Ah, Hollywood week:� The end of the seemingly nonstop horrible auditions; the real beginning of the "American Idol" season (well, at least in my humble opinion). But, last night's episode was not quite as exciting as I wanted it to be. Sure, there were the normal standout performances, pathetic tears and fights for survival, but it all felt a bit rushed and a little too much "been there, done that." It's not that the producers aren't trying new things - they added a glam "boot camp" to get the contestants feeling like stars, and of course the format has been re-worked this year to push things along. Rather it's the contestants that seem somewhat stale this year. Here's hoping the rest of Hollywood week perks up and some new talent emerges. Now onto a roundup of some of the 104 (out of 147) contestants who made it through last night:

Lil started Hollywood week off on a good note (pun intended). She gave her best shot at Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" and was actually somewhat good at it - and that's saying a lot, since I vowed a couple seasons back that I would stop watching the show if anyone ever tried singing that song again. The judges thought she was fantastic and she made it through. I think she has potential, but she hasn't shown me outstanding yet.

Dennis is the hyper, so-so singer that came into auditions doing acrobatics and left the judges divided. Turns out he's still just a so-so singer (will the judges never learn?) and he was sent home - but not without a fight. Happy-go-lucky Dennis ended on sort of a nasty note by telling the judges they are stupid and calling Simon out for his cheap clothes. I guess he's somewhat right, since the judges were dumb for ever sending him to Hollywood in the first place. Plus, he was right about Simon's clothes - how can he continue to advise people on what to wear?

Nathaniel is someone I don't remember from auditions. He came out and sang some song I've never heard of and I'm pretty sure he will disappear somewhat quickly; while he has a decent voice, he is ultimately forgettable in almost every way. My only reason for noting him here is that he was the first contestant to bring on the tears -something about music being his anchor through life, and that's why he was singing about a boat? Ridiculous.

Rose is the cute blonde with the unique voice who I have nicknamed "Dreadi-locks" for her cute golden dreads (and I usually hate dreads). Apparently she began to doubt her own voice after hearing how great everyone else was, but she still knocked it out of the park and may just be one of very few voices that could make this season watchable.

Nick/"Norman Gentle" is back, unfortunately. I couldn't quite remember why the judges sent him through, but apparently they find him entertaining because he's through again even though he came out and gave an even more hideous performance (I didn't think it was possible). I don't even want to waste anymore time writing about him.

Danny and Jamar are the two best friends from audition week, Danny being the one who recently lost his wife and Jamar the one who oversang "California Dreamin'" which he sang� again last night, a little less shrilly this time. Danny sang "Kiss From a Rose" and emerged as one of my favorite singers, as well as one of the judge's favorites. I'm thinking he's going to make at least the Top 10 this season.

Katrina/"bikini girl" was back, but without the bikini this time. And yet Simon and Randy were still smitten with her even though she sang a horrible rendition of Faith Hill's "Breathe." Simon continued to compliment her and take her side either because he likes the way she looks or just to get under Kara's skin. Either way, I'm so done with it: can we send her home soon, please? If we don't, Ryan Seacrest is going to have to get a restraining order against the crazy lady.

David Osmond made it through and the judges were a lot nicer this time. I'm still unsure why they gave him such a hard time in auditions.

Emily was the pink-haired singer who left her band behind for Hollywood. She's through, but it was close since she decided to scrap her planned song - "I Put a Spell on You" - to sing a No Doubt song instead. I couldn't quite figure that one out, but I'm glad she made it because I do like her voice. I do worry that her and Rose are a bit too similar, though, and one will have to give soon.

Next: Group day. Should prove interesting since there's a good mix of prima donnas and mediocre voices!