VIRUS SPREADS THROUGH HOLLYWOOD WEEK

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- "American Idol's" Hollywood Week is going to be more dramatic than usual, because more contestants were sick than usual. Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe says Amy Brumfield, the one known as "Tent Girl," brought a virus that spread among the contestants. He saw one contestant's eyes roll in the back of her head just before she fell off the stage. He says the contestants were dropping like flies -- and he attributes that to "stupidity or dehydration." He says many contestants either failed to drink enough water or were pounding too many energy drinks.

SOUND:

<<CUT ..006 (02/08/12)>> 00:28 ""

Margie Szaroleta (zar-oh-LEH'-tah)

Hollywood Week on "American Idol" is about to get more dramatic than usual. AP music correspondent Margie Szaroleta has more. ((opens with music))

<<CUT ..007 (02/08/12)>> 00:17 "off their personalities"

Nigel Lythgoe (LITH'-goh)

"American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe says for Hollywood Week contestants are judged on harmonies and choreography, but that's not important for the rest of the competition. ((note length of cut))

<<CUT ..008 (02/08/12)>> 00:13 "stupidity or dehydration"

Nigel Lythgoe (LITH'-goh)

"American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe says contestants during Hollywood week either drank too many energy drinks or not enough water -- but there was another factor at play.

<<CUT ..009 (02/08/12)>> 00:08 "you'll see it"

Nigel Lythgoe (LITH'-goh)

"American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe says one problem with Hollywood Week is contestants from the East Coast don't realize how dry California is. ((cut used in wrap))

<<CUT ..010 (02/08/12)>> 00:17 "top of him"

Nigel Lythgoe (LITH'-goh)

"American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe says contestant Simone Black fell off the stage during Hollywood Week. ((note length of cut))