The only redeeming part of this entire episode will be watching the contestants as they are taken up the elevator, forced to walk through a ridiculously long room (this time it is in a mansion!), made to sit in front of a chair in front of the judges and find out their fate. That said, this marks the end of Hollywood week. Which marks the end of lame auditions. Which means that hopefully we'll finally start on our quest to find the next American Idol. I hesitate to even guess who will be the next one... mostly because I am always really, really wrong.

I always get excited at this time of year, it is so full of hope and potential, all of which will be spoiled the first time this season's Sanjaya or Kellie Pickler walks out on to the stage. Or the first time that Seacrest starts trying to have an opinion and play fight with Simon. Or the first time Randy welcomes someone to his dawg pound. But for now, it is all good feelings and thankfulness that I have a DVR and can cut down this two hour show to about 30 minutes.

American Idol airs at 8 PM on Fox. For more of what's new and notable, see our week in preview.