Wednesday's "American Idol" episode featuring Dallas auditions taught viewers two things:

No. 1: Spend enough time with Barney the dinosaur, and you'll eventually become a dominatrix like Erica Rhodes.

No. 2: Neil Patrick Harris, aka: Doogie Howser, should permanently join the "American Idol" judges' panel.

Harris and Joe Jonas (of Jonas Brothers fame) served as guest judges on the one-hour show. Early in the episode, Harris joked that his goal was "to shatter the dreams of thousands." He offered blunt, humorous insights -- like "that's just annoying."

Harris also earned bonus points for repeatedly disagreeing with judge Simon Cowell.

Unfortunately, Joe Jonas was significantly less exciting. He barely got 20 minutes of air time in the one-hour episode.

The Barney lesson? Erica Rhodes, a former "Barney & Friends" cast member, auditioned while wearing a dominatrix getup -- complete with a whip. "I want people to know that Barney kids grow up," she said.

It was weird, but the judges liked her and she advanced to Hollywood with a four-way yes.

Of the Dallas auditioners, 31 singers got tickets to Hollywood. We saw nine of those, including:

*Christian Spear, a 16-year-old cancer survivor

*Todrick Hall, who starred in "The Color Purple" with Fantasia

*Dawntoya Thomason

*Stephanie Daulong

*Maegan Wright, whose parents are divorced

*Dave Pittman, who has Tourette syndrome

*Erica Rhodes, who starred on "Barney & Friends"

*Lloyd Thomas, a dock worker who grew up in the projects

*Kimberly Carver, who sang an original song and didn't impress Simon

Weigh in: Which singer impressed you most? Get a full summary of the show on our "American Idol" blog.