carly's in!

8:01 Wow. What did you guys think of that weird intro with Ryan in an Egypt-inspired set? Why wasn’t there a blatant plug for Coca-Cola or something?

8:02 Judges are deliberating.

8:03 Seacrest reminds us of the walk of shame/fame. He loves watching people cry. And cleaning up their tears with his blue tongue.

8:04 First contestant of the night, Ronald Hodge. I say a big no. We’ve never even seen this guy before. And I’m right! Sorry, Ronnie. You’re outta here. As Seacrest quips, “Our first one in is the first one out.” Everyone’s pretending to be sad but clearly, they’ve never seen him, either.

8:05 No’s for Nina and Lisa, both of whom we’ve never seen before.

8:06 It’s time for Carly Smithson’s turn to shine. The producers, of course, are pushing her hard-core. Conveniently, we also get a recap of her blue tongue. OK, she’s in front of the judges. Paula mumbles incoherently. Give up the act. Paula’s ready to cut to the chase. And she’s in! She enters the contestant room to a round of applause. How much of that do you think is fake?

Semifinal count: 1
Contestants: Carly Smithson