PERFORMERS TRIED TO OUTDO THEMSELVES IN TRYOUT WRAP-UP

As tough as things are in the newspaper industry, events like Wednesday night's Idol audition wrap-up remind me that at least I'm getting a check for this. You, on the other hand, got nothing for having to listen to that Air Supply classic Making Love Out of Nothing at All and enduring the slo-mo return of Big Bird. See you when the soap opera of Hollywood Week starts Tuesday.

-- Sulu just doesn't get any respect: Paul Kim said he was out to undo the damage done by William She Bangs Hung, and that talented Asians don't get any show biz opportunities. Kim got his with a gold ticket-winning performance of If I Ever Fall in Love.

-- Cowellism of the night: "Not just blind but deaf, as well." Simon ripped on Edward Sanchez, who declared his love for Paula before warbling Donna.

-- Cowellism by osmosis: "All we need is one big butt and one big [kissing sound]." Paula ripped on Gina Glocksen, who declared her love for Simon before singing a note.

-- Most likely to make the final 24: Car hops, unite! Ebony Jointer stunned everyone by nailing I Believe in You and Me while on roller skates. Co-conspirator Ashley Cleland was good, too, on Sarah McLachlan's Angel.