The Over 30s show up, thinking they're at Simon's or L.A.'s house, but of course it's Nicole. They pretended to be as excited about her as she pretended to be about them. She assures them that she knows what it takes, and promises, "I am the hardest worker you'll ever meet." Well, yeah, but they're musicians, so is that saying much?

The Boys show up at L.A.'s sprawling ranch house, which has a beach and a lake. They're all excited, and L.A. promises to give his full attention to them, over the business of running a record company. Which I thought he walked away from?

Commercials. Looks like tonight's episode, which was supposed to air yesterday instead of tonight, will air Sunday instead. Same time as The Amazing Race, in other words. Damn you, baseball rain delay!

After a recap of the first act, the judges-cum-mentors reveal to their groups that they've brought in other people from the music industry to help out. And what lame has-beens or never-weres are they trotting out? Oh, never mind! Nicole invited Enrique Iglesias to help with the Over 30s, Paula brought in Pharrell to work with the groups, but when it's time to reveal Simon's special guest, Steve says that person "has sold over 200 million albums! Is a worldwide superstar! And unfortunately not here!" You go, Steve. Long, awkward pause, as Simon reveals to the girls with some embarrassment, "It was going to be Mariah Carey." Whoa. But Mimi's grounded by Hurricane Irene, so Simon will be on his own. Oh, and also unable to make it at the last minute were Adele, George Clooney, the Beatles, and the Dalai Lama, but what're you gonna do? L.A., meanwhile introduces the boys to none other than Rihanna, so I'd have to say he wins this round.

We're finally getting to actual auditions. It should be mentioned that the contestants are each singing a song chosen for them by the judges, which explains what would otherwise seem like a lot of really bad decisions. The first to rock L.A.'s back yard will be Brian "Stop Looking at My Moms" Bradley, who impressed L.A. at his first audition but then L.A. decided at Boot Camp that Brian was just too young. Brian reveals his nickname, "Astro," and when Steve asks him if the size of the house intimidates him. Brian's like, no, he'll be living in a house like this one day himself. Sure he will. L.A. and Rihanna settle down in cushy lawn furniture on his back deck, which serves as Brian's stage while he raps to a recorded track. Rihanna, who's hearing him for the first time, looks impressed but L.A.'s just doing that head-shaking thing he does when he's into something. After he leaves the deck, L.A. and Rihanna wonder what America will like Brian as a bona fide star or as a cute novelty act. Are those the only two options?