The first 20 seconds of this show have already freaked me out. Ryan and Simon are in the back of a limo and they're just flirting. They're smiling and giggling, and it feels like I'm looking in on a first date. Moving on ...

American Idol continues to try to make this my favorite season ever by reminding America that Randy used to play with Journey. Not only did he tell America "Don't stop believin'," but he did so while wearing a large amount of spandex. And for that reason, he will always be my favorite judge.

This episode just gets weirder when we see that the limo Ryan and Simon are in has a police escort. There are literally half a dozen sheriff's vehicles surrounding them as they are driven to the audition site. Now, I used to live in Florida and I still have family there, so I visit quite often. Let me tell you: Florida police have way bigger things going on that could use their attention. This does not strike me as a clever use of resources.

The eighth season of American Idol will begin auditions on Thursday July 17th in San Francisco. Other cities that will be holding try-outs for the hit singing competition show are Louisville, Kentucky; Phoenix, Arizona; Salt Lake City, Utah; Kansas City, Missouri; Jacksonville, Florida; East Rutherford, New Jersey; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Any TV Squad readers going to sing for Paula, Randy and Simon? If I were to audition (and I won't), I think I'd sing something by Stevie Wonder (cause no one ever sings anything by him), or Mariah Carey (cause her songs are super easy), or maybe I'd just do my own composition and dedicate it to Simon (he likes that stuff).

More audition information is after the jump.

I believe a refresher course in common sense is in order: If it's poisonous, don't eat it. If it's hot, don't touch it. If it's called Dallas, film it in Dallas, Texas. Well, now no one can say I didn't try. Apparently, the minds behind the upcoming big-screen version of Dallas have decided to film in, of all places, Jacksonville, Florida. First of all, is a remake of Dallas really necessary? Second of all... Jacksonville?! Wow, all this makes about as much sense as having Jennifer Lopez in the movie... Or having the British director of Bend It Like Beckham head the project. Next up: All the dialogue will be done... in the form of Gregorian chants!