CHICAGO (AP) – How to get a golden ticket to Hollywood? Win over the “American Idol” judges before you start singing. One Idol hopeful just had to tell the judges her name, Mariah. Mariah Carey told her they were part of an exclusive club. She makes it. So does a 15-year-old named Isabelle, who cut school for her audition. She got Keith Urban to sing a duet with her. One guy who auditioned could barely talk. But he could sing. Lazaro Arbos has a severe stutter and was the last person to audition in Chicago. He gets a golden ticket to Hollywood, along with 45 others. Another usual story concerned Clifton Duffin. His parents had never heard him sing before. The judges invited his folks in during the audition. He makes and Nicki Minaj says Clifton will inspire others to come out of their shells.  Forty-six singers move on from the Chicago auditions. Next week, Idol moves to Charlotte, North Carolina.

JASON: How cool was that to see Clifton’s parents hear their son sing for the first time?  Loved that moment.  And Isabelle (duet partner for Keith Urban) was very cute and charming…but she seemed to be copying the Zooey Deschanel vocal style on “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”  I wonder how she’ll do in Hollywood when there are lots of different musical genres to conquer…

Who were your favorites last night?  Are Mariah and Nicki going to make it to Hollywood week without killing each other?  Post your thoughts in the comments section!