Next is Cari Fletcher, a 17-year-old blonde prom queen type who says she's been singing since she was six, and calls this a once-in-a-lifetime chance. She's going to sing "Alone" by Heart. She starts out low and shaky, with her large family watching backstage. But when she hits the prechorus, it's clearly her sweet spot, and that's what the audience was waiting for. After Simon stops her, Nicole says she has great potential, which, coming from Nicole, is like peeing on her shoes. Paula thinks she's talented, and L.A. was impressed. Simon says she's boring. For the vote, L.A. says no, Nicole surprisingly says yes, Paula warns her that she'll "get eaten alive if you don't' come back with all the belief that we have in you" and says yes as well. Simon also gives a yes, claiming it's because he thinks she'll listen but secretly because he wants a hot young blonde on the show. Looks like he's got one. But how do all those people who came with Cari fit into that little White Box? That leads into a montage of White Box joy featuring Joshua Blaylock, 30; Emily Michalak, 12; and Dorit Yehudai, 48, whom we may or may not ever see again.

Coming back, we meet the huge cheering section that came along to support "Ausem." Which turns out to be Austin and Emily, both 15. Get it? Emily says they'll know they're on top when they can beat Lady Gaga at the Grammys. Which is true of anyone, really, but most people don't say that out loud. When they hit the stage and the cheering section makes itself heard, the judges can't fail to notice. They sing "Jar of Hearts" as a duet, doing it all overwrought and theatrical-like, while unfortunately forgetting to do a very good job with the actual singing. Obviously the audience cheers for them when they're done, because half of it rode over with them. Paula calls a vote right away. Simon says yes, saying their audience will understand them. Which is kind of a dis to their target audience, if you ask me. L.A. thinks Austin is a star, but isn't feeling the duo. And if you've ever wanted to see a 15-year-old girl looking crushed in front of an arena audience, here's your chance. Emily's dad protests to Steve, who just watches awkwardly. L.A. says yes anyway. Nicole says no to Ausem, but yes to Austin. "So you'd split them up now?" Simon asks. Nicole herself appears completely split up over the decision, and Simon tries to rush her to make a call already. "Yes or bloody no?" he finally pushes. Paula tells Simon to back down, and while Nicole keeps vacillating, he gets up and leaves the table. So now there are two sad-looking girls on the screen. Finally, after making everyone wait forever, Nicole says yes. Paula also gives a yes, so Simon doesn't even have to come back from walkies for Ausem to move on to the next stage. "So what happened?" he asks insouciantly when he returns. Ausem and the families are a lot happier than you'd think about their making it through by the hair on the nose of the skin of their teeth.