American Idol 8 tried something brand-new last night: two audition cities in the same episode. Using a West Side Story theme, the show featured try-outs in New York City and San Juan, two very different islands which are many, many miles apart.

The episode opened in New York with Adeola Adegoke, from the Bronx. This very pretty girl quit her job, confident that she would soon be starting a new life in Hollywood. She sang a Jennifer Hudson song in very accented English. Her voice was off key, and the audition was not good. Simon Cowell said “it was shockingly bad.” Kara DioGuardi kindly explained that “you have to keep your day job.” Ryan Seacrest called Adegoke’s boss, put him on the phone with Simon Cowell, and between the two of them managed to get the girl’s job back for her.

How many more lives would be changed…or not changed as the days wore on?

San Juan was featured next with Jorge Nuñez. He sang beautifully in a foreign language, showing off his big voice. He then sang another song in English, also very well. Paula Abdul thought he had a “nice voice” and Randy Jackson admitted, “dog, I loved you, man.” High praise indeed. But it isn’t compliments that matter - it’s tickets. Jorge won his, and he’ll be headed to Hollywood.

Jessika Baier, a very cute girl, hoped she would be the next to win her ticket. She sang Celine Dion very, very loudly. Simon Cowell immediately disliked it, telling her “none of it’s working.” It was hard for her to accept the rejection, but eventually Baier was sent on her way.

This sad moment was followed by many others in a rejection montage from San Juan.

Perhaps New York would be a bit sunnier for the hopefuls. Melinda Camille, 22, from Connecticut took the stage next. She wore a pretty pink dress and no shoes. Yes that’s right - no shoes. “I want to uplift humanity,” she enthused with a lovely smile. “You look very fresh,” Simon Cowell told her. Camille likes to dance naked and apparently doesn’t have a lot of use for footwear, but she sings quite prettily. Randy Jackson thought she had a “nice, pleasant disposition.” “I like you, too,” Kara DioGuardi chimed. Just like that, and Camille was headed to Hollywood.

Jackie Tohn, a brunette who plays the guitar, turned up next. Her somewhat bluesy voice was very unique, and Tohn managed to win over the panel with her second song choice. Paula Abdul called her “unpredictable,” and Randy Jackson stated “I liked that tone.” The set then started to fall apart right behind the judges, who carried on with business as usual. Tohn was given a golden ticket, and the auditions continued.

A San Juan montage followed, several singers who definitely would not be joining Tohn. Kate Cassidy, from New Jersey, sang quite loudly. Carlos Santos sang rather poorly, as did Antyon Smith and Jasmine James. Mike Perlman just stepped out of 1985 - and will be going right back without his golden ticket.

Perhaps Joel Conteras could change the tide. He was a decent-looking but rather crazy-acting sort of a guy, and showed up to his audition in an iPod outfit. The poor guy just can’t sing. Simon Cowell called the performance “excruciatingly bad” and said it was “everything I hate.” Me, too. Conteras got four no votes and ran out of the room celebrating. Well, they can’t all break down in tears and heartache…not even for the sake of ratings.

Attention was turned once more to New York, this time with Nick Mitchell at the forefront. Dressed rather oddly, it seemed Nick would be just another rejection. He called himself “Norman Gentle” and wore a headband circa 1987. “I hate comedy, Norman,” Cowell informed him dryly. Nick did his routine and no one was really amused. When told to be serious, however, Mitchell sat down in a chair and poured his heart into a rather nice rendition of “Amazing Grace.” There’s obviously more to this guy than what meets the eye. “I love you,” Paula Abdul gushed. “I’m entertained,” Kara DioGuardi stated, obviously surprised at this development. And though Simon voted no for Mitchell, the others were of one mind: this guy just has to go to Hollywood. And while he may not make it through the grueling week, at least he’ll be providing some entertainment.

Ashley Hollister, from New Jersey; Kenny Hoffpauer, from New York; and Kendall Beard, from Texas, will all be going to Hollywood as well. A full golden ticket montage from New York followed.

Nicole Laraway, from Massachusettes; Mark Granaton, from New York; and Michael Sconiers, also from New York, were all bad. They were part of an entirely different sort of montage - one that did not end in happy smiles and golden tickets.

Monique Garcia Torres, from Puerto Rico, auditioned in San Juan. She’s sweet 16 and has an absolutely adorable little brother (he’s 9). Monique has a pretty face, lovely curly hair and a very nice voice. Randy and Kara felt that Monique just isn’t ready for Hollywood, but Simon and Paula were willing to give her a chance. Hopefully, the little brother will be going to Hollywood with her.

The last contestant to be featured in New York was none other than Alexis Cohen, who made a big impression last year when she was rejected. Since I DVR everything, I remember Alexis quite well. I rewound and replayed her exit scene several times, absolutely in stitches with laughter. But this angry rocker arrived in New York with a whole new ‘tude - at least, at first. She wore a pretty dress and carried smiles around all day…until she got into the audition room with Simon Cowell. She sang Madonna, quite badly to be sure, and very quickly lost her smile when Cowell told her she’s actually gotten worse at the singing. “I think we’ve finally established that you can’t sing,” he sighed. Alexis quickly flipped him off and swore at him angrily. So much for her new outlook on life.

San Juan closed its audition day with Patricia Lewis Roman, whose parents were married in the very place where their daughter would sing for the judges. This upbeat family brought musical instruments and tons of good cheer with them. Roman sang Whitney Houston, and though she’s got a nice voice she didn’t do herself any favors with the song choice. “I didn’t think it was good enough,” Cowell told her. Roman was given just thirty seconds to prove herself. She sang softly and beautifully in Spanish and managed to steal my heart with her lovely vocals. Randy Jackson voted yes, shockingly Paula Abdul said no, and we the watchers were left in suspense. But soon enough Roman emerged with ticket in hand, and the band began to play. Jackson was the first one out of the audition room, eager to join the party.

It’s all smiles and excitement now, before Hollywood Week has begun for those who auditioned. They’re all joyous to get their tickets and get the first round out of the way, but more than half of them will be in tears before Hollywood Week is through. Group night promises to be drama-drenched, one contestant is going to swear viciously at Simon Cowell, and at the end of it all we’ll have a staggering thirty-six final contestants to choose from.

(You can find all the American Idol 8 posts here.)