At the beginning of this two-hour audition episode of So You Think You Can Dance, the fetching Cat Deeley informs us that the prize money has been upped from $100,000 a year ago to $250,000.

Sucks for you, Benji Schwimmer!

During last night's auditions in Chicago and Los Angeleeeese (as the city is pronounced in Cat Deeley-eese), we were treated to a cameo by reigning champ Benji - and his little sister, who's trying out this year!

But the show was stolen by Hokuto "Hok" Konishi, who's come back to dance this season with a vengeance... and, to Nigel Lythgoe's happiness, the proper work permits. Phew.

Meanwhile, Wade Robson, a top choreographer of the second season, has stepped into the judge's chair alongside Mr. Nigel.

But remember, Wade, that Britney Spears can't be put back on your resume until she delivers more than a crappy 15-minute lip-synching "comeback tour."

Get the full rundown to the good, bad, hilarious and ugly from the Scoop in our episode recap of So You Think You Can Dance …