Tonight’s episode began with Ryan “I’m the New Dick Clark” Seacrest introducing the L.A. auditions from the studio of his radio show. What a long way he’s come since he first co-hosted this show, from unknown to media guru. I’m betting that Brian Dunkleman is taking a long, hard look at himself these days. Either that or he’s getting really good at hitting the bullseye on his Ryan Seacrest dartboard.

But even if Dunkleman’s not on board, there were plenty of people waiting in line for their golden tickets in Los Angeles- 11,000 to be exact. And to help them on their way (or crush their dreams, in many cases) were this week’s guest judges, Avril Lavigne and Katy Perry. Best known for her skater-punk pop songs, Avril brought some sass and a crazy horned-hooded sweatshirt, while Katy just showed her horns as she bickered with the ever-cranky Kara DioGuardi.

Of all the audition cities, this one seemed the most painful, from high-pitched squealers to Kung Fu Fighter...

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American Idol: Chicago Auditions

You know it’s a bad day at the “Idol” auditions when you’re more likely to hand out restraining orders than golden tickets. That was the case as “American Idol” landed in the Windy City for the third stop on its audition tour.

With Randy’s weird, yet hip, two-toned plaid shirt, as well as guest judge and country singer Shania Twain along for the ride, we got a taste for Chicago’s weirder side. There was the self-proclaimed “weird accordion lady,” the yodeling bride and the Carlton Banks impersonator. (Sing it with me everyone! “It’s not unusual to be loved by anyone, dadoodoodoodoodoo…”)

But none were stranger tonight than Tiny Tim-wannabe, Brian Krause. How strange you ask? Let me count the ways. For one, with his contorted face and curled up fists, Brian looked like he was one angry spirit away from an exorcism. T...

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