For Hollywood round 3, each contestant gets a band, backup singers and if they want, instruments. Ryan Seacrest lets the viewers know that this is everyone’s last chance to impress the judges. The pressure is on.

First up, Adam Lambert, who last week, I became a big fan of. A Cher song done as a ballad is a pretty risky choice and I am not sure I liked it, but I really like him so I am hoping the judges forgive him that choice. Next up Matt Giraud who I have to say I am pulling from cause he is local boy and so fantastic. Holy cow, sing us a song piano man.

Next up are best friends Jamar Rogers and Danny Gokey. Jamar sings Delilah and knocks it out of the park. But of the two, I have grown to love Danny, mainly because his story of losing his wife pulls at the heart strings. His story so desperately needs a happy ending and I think he is making it through cause even Simon smiles when he sings.

Anoop Desai sings us some Bobby Brown “My Prerogative” which could not be more of an awkward fit with his Bill Gates look and his country club sweater, but the boy can sing. Then Scott Macintyre, the contestant who is also blind, gets his chance to sing behind the piano. I think he sounded a bit nervous and took on Chris Daughtry, which is risky, but he is another guy you just can’t help root for cause of his powerful story.

Kendall Beard from Texas rather butchers a Carrie Underwood song. Kristin McNamara, who had to survive the wrath of Nancy in the group round, takes on Kelly Clarkson and I don’t think she fairs well either. When will these contestants learn to stop doing past idol’s hit song? I think it is pretty much the kids of death. As the show goes on, it is clear they must have a song list to choose from, but I still say you avoid the former idol’s like the plague.

Stevie Wright, who is 16 people, has a great voice but seems a bit stiff. Then single mom, Lil Rounds (best American Idol name ever) brings the diva out singing some Alicia Keyes. That girl can sing!! Next up, Mishavonna Henson. This is Mishavonna’s second time in Hollywood and she picks a really weird song, but has kind of a unique voice so I am not sure what the judges will think of her. I have to be honest, these ladies aren’t impressing me so much.

Oh Tatiana, how have you made it this far? In true Tatiana fashion she thinks she is fabulous after she has finished. I am just going to say, on record, if that girl makes it through to the top 36, American Idol, you have officially jumped the shark and are looking for some Sanjayah-esque ratings. Then there is Jasmine Murray. I, like Natalie who is sharing American Idol duties with me on Blissful Buzz, am a big fan of Jasmine, but I didn’t think this performance was very strong and she is, like so many before her, picking a former idol’s song. Hopefully she still makes it through.

Nathaniel Marshall does an interesting acoustic version of Disturbia and plays guitar. He manages to keep the drama to a minimum which is truly some sort of idol miracle. Joanna Pacitti, who I thought was an early standout, forgets all her lyrics, as does Casey Carlson. Stephen Fowler also forgets his lyrics, which is a shame because he really has a fantastic voice. He asks to start over and is given the chance, but his nerves continue to get the best of him and he can’t pull it together.

Nick/Norman performs as Norman complete with sweat bands. He really can sing, but I am not sure how he would fare in the real show. I fear it might become a joke. Anne Marie Boscovich has a really tender voice and I think she nails “I Hope You Dance”. Then Ju’not Joyner, who we haven’t seen any of thus far, has a really smooth voice and an adorable son. I really like him.

We take a break from our auditioning to watch Tatiana play musical rooms as the judges remove her from her original room and change her to room four. The contestants in the room she is put in seem visibly nervous to be associated with her. Or they are just disturbed by the amount of blush she is wearing. It’s hard to tell.

Leneshe Young, who also had a tear jerker story from the auditions, launched her way into my favorites with her performance and her style. Something about her just seems like a star to me. Kai’s voice doesn’t hold up during his performance, but I hope they remember how good he has sounded in previous performances. Michael Sarver, the oil rig guy, also got a smile out of Simon and does an excellent job.

Simon leaves for London (chicken) and the other three judges go to break the news to all the contestants. First off, room 2 and Casey, Joanna, Kai Kalama, Nathaniel, Alexis Grace, Jasmine, Stephen and Michael all make it through. And half of them forgot their words so the judges must be feeling extra kind. Then we are on to room 3. And it is “the end of the road” for Michael Castro (Jason’s little bro), India Morrison, Kaylan and Leneshe (what???).

Room 1, which is frankly packed with my favorites, makes it through including Anoop, Scott, Daniel, Jamar, Adam, Lil Round, Jorge Nunez-Mendez and Jackie Tohn. Room 4 is left and Tatiana sits in the corner twitching, waiting, and letting out little shrieks as the judges draw out the giving of the news. Then the judges, after thoroughly messing with everyone’s heads, let them know they are moving on. Nick/Norman, Ju’not, Anne Marie and Matt Breitzke are all in this group making it through. Cue moving music and tearful goodbyes and phone calls home….