Rob Bolin

In tonight's episode of American Idol, the Hollywood Round continued with perhaps the most dreaded and challenging level of the entire competition. For the first time in this season, mere talent wasn't necessarily enough to earn a spot to the next episode. This time around contestants had to deal with choreography, harmonies, and egos. That's right, tonight contestants had to endure their biggest test yet- group performances. Tonight was this is one of the only times that contestants will be judged based on their performance as a group.

It's here! It's finally here! No more eccentric old men dressed as pirates. No more delusional teenagers who have convinced themselves that they're not tone deaf. American Idol's Hollywood round has finally begun, and from this point forward performances are legit- for the most part.

Hosted by Ryan Seacrest with judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, television's No. 1 is now in its milestone 10th season airing Wednesday and Thursday nights on FOX. Here's photos from Wednesday, January 27 on Fox! Every year, tens of thousands of hopefuls from across the nation audition for a shot at stardom. The show's judges travel across the country in search of the next AMERICAN IDOL. They winnow down the competitors to a select group of semifinalists who sing their hearts out each week in front of a studio audience and television viewers. Here's photos from the show's Nashville auditions!

Week two of American Idol auditions has come to a close, and in tonight's episode Randy, JLo, and Mr. Tyler left Wisconsin and headed for the country music capital of the world- Nashville. In this second trip to Music City in the past ten seasons, the judges set up headquarters at the iconic Ryman Auditorium of Grand Ole Opry fame and were soon met by 17,000 Idol hopefuls. But would any of the 17,000 prove as promising as Nashville native and country music superstar Carrie Underwood? Hmmmm, maybe a few.