IDOL WATCH: The Los Angeles Auditions

On tonight's episode of everyone's favorite reality competition, American Idol made a stop in the entertainment capital of the world, Los AngeleS. Boasting a population of over 4.06 million, and culture that thrives on creative industries, surely at least a handful of LA's residents were able to impress the judges, right? Wrong.

LA proved to be a giant disappointment of an episode right off the bat, with 21 year old Victoria Garrett whose performance was painful from start to finish.  She told Idol that the auditions coming to LA this year was a sign from God that she is meant to be the next American Idol. I think she might have misinterpreted that sign.

Garrett was followed by best friends Daniel Gomez and Isaac Rodriguez.  I had high hopes for the supportive duo- until they opened their mouths to sing. Gomez struggled through Edwin McCain's 'I'll Be', while Rodriguez delivered an equally traumatizing rendition of 'Build Me Up Buttercup.' Perhaps Rodriguez should rethink dropping out of college to pursue his musical ambitions.

Tim Halperin broke up the monotony with a subtle but pretty version of Maroon 5's "She Will Be Loved.' I was impressed with the ease he switched in and out of his falsetto, but Randy was convinced that he wasn't connecting with the song. Ultimately, his good tone was enough to earn him a golden ticket. We'll be seeing him again.

With the beginning of day two of the LA auditions marked the invasion of the MySpacers. This year Idol opened auditions to the web community and invited the best cyber auditionees to LA to sing for the judges in person. New Yorker Karen Rodriguez kicked off day two with great control and clean riffs on 'You Give Good Love.' Brava, Ms. Rodriguez.

Hoboken native Tynisha Roches quickly broke the good streak with her 'Frank Sinatra tribute' that sent Randy literally running for his life. Being the confident girl that she was, instead of bowing out, she proceeded to chase him around the room, while belting out a totally random medley of songs that ended with 'And I'm Telling You.' I was exhausted just watching.

Brothers Mark and Aaron Gutierrez showed off some tight harmonies with their interesting 'Lean on Me' duet. I'm not sure that I was crazy about all of their scoopy notes (if you watched, you know exactly what I'm talking about, and if you didn't, Youtube it), but their spunky personalities at least brought a little light to an otherwise dreary evening.

The night ended with 59 year old plantation man Cooper Robinson. Really sir? 59? If his military inspired, sequined, pirate costume didn't make it clear enough, Robinson's intentions were nothing more than attention seeking. His unique version of James Brown's 'I Feel Good' landed him a spot in Idol history books alongside 'Pants on the Ground dude' and 'Bikini Girl.'

Don't forget to check in with BroadwayWorld's IDOL WATCH next Wednesday when the auditions travel to San Francisco.  And get excited- the real competition begins with Hollywood round next Thurday! American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm on Fox.

Miss last American Idol auditions in Austin last night? Click here for a full recap!

Emmy Award-winning AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive produced by Simon Fuller, Founder, 19 Entertainment , a division of CKX, Inc.; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, President, Big Red 2 Entertainment.

Among the many American Idol finalists and winners to appeared on the Broadway stage are Fantasia, Justin Guarini, Jordin Sparks, Diana DeGarmo, Ace Young, Tamyra Gray, Constantine Maroulis, Frenchie Davis, Clay Aiken and Taylor Hicks.

Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.

Photo Credit: Michael Becker / FOX