During the first four audition rounds (episodes 1–4), only the jury could decide who would continue to the semi-finals. At any time during a performance, each member of the jury could push on one of two buttons: a green check mark of approval or a red X for disapproval. When a member of the jury pressed one of the buttons, a loud sound effect let the contestant know that a member of the jury had made a decision and what the decision was. If a contestant received three red X's before the end of their performance, that contestant was eliminated and their performance was abruptly stopped. Sometimes, however, an eliminated contestant could convince the jury to allow them to complete their performance. To continue to the semi-finals, a contestant needed to gain at least two green check marks from the jury. If more than 6 contestants were given 2 or more green check marks in a single program, the jury would decide at the end of the program which 6 contestants would continue to the semi-finals. Those who continued to the semi-finals were not necessarily the ones that had received three check marks. Sometimes, the jury chose contestants with only two check marks over contestants that had been given three check marks.