Cardin Lee McKinney says she is confident and ready. She sings and has a nice voice. Simon says she seems theatrical and not contemporary. Paula says she has a mature voice. Randy says yes because he thinks she can grow. Simon says no, but Paula puts her through. Good thing, because her voice is better than a lot of the people we've seen get golden tickets.

Joanne Borgella is a plus-size model and hopes to "influence to others to be happy with themselves." She has sung the National Anthem at Madison Square Garden before college basketball championships. She sings some Celine Dion, and she's good. Paula says she has great tone and that she is stunning. Simon questions whether Paula really loved her voice, and she says she does. Simon says no, Paula says yes and Randy says yes, so she is through.

Alesha Stelzl says she was born to sing and that her voice is unique. She also sings some Celine, and yeah, "unique" is the right word. Simon asks where she sings. She says at talent boot camp. Simon asks what happens when she sings publicly. She says people like it and she gets their attention. Simon says he couldn't even recognize the song and it was dreadful. Paula says when she isn't "pushing forward," she has good tone. Randy and Paula say she should have sung some Dolly Parton. They tell her to leave, learn a song and come back. In the hallway, she and her mom say she doesn't know any Dolly songs, so Ryan sings some to them.

After the break, Alesha has learned "Islands in the Stream." Randy and Paula are pleased and love her tone. Randy says yes, and so does Paula, and Simon tells her she's going to Dollywood. After she leaves, Simon says, "I hate to admit it, but you were right. ... I was really disappointed." Then the judges lose it cracking up.

Brandi Gregorie sings and strips and it's a no. Charles Randy Leviner sings an f-word-laced song, and poorly. "When we decide to put this show out at 3 in the morning, you can try out," Simon says.

Joshua Moreland aka Jay Smoove says he so totally has the "wow factor." He's going to do an original song (oh great) called "Beautiful Lady." He sings and throws some glitter and stuff and drops to his knee ("to elicit a crowd response," as DaVinci's Notebook would say) and runs through a strange selection of high notes. Paula liked his "accoutrements." Simon thought it was corny, over the top and "revolting." Randy says he has a voice but isn't ready. Some poor PA has to come out and clean up the glitter. Then they make Ryan do it. And he makes the PA do it. Then Simon says he will do it (because he is still on camera). It's amusing.

Montage of Simon messing up people's names.

Chikezie Eze auditioned last year and he says Randy wasn't feeling him then. He sings some Luther Vandross, and it's very pleasant, and they let him get to the chorus, which is a good move, because he gets way better. But then Simon tries to stop him, and he keeps going. Simon says he is interesting, but he's not sure his voice is that interesting. Paula thinks his voice is interesting. Chikezie comes out with a golden ticket.

Danny Noriega is back after buckling under the pressure last year. He says he had a bad problem with nerves. He sings "Proud Mary" with a lot of snapping. Simon says he has a very good voice, and Randy says he loved it and that it was one of the best auditions he's seen. Danny is through, and he is thrilled.

Montage of highlights and lowlights from the auditions.

Next week: Hollywood week! 164 have been culled from the more than 100,000 who auditioned. Then they have to be cut down to 24. This is when I start enjoying the show more, so huzzah!

Are you ready for Hollywood?