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'American Idol' Season 18: Judges change the game during Hollywood week, fans thank them for switch to duets

There were a few contestants who broke down prior and post their performances. There was also one contestant who gave up performing because he forgot the lyrics

Things are definitely getting heated on 'American Idol' and fans are loving the new changes introduced by the judges. 

'American Idol' Season 18 returned on Sunday night (March 22) and Hollywood week continued, but this time, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan implemented a change for the first time. Instead of the usual group rounds that existed every Hollywood week, the judges introduced the contestants to duets. 

"For the first time in the history of American Idol we’re going to ask you to join forces for some Hollywood duets,” Lionel revealed. The Hollywood week threw a curveball to contestants who were already nervous. Some started to panic while a few even let their nerves get the best of them. 

There were a few contestants who broke down prior and post their performances. There was also one contestant who gave up performing because he forgot the lyrics. Zack Dobbins did nothing but make excuses. Lionel then shared, "You can give up backstage, you can give up back home, you can give up in your mind, wherever you want to give up. But you never give up on stage." 

During the duets, we were able to see more of each contestant than we get to do during the group rounds that usually happen every season. Overall, introducing the duets this season was a great success as fans and viewers appreciate the judges. 

Taking to Twitter a fan wrote, "I’ve been so used to group rounds for so long but this new duets round is definitely interesting. #AmericanIdol." Adding to that another said, "@AmericanIdol I’ll take duets over groups all day every day!!! Thank you for the change! #AmericanIdol." 

"This duet situation on #AmericanIdol is a much, much better gimmick for Hollywood Week. That whole group situation has been garbage for years," a fan shared. While another said. "actually really loving the duets going before the group round @katyperry #AmericanIdol." 

"I’m really loving that they switched from groups to duets because I can actually hear how talented everyone really is. #AmericanIdol," a fan wrote. Another added saying, "Honestly I like & so much more PREFER duets than groups on @AmericanIdol best decision ever also the judges are the best decision once again too." 

'American Idol' Season 18 airs every Sunday and Monday night only on ABC. Check your local listings for more information.