American Idol

Brother and sister Sanjaya and Shyamali Malakar both made it to Hollywood. At the end of day 4 of Hollywood week, Shyamali was eliminated from the competition.

It’s one of the most emotional episodes of the season. The first days during Hollywood week started with 172 people.

After the first day — when the girls sang — the pack of 114 of them was narrowed to 56. Among those who went through were Perla Meneser, the Shakira wannabe who performed “Hips Don’t Lie.” She was an early favorite of Simon, but he had some words of warning for her before she left the stage.

“You are personality over talent at the moment,” he said. No, Simon, she is personality with little singing talent. I’m sorry, but Perla Meneser is not even good enough to be a Shakira impersonator at a roadside casino in the middle of nowhere.

The best girl, at least from what was shown during the first day, was 16-year-old Baylie Brown. You may remember her as the small-town Texas girl who is on her way to becoming a Carrie Underwood or Kellie Pickler.

And, while she didn’t get any time singing on air, one of my earliest favorites, Melinda Doolittle, also made it through. The backup singer who has worked with former “Idol” finalist George Huff continues to work her way toward earning my votes this season.

As far as the guys, day 2 of Hollywood week was all about them.

Navy “Idol” winner Jarrod Fowler failed to impress judges with Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up.” Maybe I was wrong about this season’s “military factor,” because Simon, Paula and Randy sent him packing.

The best story from the guys was 16-year-old Matt Sato, who began to cry after hearing his mom say, “I love you” upon hearing the news.

“All my life, I’ve been trying to impress,” Matt said. “… It’s not always worked.”

But those were just the first two days, and everybody knows the real tears and drama comes during the group rounds. As always, there were flirting distractions, up-all-night rehearsals and squabbles among the group members.

And, of course, words were forgotten. In fact, it was forgotten words that ended the road for Matt Sato. Bummer. I really thought he was going to be a fun one to watch this year.

Fortunately, at least for me, when Perla Meneser’s group took the stage, she blew it. And she went home. I really was worried she was going to make the final 12 women, and that really would have taken away some of my faith in the show. Seriously. This is a singing competition, not a beauty pageant.

Unfortunately, forgotten words — just as Simon promised — was the end of the road for Baylie Brown. It’s a big bummer, because I had high hopes for the Texas teen. In all, 36 people went home, including standout Sean Michel, the long-haired, bearded Arkansas native most known for his Fidel Castro-esque looks.

As far as the award for best group audition, the hands-down winner was foursome Chris Sligh, Ruby Cardenas, Thomas Lowe and beat boxer Blake Lewis, who is growing to be one of my favorite guys in the competition. He certainly has something different, though he can’t beat box his way through the entire season.

“That brought down the house,” Paula said after the group performed. “Congratulations. You’re all going through to the next round.”

By day 4, 56 contestants remained. Solo performances narrowed the crowd to 40. Tomorrow night, we get introduced to the top 24 — 12 guys and 12 girls — who will get the support (or not) of America. It’s almost time for us to take over the “Idol” train. All aboard.

The judges watch contestants during Hollywood week. After this week, the competition is in America’s hands.