'American Idol' recap: Joe Jonas, stage actor Todrick Hall and a sexy 'Barney' star

Teen idol Joe Jonas and actor Neil Patrick Harris joined the judges' panel last night as Fox aired the American Idol auditions that were taped last summer in Dallas. Lucky for them, they got to witness some of the best talent we've seen so far in Season 9.

While Jonas was quiet and reserved, he was clearly on the mark when it came to spotting and praising the top singers. But Harris stole the show with his feisty attitude. His critiques were blunt and he openly disagreed with longtime Idol judge and executive producer Simon Cowell on several occasions.

That takes guts! And it was refreshing to watch.

Also refreshing was the deep pool of talent in Dallas. The Lone-Star State packed lots of potential star power during these auditions.

American Idol/FOXTexas actor Todrick Hall impressed all of the 'American Idol' judges during the early auditions of Season 9 in Dallas, which aired last night.

BEST OF THE BUNCH

-- Todrick Hall, a 24-year-old actor and playwright who performed on stage with former Idol star Fantasia in "The Color Purple." This guy has all the right ingredients -- the looks, the voice and the stage presence -- to make it far in this competition.

-- Meagan Wright, a 20-year-old cosmetologist with excellent vocals. She drew rave reviews from all of the judges. Perhaps Kara DioGuardi summed it up best: "You have a great voice, I mean a really beautiful voice - very moving. . . My favorite of the day."

-- Christian Spear, a 16-year-old student, hostess and cancer survivor who also has a beautiful voice.

-- Dave Pittman, a 27-year-old lawn care worker with Tourette's Syndrome and a smooth voice. "I think people are gonna like you," Simon said. "And I thought you were terrific."

-- Lloyd Thomas, a 29-year-old dock worker and father with fine vocals.

-- Kimberly Carver, a 26-year-old school teacher who sang an original jazzy song and sounded terrific.

MOST MEMORABLE

-- Erica Rhodes said she wanted people to know that "Barney kids grow up," and she proved her point as soon as the former "Barney & Friends" cast member strutted out into the audition room. She was wearing a sexy, black leather mini-skirt and tall black boots, and snapping a whip. Oh, I forgot to mention. . . she also sang well.

TICKET COUNT

Rhodes was one of 31 Dallas hopefuls who earned a golden ticket to the Hollywood round.

NEXT EPISODE: Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 8 p.m. on Fox, featuring auditions from Denver. Based on a short promo clip, it appears the guest judge will be ultra-skinny Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, who served as a guest judge during the Boston auditions (and scared some people with her bony arms).