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'American Idol' Judges on 'Emotional' Hollywood Week and Being Tougher on Contestants (Exclusive)

Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie also opened up to ET about being tougher on contestants this season.

This season also featured the return of the "platinum ticket," which allowed a singer to advance to the second week in Hollywood, as well as pick their duet partner. "I think, historically, our platinum ticket holders haven't gone the distance, but I feel like this year we've got a real good shot for one of them to get very, very high." Ultimately, the show gives the judges a chance to jumpstart the careers of singers who want to follow in their footsteps -- which is the rewarding side of the reality competition.

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