Katy Perry & Kara DioGuardi ‘Hot and Cold’ in L.A.

Avril Lavigne and Katy Perry joined the American Idol judges Tuesday in Los Angeles, and the starlets showed sass, saying no to hopeful singers when the judges — even Simon Cowell — said yes. Katy even clashed with Kara DioGuardi, mocking her at times and threatening to throw a Coke in her face when she shot back.

But the real battle was for golden tickets. Jim Ranger, a 27-year-old pastor with three kids, sang his own song, “Drive,” and made it through despite concern from Avril (who wore devil horns) that he wouldn’t be able to handle being a pop star.

Simon said Mary Powers, who sang a Pat Benatar song, was “a little cliché.” But she got unanimous praise for her stylish voice and scored a ride to Hollywood. She then brought her 8-year-old daughter into the audition room to say hello to her favorite judge, Simon. It was a cute moment from the bristly Brit.
Musician Andrew Garcia, who is also a parent, blew the panel away with his soulful performance. Simon said he was “the only person [of the day] who I believe is genuinely good singer.” Katy told him, “You gave me chills,” and he was sent through to the next round.

Tasha Layton, a personal assistant and minister, delivered another crowd-pleaser with her version of Joss Stone’s “Baby Baby Baby.”

And to end the night, Chris Golightly, who grew up in foster care, sang “Stand By Me” with a lot of heart. When Kara said she admired his touching story, Katy told her, “This is not a Lifetime movie, sweetheart … you have to have talent.” Still, he got four yeses — two with “a small y” from Katy and Simon — and made the cut.

As for those who didn’t make it: The worst offenders included data entry tech Neil Goldstein, who bragged about his IQ, forgot his lyrics and got extremely shiny before refusing to leave the room in defeat; Austin Fullmer, who had the Mick Jagger swagger and an Iggy Pop body, according to the judges, but lacked the talent to land a ticket to Hollywood; Jason Greene, who made Katy “feel dirty” with his version of “I Touch Myself” by the Divinyls; and Adam Lambert fan AJ Mendoza, who — despite his alleged approval from the Idol runner-up — got a “very easy no” from all the judges because, they said, he couldn’t open up his mouth when he sang.