IDOL WATCH:Hollywood Week

Tonight's episode consisted of solo performances from the guys with a song from the lists provided by American Idol. Contestants were also able to play their own instruments, along with being accompanied by the band. Fourty-three started the solo round, but only half of those will make it through.

Paul Jolly was the first contestant up and he sang Blown Away by Carrie Underwood. While he was very nervous he would have to wait it out.

Lazaro Arbos was next with his rendition of Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga and received claps from Nicki and Mariah. Curtis Finch Jr. was up next and he had a lot to live up to as he was an early front runner. He sang Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri and received claps from all four judges.

The next group started off with Devin Velez singing What a Wonderful World, and Keith said he was born to sing, but would have to wait for results.

Gurpreet Singh Sarin was next up playing his guitar and sang Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles. Another early favorite, Cortez Shaw, sang Sunny by Bobby Hebb.Stronger by Kelly Clarkson was the song choice for Matheus Fernandes and Nicki felt that Matheus was using his shortness to get pity.

The contestants entered the stage and faced deliberation from the judges. Cortez, Gurpreet, Devin and Adam (not mentioned above) all made it through while Matheus was sent home.

Next up was Nicholas Mathis singing Locked Out of Heaven by Bruno Mars who is hoping his good luck charms, his children, will help him through. Two contestants who struggled through the group rounds were up next. First was Papa Peachez who sang Lady Gaga's You and I. Jimmy Smith sang Landslide by the Dixie Chicks.

The group of eight including Papa Peachez, Jimmy, and Nicholas were next to face elimination and unfortunately Papa and Nicholas were sent home, while the rest of the group which included Jimmy and Vincent Powell were sent through to the next round. Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri was the song choice for both BurNell Taylor and Marvin Calderon. Both made it through to the next round.

I Told You So by Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis was the song choice for Micah Johnson, which surprised Randy Jackson. Unfortunately he was sent home, along with other familiar faces including rocker Gabe Brown, Sanni and Nate Tao.

All the guys who made it through were called back out on to stage and Randy announced that next Thursday eight more guys will be cut. Twenty will be moviing on.

There is only room for 20 girls and 20 guys in American Idol's Top 40.Next Wednesday is the girls turns to perform. Check out www.Americanidol.com for updates.

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