American Idol Hollywood Week kicks off with Ellen DeGeneres’ first day on the job! Check out the American Idol Hollywood Week February 9 recap:

The seven city search is over and 181 people are competing for a spot in the finals.

But, oh, the tears… the drama… get ready!

After this process, 12 guys and 12 guys will remain.

First up, let’s welcome Ellen DeGeneres as the new judge! She tells the group about how hard it is to stand on a stage and please the people. What kind of judge will Ellen be?

Groups of 8 – can play with or without instrument…

Katie Stevens from Boston auditions is in the first group – we’re reminded of Katie and her grandma. And she kills it! Randy comments she has a great natural talent.

Antonio Skiiboski from Orlando is on the stage next… he likes himself, huh? He frightens Ellen with his insensity – she says sexy and scary is a fine line.

Marku, Antonio (Skiiboski) and Christi forward – they’re out. Katie is in.

Day one continues… and tension is mounting. Plus, Simon hates everything.

Vanessa Wolfe – wow, is she ever nervous, poor girl. We get a glimpse of the country girl taking the big trip to Hollywood. Ellen said she’s really unique but needs to let go of the nerves.

Andrew Garcia, who is trying to make a better life for his family – decides to sing Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” with guitar. Kara said it was genius and said he owned it.

Andrew is in the group that makes it through to the next round, but Vanessa is out.

Cornelius Edwards who split his pants in Orlando failed to impress.

Maeghan Wright – Kara said was all over the place.

Amedeo DiRocco failed to find his voice in Hollywood.

Janell Wheeler seems super comfortable singing and playing her guitar… Ellen said it was amazing and she loved it. She’s on to round 2.

Montage of terrible auditions of people playing instruments.

Haeley Vaughn is pretty nervous but she pulls out her country sound and impresses Randy, from what we see.

Mary Powers is our rocker chick this year… Ellen really liked her.

Haeley and Mary both make it through to the next round!

Todrick Hall, Charity Vance and Ashley Rodriguez are shown making it through to the next round.

46 contestants made it through after day 1 of Hollywood week.

Day two rolls on…

Simon gives a pep talk… telling them not to forget the words or be boring.

Jay Stone – oof, the beatbox guy. ‘Nuff said.

Lilly Scott sings Lullaby of Birdland and Kara finds her refreshing and unique. She makes it through to Hollywood.

Michael Lynche – Big Mike’s wife is going into labor! He makes it through, easily.

Justin Williams – Justin is a vocal coach, we’re reminded he’s also a cancer survivor. Randy said his audition was “interesting.”

Tim Urban – who had a shaky start in the Dallas audition but made it through to Hollywood.

Justin was cut, but Tim moves on to round two.

More people get booted – Paige Dechausse, Erica Rose (Barney whip girl!), sisters Amanda and Burnadette.

Maddy Curtis – the 16 year old with four brothers with downs syndrome. The judges said she chose the wrong song.

Casey James – remember this guy… who took off his shirt? He was pretty good!

Casey moved on but it was the end of the road for Maddy.

Didi Benami – she sings a Kara song… “Terrified”… and oh. so. good.

Crystal Bowersox – gets a good luck tattoo! Singing “Natural Woman,” she’s an easy lock for the next round.

Didi and Crystal make it through!