American Idol 2008 – Hollywood

It’s Hollywood Week!

That’s right American Idol fans, the kids are off to Hollywood, and just like normal they are treated to bus tours around the city while another group of contestants takes the stage.

What’s different this year, however, is that you’ll notice people playing instruments while they are performing…that’s brand new for 2008, and you’ll have to decide for yourself whether it adds or subtracts from the performance.

So here we go…

12 February and we take 164 contestants down to 50. It’s the “Brand New Hollywood Week” if we’re to believe the hype, and Ryan is right, things are a bit different this year.

First, contestants have the opportunity to use an instrument if they want. That being a guitar, piano, or drum set. This can either really help them, or really hurt them depending upon whether it distracts them or not. Many contestants soon learned that it’s best to just rely on your vocals to get you through.

Contestants either got a pass to the final round, or a 2nd chance notice. That’s also different this year. If you screw up the first audition, you get another go at it before the “brutal cuts” begin. I’m not sure they were that brutal, but it went from 164 down to 50 REALLY quickly. Some great singers were out, and there was plenty of drama. Lots of “I’m the victim”, “I didn’t get a chance”…sorry folks, you either bring it or you’re gone.

Final change for this season is that the group sing is GONE. No more staying up late into the night and griping at the people you’ve been paired with because they can’t hit the notes or learn the lyrics. Thank goodness – the only redeeming part of that process was the entertaining arguing.

Check out the MSNBC coverage of Hollywood Day 1

Tomorrow, we learn the fate of the Top 50, which become the Top 24 in the voting round. I’ve got three favourites, 2 guys, 1 girl. If they make it into the Top 24, I’ll reveal who they are.

The Reveal –> American Idol 2008 Top 24