Don't watch!

No, it wasn't always like this.

Each week now it gets worser and worser.

Waste of time; I kept surfing back and forth.

It is withering away I think.

Sue

I've watched every year, but honestly don't remember if they did groups back in the beginning... maybe not? They haven't always done the 'history' thing though, that's more recent.

The ones that made it through group day now get to sing on their own again and try to make it to the top 24 (which will be 12 guys and 12 girls).

I was always a big Idol fan, but not so interested this year. So far it has been very boring. The best thing I've seen so far is "Pants on the Ground"!
Dee in Michigan

They've done groups as far back as I can remember.

I haven't watched tonights episode yet. I LOVE Ellen so far.

I'd rather they save the history for those who actually make it to the final 12 and show us more of the actual auditions.

They've been doing the groups for many years. It's a shame though b/c doing that can make or break good individuals. One thing I dislike is that they constantly have to rehash the same old things about the same people, therefore filling an hour with crap we already heard/saw.

I have been watching from the beginning and the group audition has always been a part of the show. The group audition has always been my least favorite part of the entire season, as I think it is way over done in the drama department. It's hard to showcase an individual talent if you're stuck with a group that does a lousy job. I'll be glad when the 24 are chosen and the judging can really begin.

They have done the group audition for as long as we have been watching but I don't care for it either. I don't really understand the reason behind it either, unless it is the ability to work with others. But like ohers, I hate that it means that some are being eliminated.

I too love Ellen so far!

I haven't watched as much in recent years, but they've always had the group thing, and it's probably the hardest part. There are just some people who don't know how to get along with others, and also how important it is that they do so. Not to mention remembering the words, lol!

Last year, we just tried to catch Adam's performances when we could. Been watching a little more this year, and love Ellen, too! She's a positive addition, imho:-)

I thought to myself last night how much I dislike the group thing, it is American Idol, not American Idols and I feel that there were some fine singers sent home that we may never get a chance to enjoy.

Big Mike is the guy who was picked for the top 24 and then got kicked off. His father told his wife he made the top 24 and she put it in the local newspaper. AI then kicked him off the show.
donna

Here is a link that might be useful: big mike

Oh I hate to hear that Big Mike was the one. I knew that it had happened to a contestant, but didn't realize that it was him. How sad and with a brand new baby, too. That show might have changed their lives forever. He sure has a good voice and seems very likeable. Darn!

I didn't realize the guy they made leave because his father has a big mouth was Big Mike! Too bad, I liked him.

The top 24 had already been leaked anyway so why send Big Mike home?
Donna

Here is a link that might be useful: Top 24

Big Mike broke his contract. If one of the other top 24 leaked the full list (IF it is even correct), then they'll be booted out too.

In the link is a full list of the top 24 (at least one of the guys is different than Donna's list).

Here is a link that might be useful: Top 24 AI Spoiler!