If you read this site often, then you may know I am a huge American Idol fan. I have been complacent in my commenting on the debut of this new season. The auditions are leaving me uninspired to write anything of substance … until last night.

Ryan and the gang went home to L.A. where there should have been a plethora of talent. Wrong. Is it just me or are the auditions this season particuarly boring? Chicago’s was painstaking. I can’t even recall any memorable talent from the windy city. Except that I did recognize someone from a local band that made it to Hollywood. This is not the first time that I’ve watched Idol auditions and recognized a familiar face from my past but that’s a whole other story.

Anyways, last night Katy Perry was a guest judge on the second day of L.A. auditions. She proved to be a feisty, honest judge that held her own on the panel and perhaps estalished herself as a possible contender for Simon’s successor. I personally liked Perry as a judge because she wasn’t afraid to disagree to Kara, who scolded her to not put someone through just because she feels bad. She also threatened to throw her coke in Kara’s face. I wished she had. One standout guy was Andrew Garcia who, like many contestants, has faced his fair share of obstacles but his sincere audition and teary backstory seem to cement him a place in the top 12.

Tonight’s guest judges include Joe Jonas and Neil Patrick Harris, which I’m excited about. Hopefully NPH can liven up the judges table. Once we get down to the nitty gritty I will have more to write, but in the meantime Hollywood week is just around the corner and we will get to see the debut of Ellen! Stay tuned.