The commercials for tonight's episode of "American Idol" tell us that it's the moment we've been waiting for. And I totally agree but for completely different reasons. They are, of course, referring to Ellen DeGeneres joining the judging panel. But I am referring to the arrival of my favorite part of the early episodes and sometimes of the whole season -- Hollywood Week.

I know that not everyone enjoys all the drama in Hollywood, but I can't get enough of it. So I am happy that this year we're getting three Hollywood episodes. I'm sure that's because of DeGeneres, but I don't care what the reason is. I'm just glad it's happening. That way we can soak up more of the individual performances, the group performances and the waiting in those separate rooms for the judges to deliver their verdict.

I'm not ashamed to admit that the moments I most look forward to are from the groups. There is always so much drama as people don't get along or more often than not, someone doesn't want to practice, which hurts the entire group's chances.

My favorite Hollywood moment came in season two when eventual finalist Corey Clark and some friends decided to go out partying instead of rehearsing. When it came time to perform, Clark was a little hung over, but he managed to make it through after charming Paula Abdul.

Some may argue that Group Day actually ends up eliminating good singers because of all the nonsense that goes along with it. And that is probably true. But that doesn't make me love it any less.

This season we'll have extra drama with the addition of DeGeneres. There have been rumors all over the Internet that DeGeneres and Simon Cowell are already clashing because of his tardiness. It'll be interesting to see if that's true and to get our first taste of what she's going to be like as a judge.

Hollywood Week is also interesting because it gives us our first chance to catch up with contestants we liked in the early rounds. Remember that as many as five months have passed. A lot of things can happen during that time. Often, though, we don't see our favorite contestants at all because they end up being eliminated early. It's important to note that the audition shows are put together before Hollywood Week even begins, so producers are only guessing at who they think will do well.

Plus it's possible we may not see them because they just don't produce enough drama. Because as we know, Hollywood Week is all about the drama.

You've no doubt noticed a lack of enthusiasm on my part about the season thus far. Well that ends tonight. It's time to get pumped up for "Idol" season nine. As the song says, "Hooray for Hollywood!"

Angela Henderson writes about "American Idol" in the Idol Chit-Chat blog on www.herald-dispatch.com.

Michael Becker/FOX

Hollywood week will be in three episodes of ÒAmerican IdolÓ this season. It will feature new judge Ellen DeGeneres, second from right, who joins judge Randy Jackson, left, judge Kara DioGuardi, host Ryan Seacrest, and judge Simon Cowell.