by Kylene Hamulak

As Hollywood Week continues on American Idol, the guys are back for their solo auditions, and Ryan warns us to prepare ourselves for some SHOCKING eliminations, major meltdowns, and some of the most PHENOMENAL performances we've EVER seen.

Ryan rarely delivers on his promises, but either way, nearly half of the remaining 43 contestants will be cut.

Here are the Hits, Misses, and Highlights from Hollywood Boys: Part 2.

HITS:

Paul Jolley, "Blown Away" - The Rogue Jonas, as I like to call him, is suffering from a crumbling confidence when he takes the stage with a shaky voice. It seems like he'll break down in tears before he breaks out in song, but he pulls it together for the performance. Nicki is irritated that he's so emotional, and she warns him to be professional, even if just for that one minute. The performance seemed strong, but after he exits the stage, we see Paul keeled over. I thought he was vomiting, but it seems like he might have just been holding his face. This better not be the major meltdown, Ryan. (Advances)

Devin Velez "What A Wonderful World" - He just might be the calmest contestant I've paid attention to this season. What a wonderful song! (Sorry, the pun was there, I had to use it.) "You are born to sing," says Keith. (Advances)

Nick Boddington "Stars" - If I heard this performance without realizing it was Idol, I would've thought Nick was a professional. I mean, maybe not the BEST professional, but definitely not an Idol 11 reject. He's good, and choosing to play the keyboard was the right decision for him. (Advances)

Charlie Askew "Somebody I Used to Know" - For a socially awkward kid, Charlie's really got a comfortable style. He's weird for sure, but not in a second-hand embarrassment kind of way. Well...not yet anyway.  "Today, you became an artist in my eyes," says Nicki. "I glorify weirdness," replies Charlie. But what might sound cocky coming from another contestant sounds genuine coming from Charlie. (Advances)

Burnell Taylor "Jar of Hearts" - Keep your eye on Burnell, guys. We've seen him before, we know what he CAN do, and he does it again tonight. (Advances)

MISSES:

Nicholas Mathis "Locked Out of Heaven" - It wasn't the worst thing I've ever heard but the emotions definitely got the better of him...and then he starts begging for another chance. That's a miss, folks.  (Cut)

Matheus Fernandes "Stronger" - As he introduced himself, Matheus immediately makes a joke about his size. And Nicki immediately looks unamused. You know what leaves me unamused? Him butchering Kelly's song with yelling. I mean...YELLING. He seems pretty proud of himself - the judges aren't quite on board. And then Nicki tells him what I'm sure a lot of people have been thinking: "Sometimes things can go from being inspiring to becoming you wanting a pity party." She basically tells him to stop relying on his sob story. (Cut)

Papa Peachez "You And I" - Papa's music begins and Nicki reacts, "Ugh, why is he singing this song?" She makes a good point. I didn't think his performance was AWFUL, but Nicki is disappointed. And she tells him so. After he is cut, Papa tells us he just doesn't like singing other people's songs. It's a shame American Idol doesn't air on tv so contestants had a better idea about what they're getting into. Oh wait.... (Cut)

HIGHLIGHTS:

Just Let the Kid Sing: Congratulations Idol, for NOT exploiting Lazaro Arbos' stutter and just letting him sing! He still sounded JUST as good on "Edge of Glory"! (Advances)

One to Watch: We may not have seen him prior to Part 1 of Hollywood, but we're sure as heck taking notice of Cortez Shaw now! His "Sunny" is goooooood. Keep an eye on this one if he's got a personality to match. (Advances)

Best Attempt to Restore My Faith In The Turbanator: Gurpreet Singh Sarin brings his guitar onstage for "Georgia" and - thank GOD - gives a great rendition of a terrific song. I'm relieved by this - his group performance really made me question how much I enjoyed his first audition. (Advances)

Did Someone Call For A Divo? Look, no one is going to pretend Curtis Finch Jr. can't sing. Boy can SANG. "Jar of Hearts" is terrific. But his attitude is such a turn off, and while I know Nigel loves to throw a little guaranteed drama at us, this character is going to get old real quick. (Advances)

Best Use of a Thesaurus: "Step Forward" "Sashay Forward" "Migrate Forward" - I can't wait to see what other new words Mariah digs up to keep mundane Idol tasks fresh. Er...freshER.

Worst Decision of the Night: Micah Johnson's version of "I Told You So" is absolutely gorgeous - that's why it's so surprising when Mariah tells him she would've preferred more from the song from him. They pass on him, and I think they've made a huge mistake. Maybe it's his attitude that makes me root for him, but I'm gonna miss him. (Cut)

The Twist: After 28 guys are advanced to the next round, the group is called back to the stage, where they learn another 8 will be cut before REALLY advancing to the next round. Yikes. They've got a week to stew over that.

The guys have done all they can to this point - now it's the girls' turn in Hollywood. Who stood out for you? Tune in next week for the two part Hollywood Girls Week, PLUS find out which our guys won't be continuing on!

Catch American Idol every Wednesday and Thursday at 8/7C on Fox!

(Images courtesy of Fox)

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