Fifty-four sat in the holding room of a “mansion” - or set - in Los Angeles last night on American Idol. Only thirty-six would leave the judging area with smiles on their faces. A few would be made to sing one last time, but all would have to make the long walk through the gardens and down to the throne room where their fate would be decided.

Anoop Desai was the first to make the stroll. “Anoop is in the house,” Randy Jackson cried, after Kara DioGuardi told Desai he’d made it into the competition.

Things started to move fairly quickly after that.

Von Smith, who was once called “indulgent” by Simon Cowell, heard the news from Paula Abdul that he’d made it to American Idol 8. In the case of Smith and Desai, the judges seemed to have their minds quite thoroughly made up. But some, they said, they still felt “unsure” about. The fact that these misgivings would lead to a bit of sensational reality TV must be mere coincidence, I’m sure.

Cody Sheldon, whom we’ve hardly seen since his first audition, and Alex Wagner-Trugman, who is obviously being set up for failure, were the first pair to be presented for singing. Cody, who likes horror movies, was asked to sing “one more time,” by Simon Cowell. Alex was brought in next, and he sang “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” Both song choices were fairly bad, but Simon told them “well done, guys,” before he kicked Sheldon right to the curb. Not everyone’s acceptance would be so entertaining, and more’s the pity.

Adam Lambert, who lives in odd hair and fashion choices but has a gorgeous voice, was unanimously voted into the competition by the judges. Taylor Vaifanua, who evidently lost track of some of her lyrics during group night, also made it into the Top 36. Jasmine Murray, Arianna Afsar, Casey Carlson, Megan Corkery, Mishavonna Henson and Stevie Wright were also accepted to the next stage of competition.

Joanna Pacitti who evidently can’t remember lyrics to any of her songs, was also quickly accepted into the Top 36. A firestorm of controversy has surrounded Pacitti since she was first featured in an early audition episode of American Idol 8. All of that finally came to a head earlier today - but last night, Pacitti’s Idol future was still bright.

Others, like T. K. Hash, Chris Chatman and Reggi Beasley were not lucky enough to make to the Top 36. Without sing-offs or fanfare they were bid good-bye.

Kendall Beard, whom Paula Abdul called the “whole package,” was quickly welcomed into the fold.

Kristen McNamara, however, was not a favorite among the judges. This is the chick with the odd hair who had so much trouble during group night. She’s got odd fashion but an extremely beautiful voice. Jen Korbee has an extremely beautiful face and figure, making her Simon Cowell’s first choice between the two. Each girl had to sing - Jen chose something pretty and countrified that she didn’t do much justice; Kristin powerfully delivered a few bars of “I Will Always Love You.” Cowell still wanted Jen, but it was Kristen who survived. “But I completely agree with this decision,” Simon stated flatly, as both girls wandered away in a bit of a daze.

Very cute Alexis Grace, dressed quite strangely, made it easily into the Top 36. Early favorites Scott McIntyre and Lil Rounds were quickly welcomed as well.

Felicia Barton, Ashley Hollister and Devon Baldwin were not welcomed - nor given the chance to sing just once more.

Frankie Jordon, who was “freaked out” was paired off against Jesse Angseth, who has not been featured before now. She was extremely confident in herself, though perhaps not so much after Simon said her last song choice was “horrible.” Jesse was allowed into the Top 36, and upset Frankie was bid farewell. “If it’s any consolation, you wouldn’t have won anyway,” Simon Cowell offered. I don’t think his words really helped.

Shera Lawrence and Derik Lawers also faced disappointment after their appointments with the judges.

Allison Iraheta, however, got the chance to celebrate after her walk through the garden.

Next came the BFF pair of Danny Gokey and Jamar Rogers. “You’ve got to be relevant,” Simon Cowell advised Gokey, who was accepted into the Top 36. Kara DioGuardi told Jamar, “you’re a good singer…but, you’re not gonna be here this year.” And so the BFF will carry on alone.

Ricky Braddy, who has not been seen before, Matt Giruad, Ju’not Joyner, Jorge Nuñez and Brent Keith were all welcomed to the big stage of American Idol 8 - Braddy is obviously on his way to the Idol gallows.

Stephen Fowler will be joining them in the competition, as will the combination of Norman Gentle-Nick Mitchell (whom Simon Cowell hugged “in a manly way” after delivering the news). Very excited Jackie Tohn will also appear on the big Idol stage.

Tatiana Del Toro, the current favorite of the folks at Vote for the Worst, was the next to be called before the judges. “She’s annoying me,” Simon Cowell sighed as soon as Del Toro - very loudly - entered the room. “Just try, for once, not to be annoying,” he beseeched in a tired tone. Del Toro was wearing some of Paula Abdul’s jewelry - the latter took off her own ring to give to the former. Simon dryly remarked to Paula that it was “so generous of you to promote your jewelry,” but I think he gives her too much credit. “This is not unanimous,” Cowell darkly told Del Toro, who was so happy to be brought into the Top 36 she probably forgot he ever said it. I have a horrible feeling Del Toro will stay in the competition for quite a while.

Drama Queen Nathanial Marshall was the next to face his fate. “What are you wearing?” Simon Cowell demanded - though no one could give him much of an answer. Nathan had to sing one last time, followed by Jackie Midkiff who has not been featured before and obviously isn’t the strongest singer out there. Marshall grew highly emotional, of course, and was eventually brought into the Top 36.

Jeanine Vailes, Kai Kalama, Ann Marie Boskovitch and Kris Allen are in as well. But when it came to welder Matt Brietzke and oil rigger Michael Sarver, the judges just couldn’t make up their minds. Brietzke sang very nicely; Sarver stood straight up and delivered well. In the end, both were brought into the competition - and I think that was the plan all along.

The Top 36 will be featured in three groups over the next three weeks. Scheduled to perform first: Casey Carlson, Stephen Fowler, Jackie Tohn, Stevie Wright, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Tatiana Del Toro, Michael Sarver, Ricky Braddy, Ann Marie Boskovitch, Brent Keith and Alexis Grace.

The auditions are over. Hollywood Week is done. Now, all the world’s an American Idol stage.

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