The first round of American Idol’s Hollywood cuts are over, Group Night has come to a close and on Thursday’s episode it was up to all of them to deliver solo performances for the new judging panel. The judges were tasked with making deep cuts at the end of the day, whittling the remaining 100 contestants down to 50. After much rumors and speculation, most are reporting that eventually (we won’t dare guess when), Idol will give us a Top 24 ...

... some time after all this Hollywood business is over, that is. But first, the solo singing.

Haley Reinhart was the first to be featured. She fumbled with her lyrics during Group Night, but Jennifer Lopez gave her a pass based on former performances. Reinhart’s solo song ("God Bless the Child") was so hopelessly over the top she was difficult to watch, but there’s something really entertaining about someone who’s so desperate. J-Lo called it “redemption.”

Ashton Jones chose “And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going,” and sang it impressively with lots of power. She’s got real diva potential, and truly fabulous hair. Steven Tyler watched her entire performance with a smile on his face. “I like the way you attacked it,” he told her.

Thia Megia chose “What a Wonderful World,” which she sang with a bit of a bluesy edge. Despite her young age (15), Megia sings with a ton of feeling.

Clint Jun Gamboa put on a clinic with his rousing solo performance of “Georgia On My Mind.” The guy's almost ready to be a star. What do we have to do to get the weird glasses off his face?

Chris Medina chose “My Prerogative” for his performance, a song he considered highly unique. But his fellow competitor Carson Higgins chose the same song for his performance, and it’s been featured on Idol countless times. They were group partners the day before, but the two were on their own for the solo round.

Higgins exploded on stage and delivered a rollicking R&B version of the song, while Medina accompanied himself on guitar to deliver a more low-key rendition.

Casey Abrams became the first contestant to use the stand-up bass in American Idol’s Hollywood round (in all 10 seasons), and he played the instrument confidently for his sweet performance of “Georgia on My Mind.” Randy Jackson was surprised and bemused, laughing frequently through the song. Casey’s performance was extremely unique and heartfelt; he’s a Top 24 contender for sure.

Pretty, blonde Jacqueline Dunford left the competition to go to the hospital before solo performances began. Her roommate, Chelsee Oaks, found three friends and a strong support system in Hollywood. But she was all alone when she stood up to sing “Because of You,” which she did adequately enough.

Lauren Alaina, who gained early attention from the show, sang one of Steven Tyler’s songs for her performance. Alaina already impressed the judge at her audition when she sang “I Don't Want to Miss a Thing.” Would it work for her a second time? Lauren’s somewhat breathy vocals weren’t particularly strong, but she’s got a very nice voice.

Jacob Lusk, 23, has an amazing range and a style that’s all his own. We still have no idea what the hell song he was singing on stage (there was too much scatting), but anybody with that kind of register has just got to stay on TV. The judges and most of the watching auditioners gave Lusk a standing ovation. He sobbed after it was all over, totally overcome with the emotion of the event.

John Wayne Schultz, 23, has a gorgeous country voice, which he showed off for his performance of “Landslide,” an unexpected but wonderful choice.

Overly-emotional Ashley Sullivan chose “Everything” for her solo performance, but completely freaked out when she fumbled the lyrics. Ashley tried to start again and had to stop again. “Go to the chorus,” Randy Jackson suggested. Sullivan managed to belt out a few bars, but just barely. Jennifer Lopez advised Ashley to learn how to control her emotions, the best advice she could possibly receive in life. Sullivan almost walked away from the conversation during the stress of Group Night, and became extremely teary at her first Idol audition.

Stefano Langone, 21, delivered an energetic version of “Sir Duke” for the judges. Jovanny Barreto tried something a little softer, singing without music to emphasize his vocals. Jacee Badeaux, the source of much Idol attention, beautifully showed off his soft, sweet vocals.

Scotty McCreery chose an unfamiliar song for his audition (finally) and badly fumbled the lyrics on stage (he only knows one song?), though he wasn’t the only one who struggled with the tune. “I don’t think I deserve to keep going,” Scotty admitted to cameras after it was all over. The song that caused so much confusion? "I Hope You Dance."

But, as Ryan Seacrest reminded, “there are no second chances.”

After everyone finished singing, the real pressure began. As always, the judges deliberated amongst themselves while the 100 would-be constants stewed and fretted. They were placed in four different rooms, where they would collectively learn their fate.

Room 1 consisted of standouts of like Jacee Badeaux, Jacob Lusk, Clint Jun Gamboa, Brett Loewenstern, Lauren Alaina, Ashley Sullivan, Robby Rosen, James Durbin and Casey Abrams -- and, of course, they were the first to get good news.

Room 2, which held Brielle Von Hugel and Corey LeVoy, heard the celebration and began to feel even more stress. Steven Tyler was tasked with delivering the bad news, breaking hearts all around the room. “We have all have auditioned for countless numbers of things,” Randy Jackson offered. “So many times, ‘no,’” he told told them, encouraging them to keep trying.

Room 3, which held Chelsee Oaks and Mark Gutierrez, were also dismissed. Jennifer Lopez told them all that they’re special, and hugs were exchanged before they moved on.

Room 4 applauded the panel as they entered -- but that was nothing compared to their reaction when they heard the good news. Julie Zorrilla, Carson Higgins, Jovanny Barretto, Rachel Zevita and Scotty McCreery were part of this huge celebration. Rooms 1 and 4 ran through the hallway to join up, and more hugs were exchanged. But soon enough, more tears will start to flow.

Next week, all 50 contestants will sing music from The Beatles catalog on stage so that another round of cuts may be made. At the end of it all, they’ll (at last) announce the Top 24. Keep track of the action and read all our American Idol 10 posts.