Review of American Idol Hollywood Week

Hollywood Week started last night on the seventh season of American Idol on Fox. Now that the audition shows are out of the way, the real show begins. There were some winners and some real duds on the newly formatted and much anticipated Hollywood week on American Idol.

American Idol Hollywood Night One By the Numbers

164 - American Idol contestants competing in Hollywood
3 - The number of AI judges, although Simon really ran the show
24 - The top 24 contestants will remain at the end of Hollywood week
2/3 - The number of AI contestants going home during Hollywood week, according to creator Simon Cowell

Changes for American Idol: Hollywood Week

Instruments

For the first time, American Idol is allowing contestants to use instruments during Hollywood week. Simon is truly annoyed with this change and is quite vocal about how ridiculous he thinks it is to let the contestants use instruments.

For many of the AI contestants, playing an instrument while singing on the Hollywood stage proved to be as difficult as rubbing your belly and patting your head at the same time. Few seemed to be able to effortlessly combine the two talents.

Free Pass to the Final Day

The talented and lucky American Idol contestants in Hollywood this year are receiving a "free pass" to the final round of the Hollywood auditions. The contestants that receive the judges' okay are going to be relaxing during the middle of the week, while the other contestants go through another round of cuts.

Shining Stars of American Idol Hollywood Night

Brooke White

Simon showed his age when he compared keyboard-playing songstress to Carly Simon and Carol King. Brooke White reminded me of a happy version of Alanis Morissette. She seems to be completely one with her music, in the same way Alanis Morissette is when performs.

Michel Siezak of Enterntainment Weekly compared Brooke White to Sophie B. Hawkins (Ew.com)

Amanda Overmyer

Rock-goddess-in-the-making Amanda Overmyer impressed the judges with her smoky rendition of "Light My Fire" by The Doors. Simon advised her to change it up a bit next time so her songs do not become monotonous.

David Hernandez