Out of many thousands, American Idol 8 chose just one hundred and forty-seven to go to Hollywood. As Simon Cowell told them at the start of the auditions, “all we’re looking for…is a star.”

Indeed.

This year, the show sent each hopeful to an intensive singing “boot camp” where they rehearsed with vocal coaches. Surprise mentor Barry Manilow showed up to offer his advice and encouragement. The one who wrote the songs told each Idol hopeful to prepare well and make each tune their own.

And thus, the first day at the opulent Kodak Theater began.

Half the contestants took the stage to sing in groups of eight, getting only one chance to wow the judges. Those who failed to impress were immediately sent home. There are no second chances.

Kansas City contestants Dennis Brigham and Lil Rounds were featured first. Rounds sang Whitney Houston quite powerfully, if a little off-key. Kara DioGuardi came to her feet to celebrate the performance, calling Rounds “bold and brave.” Brigham, who made it to Hollywood more on the strength of his personality than his vocals, suffered through a terrible audition. Simon Cowell noted that “the facial expressions” were “insane.” Rounds will go on to Round 2 - Brigham will not. He tried to convince the judges otherwise, had a bit of a blow-up on stage, and stalked out mumbling.

While Kara and Paula talked about how rough the day was going for these singers, the other half of the Hollywood hopefuls were off sightseeing. But perhaps the next group of contestants would perk the judges up a bit.

New York auditioner Nathaniel Marshall, who has not been featured before this episode, was the first to sing. He’s flamboyant, highly emotional and quite a good singer. “You have beautiful vocals,” Paula Abdul told him, bringing the poor guy to tears. Anoop Desai, who tried out in Kansas City, followed. He sang with a ton of heart, as did pretty Jasmine Murray. Kara appreciated the girl’s “raw, natural talent.”

Rose Flack, who was strongly emphasized during her first audition, took the spotlight again. She was very emotional during her rehearsals but sang soulfully and wonderfully for the judges. Michael Castro was also in Flack’s group with Marshall, Desai and Murray. All held their breath as Simon Cowell announced that “all, unfortunately, are in the same boat.” The entire group made it into Round 2.

Von Smith had his time to shine next. His highly showy performance was soundly abused by Simon Cowell, who said the whole thing was “indulgent nonsense.” Jorge Nuñez blew me away with his powerful vocals. And Stephen Fowler, whom I’ve never seen before this episode, offered up a very nice performance. “You nailed it!” Paula Abdul told him. All three, even Smith, made it on to Round 2.

Nick Mitchell, a.k.a. Norman Gentle, next came to the stage. This is the comedic guy that Simon hated and everyone else loved. Despite Mitchell’s somewhat ridiculous outfit choices, this man can really sing. He brought his harmonica and offered up a funny performance that even surprised Randy Jackson. “You are hilarious,” he told Nick, adding “you got some skills in there, dog.”  Simon Cowell found that “it’s just ridiculous,” and it’s obvious he still doesn’t like Nick. But Mitchell will be returning for Round 2. Scott MacIntyre and Frankie Jordon, previously emphasized during their auditions, will be going with him.

Day 2 opened with the second half of singers, who arrived to the theater in Fords.

Jackie Tohn of the gravelly voice and fun personality was the first to be featured on the second day. I just love this girl - though I’m on the fence regarding her fashion choices. “I like you,” Randy Jackson told her. “I remember you the most, out of all the others,” Paula Abdul smiled. There was no question about whether or not Jackie would make it to Round 2 - she was the only one of her group who did make it through.

BFF Danny and Jamar were the next to be featured. Danny Gokey lost his wife shortly before his audition and I thought Jamar sang a little off-key. “I’m a big fan of yours,” Randy Jackson told him. Danny sang Seal very beautifully. “You are ready to record records!” Paula Abdul cried. And the two friends will be heading on to the second round.

Katrina Darrell, the Bikini Girl, properly dressed, was the next to stand in the spotlight. She’s still kissing Ryan Seacrest at every opportunity. Katrina sang Faith Hill, I thought not so well. Kara DioGuardi did have a compliment to offer despite the run-in she had with the girl at her first audition, saying “what can I say, you’re a beautiful girl.” Katrina and her whole group will be going on to Round 2.

Other contestants who were featured early, however, will not be seen again. Jessica Furney, Sharon Wilbur and Patricia Roman are all out of the running after being dismissed from the stage.

Jeremy Sarver, blue-collar Texas boy, sang beautifully for the panel. Randy Jackson called his performance “one of the best I heard today.” Jesus Valenzula sang softly and prettily, but it wasn’t enough to put him through. Sarver will stay in Hollywood; Valenzula will not.

David Osmond, Erica Wesley (who we’ve not seen before) and Emily Wynn Hughes (of the pink hair) were the next to take the stage. Hughes changed her song at the last minute, a decision the judges didn’t like. Erica was rejected and tried to fight against it, but in the end accepted her fate in a ladylike fashion. Emily, despite her song change, will go on to Round 2.

Standouts Alexis Grace, Brent Keith Smith, Ann Marie Boskovitch and Adam Lambert will be joining the others for another day of competition.

After the first round of cuts, one hundred and four still remain to sing another day. Tonight, American Idol 8 will bring back group night - and all the delicious drama therein.

(You can find all the American Idol 8 posts here.)