Could American Idol‘s farewell season wind up having the deepest, most exciting pool of finalists in recent memory?

While Week One of the audition episodes made such a scenario seem possible, this week’s Reality Check season premiere features a sobering reminder from my cohost Melinda Doolittle: Great singers can sometimes disappear without explanation during Hollywood Week.

Nevertheless, Melinda and I choose our early standouts — and also use our imaginary veto power to take Golden Tickets away from a pair of teenagers.

We also dish two uncomfortable audition incidents we wish had never made it on air — and yep, one of ’em involves Kim Kardashian.

Press PLAY below for the full Reality Check experience, then share your thoughts in the comments!