娱乐英语新闻:43 hopefuls cut in Hollywood on "American Idol"

BEIJING, Feb. 5 -- "American Idol" cut 43 hopefuls on Tuesday during the first round of Hollywood Week. 

    The 147 contestants plucked from nationwide auditions performed an a cappella song of their choosing on the Kodak Theatre stage with 104 singers advancing to the next step in the Fox singing competition.

    Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell briefly sparred when hopeful Erika Wesley pleaded with the judges to give her a second chance. Abdul told Wesley she wanted her to advance, but the other three judges voted against her.

 

"American Idol" season 7 winner David Cook (C) celebrates his win on the show in this April 15, 2008 file photo

    Cowell called Abdul out, noting that she had actually written down a "no" vote. Abdul claimed he could not read her handwriting.