear. Others who got the thumbs down received a second chance to prove themselves before being sent home.

Simon Cowell informed the contestants that the big stage was what really makes or breaks them and many shined there. Others just couldn't seem to get it together. This is the first season that the contestants have been allowed to play instruments while they sang. It paid off for Brooke White, who the judges have compared to Carly Simon; high praise indeed. Others did themselves more harm than good when they decided to bring their instrumental talents into play. Including Jake Mellena who thought bringing in a set of drums would enhance his performance; the judges did not concur.

The comparisons to singers past from the judges compared biker nurse, Amanda Overmyer to Janis Joplin. She's one of our favorites. Her raspy rocker vocals are unique and Randy Jackson feels a singer like this can make it big now. Simon warned her not to become stuck in that rut where every song sounds the same. Rock on Amanda, we love you. Not bad for someone recovering from a very serious car accident and performing with broken ribs and staple in her head!