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To be an American Idol finalist is to be a superstar. Chris Daughtry's album has become the fast American Idol contestant's album to reach Platinum. Tonight, 172 people are about to start their 5 day journey through hell in the hopes that it'll be their name that will be being featured in the highlights of next seasons show.

This year, twice as many girls have made it through to Hollywood than guys. Today, the guys can relax as it's only the girls doing their thing on stage. First up tonight is Jory Steinberg who is singing I'm Outta Love. She's certainly not the powerhouse that Anastacia is but she's still cute. Geri Guyer, 24 from Altoona, PA sings Window to my Heart. Kelly Caruso, 19 from Pittstown, NJ sings Piece of my Heart. Lisa Morrison, 26 from Selden, NY sings To Reach You. Christen Itam, 20 from Fredericksburg, VA sings Hero. Jeromishia Lemar, 23 from Philadelphia, PA sings I Just Called to Say. When it comes to the cut, they're ALL going home. Simon tells them that none of them had any originality. 166 left...

Hips Don't Lie

Un-break My Heart

Baylie Brown is singing Window to my Heart and through to the next round. There are some big cuts from the contestants we've already seen.

Nicole Turner, 27 from Richmond, CA sings Aint No Way for her mom but gets cut anyway. At the end of the day 56 of the 114 girls who made it to Hollywood have been cut.

Day Two and it's the guys turn to take the stage. Brian Miller is singing Change is Gonna Come. Jarrod Fowler sings You Raise me Up. Matt Sato sings Home. Matt is through but Jarrod is going home.

34 guys have made it through to the next round but now it's time for the groups. Let the drama begin.

Day three and after a late night for some it's time for the performances. Simon has one last request though - "Don't Forget Your Words".

After the groups, Perla is gone, as is Matt Sato. The group of the day that brought down the house was Chris Sligh, Rudy Cardenas, Thomas Lowe and Blake Lewis singing How Deep is Your Love complete with Blake's beatboxing.

Sundance Head is through from his group but Simon thought Paula was generous because he forgot his words.

Baylie forgets her words and is going home along with 36 more and just 56 people are left. One last chance to perform. One last chance to convince the judges that they deserve a shot in front of America and the opportunity to win their vote and put them into the top 12.

20 people in the first room get a yes. Room two is also through. In room three, they know after hearing the cheers from the previous two rooms that they're going home.

So there are 40 people left. Tomorrow night the judges will review the tapes and 12 guys and 12 girls will earn their spot in the top 24