Although much was made of American Idol‘s ratings dip last season, it’s hard to criticize a show that produces numbers any program would kill for. On it’s worst day, Idol could still easily beat anything currently offered. But does that mean the series is still water cooler television?

Well, based on the recent turnout in Puerto Rico - maybe it isn’t. On August 2nd, the producers took the auditions over to the U.S. territory for the first time in eight seasons. Where best to find the next Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez or Ricky Martin? And while it’s still possible the next winner was discovered on that island, the judges only had a total of 300 to choose from. Yes, only 300 showed up to the San Juan auditions. (I doubt the crowd even filled one section of Coliseo de Puerto Rico.) If Ryan Seacrest can somehow skirt around the pathetic sight during Season 8, he’ll have totally earned his paycheck for the year.