switcheroo

8:25 We meet Rachael, a gothified former wrestler. Imagine a female Ozzy Osbourne. No joke. She sings an original song, something about being happy go lucky. Randy and Simon say no, but Paula gives a yes, clearly not based on talent.

Anyway, after Rachael's denied, Seacrest intervenes and claims he can do the judges' job. So he switches places with Paula.

8:28 Seacrest has taken Paula's spot among the judges. This should be interesting. We meet Samantha, who while cute, is not nearly confident enough. Simon asks if she thinks she could win the competition and she says, "I don't know."

But she pulls out some good Norah Jones, which Seacrest is asked to evaluate first.

Weird judges/Seacrest banter ensues. Please put me out of my misery.

OK, we're back to our usual three-judge panel and she gets a three-way OK for Hollywood, despite reservations about her confidence, or lack thereof. Four-way yes, if you count Seacrest.

8:31 Elizabeth, Denise and Michael get OK's. Wow, rapid fire style. Did anyone else notice that Elizabeth had some major pit stains? Speaking of Elizabeth, we get a shot of her on the escalator telling everyone that she's going to prove she's America's Next Top Model. Oops.

Reality TV whore, anyone?