After the fourth American League Championship baseball game was delayed because of rain -- running into the "X Factor" time slot -- the first "Judges' Homes" episode finally aired last night. The 32 remaining contestants traveled across the world, where they met with the judge mentoring their group as well as special guest judges.

The girls met their mentor, Simon, whose surprise guest, Mariah Carey, was stuck in New York during Hurricane Irene and unable to make it to Simon's house in France. The always self-assured judge said that it would be fine, as he could (surprise, surprise) be both judge and celebrity mentor.

'X Factor' Boot Camp Ends: Finalists Chosen & Assigned Mentors

Back in the States, the groups met their mentor, Paula, who was joined at her home in Santa Barbara, Calif. by special guest Pharrell Williams. While the other three judges are working with eight contestants each, there are more than 30 contestants that make up the eight groups Paula will be mentoring.

The next group to arrive at their judges' home was the over-30s, who will be working with Nicole in Malibu, Cali. The adults were introduced to Enrique Iglesias, their guest mentor and Scherzinger's close friend.

The final group, the boys, ended up in The Hamptons, N.Y. with record executive L.A. Reid and a guest judge they were all overjoyed to meet -- Rihanna. Even host Steve Jones, who usually does little more than voiceover scene transitions, chimed in to comment on the excitement of having "mega hot" Rihanna on set. Each pair of judges took a seat outside to hear each of the contestants perform a song chosen by the panel.

First up for the boys was Brian "Astro" Bradley, a pre-teen rapper who Rihanna clearly thought was adorable. The only problem, according to L.A., is: "How can he measure up to singers? America has never judged rappers or emcees."

Video: Brian "Astro" Bradley's audition

First to perform in the girls group was Simone Battle, who ditched her usual hot pants for a more adult look, singing the Beatles' "Help." Simon seemed pleased with her transformation and her performance.

Twenty-something trio The Anser was the first to perform in the groups category, singing Pink's "F--king Perfect" for Paula and Pharrell. Both were impressed, and Paula pointed out the benefits of the band's "very definitive sound."

Video: The Anser performs Pink's "F--king Perfect"

Dexter Haygood was the first over-30 performer, and it was the definition of awkward. It makes sense for the judges to push boundaries, but assigning a Mick Jagger-meets-James Brown Memphis native to sing Beyonce's "Crazy In Love" is a little odd. And it didn't go well. Dexter started sobbing after the performance, terrified that he will fail and have to go back to the life he led before -- living homeless in Los Angeles.

Video: Dexter Haygood sings Beyonce's "Crazy In Love"

Skyelor Anderson stepped up his game this week with a very country version of "Nobody Knows It But Me," but L.A. questioned whether "he chose country as a genre or if he's an authentic country singer." Rihanna defended him, saying he "has a lot of material to work with -- it just needs to be polished."

Video: Skyelor Anderson's "Judges' Homes" audition

Tora Woloshin performed next for Simon, and she struggled to learn the lyrics of the Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." She was missing her usual spunk and star power, but she still sang better than many of the contestants, although Simon pointed out that there was something off.

Video: Tora Woloshin sings the Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction"

NEXT: Stacy Francis, Nick Voss, Caitlin Koch & More Perform