(S04E05) "It looks like hunks in trunks will be dunking in Las Vegas!" - Hoff

After a funny entrance by "The Hoff Rider," wearing a black leather duster and cowboy hat, the show got started in Houston, Texas.

I sort of slugged my way through the first part of it, but wow, the ending was totally worth all the crummy acts. Barbara Padilla looks like any other stay-at-home mom, but out of her mouth came this awesome operatic voice. Not only that, she's a cancer survivor. I'm such a sucker for these heartfelt, hopeful stories. She's no newbie, though. Barbara actually has a nice Web site highlighting her talent.

Also not a newbie is Grandma Lee (pictured), who's done some stand-up comedy before coming on America's Got Talent. Pretty darn funny, though.

After the jump, check out my thoughts on tonight's auditions.