DREAM MACHIINE

Some Things Change, Some Things Remain The Same: American Idol Returns

PAULA WHO?

Season 9 American Idol kicked off in Beatown, Mass., last evening with nary a tear for the former Idol judge but instead just one big inside joke.

Judges Simon Cowell Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi hosted guest judge and gaunt fashion plate Victoria Beckham as they filtered through all the wretched wannabes and soulful singers.

Simon was his usual vicious self, Randy was as chill as always, Kara was fiery and Victoria added a sweet side to the letting down process but kept it real.

This season started off no different from the others: the auditions' a mixed bag of goofy characters, the "Everyone says I'm great" deluded singers, the forgettable performances and most importantly, the few that have a shot of becoming this year's American Idol.

One of the standouts was Berklee student Ashley Rodriguez, 21, who electrified with Alicia Keys' If I Ain't Got You. Simon's verdict: "I think you may have 'it.' "

Watch as contenders' spill tears of joy and agony throughout the next month. The city-bound auditions carry on for another three weeks until the "The Road to Hollywood" auditions start on Wednesday, Feb. 3 9/8c. I'll be back then!

Nicki R. is a Southern girl living in the big city of Chicago. She loves quiet evenings a home watching horror films with her dogs Jezebelle and Zombie. Check out her blog, Hey, Look Behind You!