IDOL WATCH: Las Vegas Round; Songs of The Beatles

In tonight's episode of American Idol, the top 61 contestants tackled one of the vastest song catalogs in the history of music- The Beatles. And where better to tribute the Fab Four than on the set of Cirque du Soleil's LOVE in Las Vegas.

In the original game plan for season ten, tonight's contestants were meant to dwindle down to the top 20, but because of this year's powerhouse contestants, the number has been upped to 24. Additionally, the dramatic Green Mile portion of the competition was bumped up to tonight's second hour of the show. But don't worry, there will still be two dramatic hours of Idol tomorrow night. So the contestants who made it through this long and winding road of an episode will some of the few who get to find out what the rest of America thinks of them.

After last week's Hollywood Round competitors had 24-hours and a bus ride to pick a tune from the Beatles songbook and a person to sing it with. Upon their arrival in Sin City they immediately got to work with a team of brutally honest vocal coaches.

The performances were kicked off with Stefano Langone and James Durbin rocking out to "Get Back." Durbin busted out his Adam Lambert scream notes as usual, and Langone was equally impressive.

Jacob Lusk, Naima Adedapo and Haley Reinhart sang a gospel-esque "Long and Winding Road." Rachel Zevita impressed with a haunting version of "Eleanor Rigby" and Lauren Turner delivered a powerful "Let It Be."

Jerome Bell, Lakeshia Lewis, and Tatynish Wilson incorporated some signature Beatles head-bobbing into their "I Saw Her Standing There." Though they received mixed reviews from the judges, they were nothing if not entertaining.

Paul McDonald and Kendra Chantelle sang my personal favorite Beatles tune, "Blackbird." McDonald's performance was walking the fine line between creepy and intriguing, but the duo's soft tone hit all the right notes with the judges.

Filling the crazy quota for the evening was Ashley Sullivan, who took advantage of the Las Vegas trip and got hitched to boyfriend, David. She even proclaimed her love by telling him, "You're going through with it or I'll kill you in you're sleep, my precious." Her trip wasn't an all around success though, as her "We Can Work it Out" with Sophia Shorai was nothing more than sloppy.

Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, and Denise Jackson followed the recommendation of music producer Jimmy Iovine and switched their song at the last minute. Their playful "Hello, Goodbye" didn't blow away the judges but it was entertaining none-the-less.

At this point in the episode, the 61 competitors were reduced to 40, and casualties included Ashley Sullivan, Denise Jackson, Molly DeWolf, Carson Higgins, and Caleb Hawley. Then, contestants made the trek back to Los Angeles for a final performance and full out evaluation. Here's how it went down:

Naima Adedapo
Final Audition Song: "Put Your Records On"
Judges' Thoughts: She has been inconsistent but has a beautiful story.
Through?: Yes

Hollie Cavenaugh
Final Audition Song: "No One"
Judges' Thoughts: She definitely improved during Hollywood week, and JLo admired her talent.
Through?: No

Clint Jun Gamboa
Final Audition Song: "Hello"
Judges' Thoughts: His unsportsmanlike behavior during Hollywood week didn't impress anyone.
Through?: Yes

Haley Reinhart
Final Audition Song: ?
Judges' Thoughts: She has grown as a singer since auditioning last season.
Through?: Yes

Paul McDonald
Final Audition Song: original composition
Judges' Thoughts: He is ‘Idol material' in that he's unique and interesting.
Through?: Yes

Chris Medina
Final Audition Song: "Fix You"
Judges' Thoughts: He has had good and bad moments in the competition.
Through?: No

Don't forget to check in with BroadwayWorld's IDOL WATCH tomorrow night when we find out which contestants will round off the Top 24! American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm on Fox.

Miss last American Idol's Hollywood Round #3 last week? Click here for a full recap!

Emmy Award-winning AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive produced by Simon Fuller, Founder, 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc.; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, President, Big Red 2 Entertainment.

Among the many American Idol finalists and winners to appeared on the Broadway stage are Fantasia, Justin Guarini, Jordin Sparks, Diana DeGarmo, Ace Young, Tamyra Gray, Constantine Maroulis, Frenchie Davis, Clay Aiken and Taylor Hicks.

Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.

Photo Credit: Ray Mickshaw / FOX