American Idol’s Season 8 auditions kicked off last night in Phoenix, Arizona. Day 1 saw the appearance of new judge Kara DioGuardi before the screaming hoard. It also saw the appearance of contestants like Tuan Nguyen, who will certainly win the biggest ‘fro award, and Emily Wynn-Hughes of the pink, orange and red hair. Though both had the locks, only one had the chops - Emily won her golden ticket to Hollywood, Tuan I guess is headed back home.

And so, the weeks-long Idol auditions began.

The day progressed with Randy Madden, who seriously looked a little beyond the age cut-off and wanted to really rock. Sadly, Madden didn’t have the power for “Livin’ on a Prayer” and the panel sent him on his way unanimously. J.B. Ahfua, 16, was next up. I didn’t like him but the judges did - J.B. walked out with 4 “yes” votes from the judges and a bright yellow badge of honor.

Two somewhat scary contestants followed - Michael Gurr, whose breathy singing was more than odd, and X-Ray (Aundre Carraway), whose dancing was so distracting I never heard a note of his audition. Both were rejected.

Adorable Arianna Afsat, sweet 16, followed. She sang “Put Your Records On” with a few noticeable problems, but she’s gorgeous and good (founding member of Adopt a Grand-Friend, evidently) and able to carry a tune. She was definitely going to Hollywood.

Thus ended Day 1 of American Idol 8 auditions in the hot Arizona sun. New judge Kara DioGuari, not yet jaded by the audition process, seemed to truly relish her first day. Simon stated that he loves Phoenix, and Day 2 opened with all four judges in cheerful moods.

Until they heard Elijah Scarlett, also known as deep voice guy. Sadly, Elijah’s beautiful bass speaking voice doesn’t translate to song - Simon Cowell said his audition was like “something out of a horror movie.” Paula tried to put a positive spin on the sentiment before Elijah was swept out the door.

Lea Marie Golde was just as cute as she could be with her red curls and pink cowgirl hat. She loves Kara DioGuardi and American Idol, but all the judges seemed to agree Lea Marie needs to work on her singing voice a little. The girl Simon found “really annoying” promised - threatened - the cameras that she’ll be back next year. We’re looking forward to that.

Gorgeous Stevie Wright followed and softly sang “At Last” with only a few pitchy moments and plenty of soul. All four judges liked Stevie and gave her a ticket to ride to California. Once she left, Paula Abdul likened her to American Idol alum Kelly Clarkson. It’s the all-American-girl charm. Michael Sarver, from Texas, had all-American-boy charm in spades. This good-looking, strapping young man spends his days on an oil rig - or, he did. Now, he’s also headed to Hollywood.

Next came the contestant Idol touted all through the show - bikini girl. Her actual name is Katrina Darrell, her ambition is to make out with Ryan Seacrest and Simon found her outfit to be very “smart.” I did, too. She gave a rendition of “Vision of Love” that both Kara and Paula hated, but Randy and Simon just loved her. Kara took the contestant to task by singing a few bars of the song herself. Bikini girl sassed Kara back, which brought Paula Abdul to her feet. But bikini girl was sent out the door with ticket in hand, the female judges called her “terrible,” and Katrina got to kiss Ryan Seacrest on camera. It’s reality TV.

Eric Thomas, “a.k.a. Sexual Chocolate” also wanted to show off his body. He repeatedly lifted his shirt to display his tattoo, his nickname across his back. But even sexual chocolate wasn’t enough to get him to Hollywood. Brianna Quijada managed to squeak past the panel with “Let’s Hear it For the Boy,” voted on to Hollywood by Simon and Paula Abdul.

My new favorite contestant so far appeared next. Deanna Brown is blonde, cute as can be and I was drawn to her accent immediately. I soon found out why: Deanna’s from my hometown Louisville, Kentucky. She sang beautifully and easily scored four yes votes to grab the golden ticket. Here’s hoping she’ll sail through Hollywood Week, withstand all the eliminations and become the first Idol winner from Louisville.

Cody Shelton, however, hopes he’s the one to win the season. He likes to make movies but he’s got singing talent, too, as he also made it to Hollywood. Alex Wagner-Trugman gave me pause when he sang, and I mean that in a good way. I loved his interesting tone and so did Randy Jackson, who spoke up in appreciation. Simon went against the panel with a no, but everyone else wanted to see Cody in Hollywood.

Scott MacIntyre was the last contestant of the episode. His inspiring story was a good closer for this, the premiere of Season 8. Scott is almost totally blind but still musically gifted - and he’ll be going on to Hollywood.

All told, 27 individuals from the Phoenix auditions will head to California. Tomorrow’s episode will show off auditions in Kansas City, birthplace of Season 7 winner David Cook.

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