After what seemed like an eternity, we're finally to Hollywood Week. Actually, that's a misnomer - we have two full weeks of Hollywood episodes this year, including The Chair episode. Grrr. Going into tonight's episode I had seriously mixed feelings. On the one hand, I was so glad to be done with the terrible initial audition episodes, which are basically a giant waste of time, and I historically love Hollywood because it involves dozens of dreams crushed wholesale. But on the other, I barely remember ANY of these contestants this year. Precious few of them stood out all that much, so I felt like I had no connection going in. But by the end of the episode I remember more people than I expected to, and while I had been dreading the perceived dearth of talent this year, I got a slap in the face that we have some INCREDIBLE voices on deck this year. If all of the people who did well tonight make Top 12 this could be an absolutely fascinating year.

However, that's not the biggest deal. The real news this episode was the long-awaited addition of Ellen DeGeneres to the judging panel. I do like the fact that Ellen directly addressed the criticism of her selection - that she knows NOTHING about music, and has no real connection to the music industry. She pointed out to the contestants that while she might not know about singing, she does know what it's like to get out on stage in front of millions of people every week and try to get them to like you. That is true. Additionally, Seacrest pointed out that Ellen has the fortitude to stand up to Simon, which is more important now than ever before, since Randy never says anything of use, and Kara almost always backs down. If the rumors of Ellen and Simon's already-fractious working relationship are to be believed, then this is also true. After taking her seat at the judges table, Ellen turned to Simon and said, "So this is it, huh? I come on and you leave?" I have a feeling those words will go down in infamy for this franchise.

Round 1: the contestants came out single file and got a chance to perform either a cappella or with their own instrumentation. It was sudden death; if the judges don't like them, they were GONE.

Katie Stevens, the plucky 17-year-old whose grandmother has Alzheimer's, chose Stevie Wonder's "For Once in My Life," and while it started out rough, it got markedly better throughout. She has spirit, a great voice, and a great look. She has...potential. Also in the first group: Skiibo Ski, who has gotten a makeover since his original audition, and did a pinched version of "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," which was a little on the nose in terms of song choice. Ellen was frightened by him, comparing him to a leopard on the prowl. She noticeably avoided discussing his vocal performance. That is going to be a problem if she continues down that path. Ultimately Skiibo got cut, along with a couple other no-names. When Skiibo asked why he got cut, Simon told him bluntly that he's just not a very good singer. Absolutely true, but he wasn't the first time either, and you nimrods put him through that time.

Next up, "authentic" hick Vanessa Wolfe and Andrew Garcia, the Latino dad whose parents were gang members. Andrew did a slowed-down, soulful version of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" on the guitar, and I LOVED IT! I would buy that single in a heartbeat. Kara compared his interpretation to some of Adam's work last season, which is a bit narrow-focused - people have been doing that type of stuff for years on this show. Meanwhile, Vanessa basically aw-shucks'd her way to the stage and then crashed and burned with a totally off-key, squeaky take on "No Rain" by Blind Melon. Ellen pointed out that she was a ball of nerves up there. Andrew got put through, but thankfully Vanessa got axed. Also unceremoniously dumped were the dude who got through by basically splitting his pants, Italian stereotype Amadeo (who actually begged the judges to keep him; shameful), and that blonde girl whose annoying brother essentially bought her ticket to Hollywood.

On the good foot, Jannell Wheeler did a countrified version of Estelle's "American Boy" with a guitar, and I was wowed by her too. Haeley Vaughn also pulled out her guitar and sang some song I didn't know with lots of Hallelujahs. It was a little shrieky in parts, but it was certainly original, and incredibly commercial. Mary Powers went right for her wheelhouse by singing Pink's "Sober," and it was very raw, but well performed. They all got through. All in all, 46 contestants made it through Day 1.

Day 2: Adorable beatboxer Jay Stone sounded terrible - I couldn't even figure out what the hell song he was "singing." Lilly Scott did an Ella Fitzgerald tune and se sounded like a consummate professional - I mean, recording-caliber voice right now. One of the most enjoyable voices I've heard on this show in a long, long time. Lily got through, Jay got cut. At least that means we're spared Blake Lewis Pt. 2.

"Big" Mike Lynche's expectant wife called to let him know that her water broke, and that she was in labor. But he decided to stay at the auditions, and he performed "Waiting on the World to Change" by John Mayer. It was better than I expected, and he got the crowd into it, but his voice is quite pinched sounding. Also, I am sorry - I know this is his big dream - but YOUR WIFE IS GIVING BIRTH TO YOUR FIRST CHILD. You should be there. Perspective: you missed your child's birth, and one of the most difficult experiences of your wife's life, to compete on a stupid reality show. That is terrible, I'm sorry.

Tim Urban sang "Come Back to Me" by David Cook, and while Simon liked his voice, I wasn't all that impressed. Justin Williams, the very pretty cancer survivor went near-operatic with a turn on the keyboard. It was a bit much at points, but he memorable, and he has a big voice. But surprisingly he got cut, although Tim made it through.

Maddy Curtis, the teen whose family adopted several Down's Syndrome children, started out incredibly rough on a song I've never heard, but I ended up impressed by her voice. Casey James got through to Hollywood by literally stripping for Kara, which I thought was shameful. But he came out here with a hot blues number on his guitar; he reminds me of a prettier Bo Bice from Season 4. Casey got through, but Maddy got cut. I would not have cut her, I have to say. Yeah, the song was bad, but she can sing. And they've certainly put through worse.

Didi Benami picked the song "Terrified" by Kara, and it sounded like a recording -I actually thought I was listening to a recording when she was singing, like the show's soundtrack was coming in. This girl is amazing, and if she isn't in the Top 12, I am going to be so upset. Simon told her that she is what this show is all about. YES! Crystal Bowersox did a scorching version of "Natural Woman" on the guitar, and she was just pouring her heart out on that fucking stage. GOD. That was the moment that I realized that we have some incredible talent in the running this season. She reminds me of an infinitely more talented and soulful Amanda Overmeyer. Crystal and Didi both obviously made it through.

All told 95 people made it through Round 1. Tomorrow: GROUP NIGHT! Oh, that's always the best/worst. The drama is nearly palpable. I can't wait!