Idol Kicks Off With Bikini Catfight!!

Something happens in old age that makes one reflective. Entering its eighth season -- which is sort of like reaching 70 or 80 in TV years -- "American Idol" appears to be looking back at its past and trying to make itself better.

The eighth season kicked off with an opening sequence that focused on the highs and some of the sweetest moments in the show's history, using Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," which can even manage to make Taylor Hicks' Season 5 victory seem palatable, if not sweet.

David Cook talked a moment about how the show "changed my life completely." One person whose life is being changed completely by "Idol," is new judge Kara DioGuardi, who received an "Idol" introduction that posed the basic question: Does she have the chops? Her credentials were unveiled for fans -- she's worked with Jewel, Pink, the Pussycat Dolls and Celine Dion -- and there was a brief montage that included her facing off with singers and Simon, and pretend kissing Paula. And THAT, my friends, could be the moment the show either bought a few more years or began its final descent toward Earth.
It was all nice and flowery to start, but lest anyone think "Idol" was going soft, they brought in Twan, an awkward looking fellow with a massive puffy afro who sang Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel" and incorporated tap dancing. Kara got her first moment in the sun, simply saying, "It was like I've never seen -- but, like, not in a good way."

Emily Hughes, adorned with tattoos and colorful hair, landed the girl rocker role early with her rendition of Heart's "Barracuda." She left her band's hopes and dreams behind to try out for "Idol," and she landed four yeses and the season's first ticket to Hollywood. This girl is Carly Smithson, without the Irish accent (and perhaps without the previous record contract), which might help her win over some the voters who never opened up to Carly.

J.B. Ahfua, a sweet voiced guy who got emotional when he was put through to Hollywood, saying this was his chance to "change my life" and to "change my family," as his dad and brothers looked on. He said they were going through some rough times, and this was his opportunity to help out.

Aundre Caraway hoped he'd get good reviews from the judges, "you know, Paula, Randy, from the new judge, Carla... what's her name?" He came in with a guitar that he immediately needed to put down before singing. It was a goofy moment that left the judges speechless. Aundre wanted to keep going, but Simon told him "This is going to become tiresome." Security helped the guy leave.

Arianna Afsar, who'd started a group in San Diego where young performers sing for senior citizens in retirement homes. She sang "Put Your Records On," which pleased the judges enough for a unanimous yes vote.

"Idol" wasn't backing away from the over-zealous fans, in light of Paula's experience in November with an alleged stalker killing herself near Paula's house.

Stevie Wright tried to show a bubbly personality, but got serious when she put together a simple, honest rendition of Etta James' "At Last." Kara said "there's something there" and that "there were moments in there where I was, like, 'wow.'" Simon urged Stevie to become a little more competitive and be a little more selfish. "That's my girl, right there, so far," Kara added after Stevie left the room. "She's got some Kelly Clarkson in there," Paula added.

Michael Sarver, who works on an oil rig in what he called the fifth most dangerous job in the world, lent his Southern twang to Boyz II Men's "Thank You." He had what Simon called "that likability thing," and made it to Hollywood with four yes votes.

Katrina Darrell came dressed in a bikini because it would set her apart from everyone else. She vowed to make out with Ryan Seacrest when she got her golden ticket. He thought it was against the rules, "but, believe me, the thought of it is something I'll hang on to."

The guys were pleased as soon as she walked in, but it was clear the ladies on the panel weren't quite as impressed. She sang Mariah Carey's "Vision of Love." Simon said yes. Kara said she couldn't allow him to say yes. Randy said Katrina had potential. Kara and Katrina got into a bit of a sing-off. Things got a little heated, but Katrina got her ticket to Hollywood. Kara's parting words, "Next time, come naked." Katrina found Ryan, planted a kiss on him, and jumped into the swimming pool.

Cody Sheldon, who likes to make horror movies with his video camera and seemed to have a dark side, surprised the judges with a sweet voice on "Wonderful World" by James Morrison. Kara said his voice didn't quite match his look, but they put him through to the next round.

Alex Wagner-Trugman sang James Ingraham's "Baby, Come to Me" with what Randy called "an interesting tone." He got through to Hollywood with three yes votes and an emphatic no from Simon.

A montage of the poor souls who were subjected to singing Bon Jovi's "Wanted: Dead or Alive" helped supply some levity to the evening, with many of the winners taking Katrina the bikini girl's lead by jumping into the swimming pool.

To close the night, we had the touching story of Scott MacIntyre, who sang "And So it Goes," by Billy Joel. Scott was born almost completely blind, but his visual impairment only helped propel him to explore sound and music. He plays piano and impressed the judges with his voice. Kara called him extremely courageous and gave him the first of four yeses that gave him a ticket to Hollywood.

There were 27 golden tickets handed out in Phoenix. Wednesday night's episode will feature auditions from "Idol's" first-ever audition stop in Kansas City, the home of last year's winner David Cook.