Season 7 Rumors Begin Already

Wow! The memory of Idol's Season 6 isn't even cold yet -- the tour just began for gawd's sake -- and already the rumors for Season 7 have begun, perhaps because auditions are looming. To wit: The they're getting rid of loopy Paula Abdul favorite has been reactivated. This time she's not being replaced by Courtney Love or even Britney Spears (why replace one incoherent idiot with another?), but by Sharon Osbourne!

True or not, Mike (Mr. Rumors While U Wait) Walker of the The National Enquirer -- that pillar of accurate journalism -- is reporting that due to prompting by none other than Paula's alleged BFF Simon Cowell.

The Enquirer says that the producers are tired of Abdul's bizarre behavior on the show and are planning to replace her with Sharon Osbourne. Abdul recently sparked rumors she was drinking or on drugs after she appeared on interviews talking incoherently and looking rough. Producers reportedly think Abdul is hurting the show with her unprofessional appearances.

"They're looking to give 'Idol' a face-lift, and they think Sharon -- who's rated highly with viewers on Simon's other show, 'America's Got Talent' - will bring a fresher look. And they're sure Sharon will play will off Simon’s sharp tongue," one of those (made up?) anonymous sources said.

Abdul allegedly promised she would clean up her behavior but evidence of that has yet to be seen. Producers are reportedly ready to make the deal with Osbourne, but no plans have been finalized yet.

Well, of course they haven't, as the whole thing is either a trial balloon by the producers (unlikely) or created out of whole cloth (very likely) by the tab during the dull Idol off-season.

BTW, only a month ago Walker reported that not only was Abdul being replaced by Britney Spears, but that Randy Jackson was getting the boot as well. Uh-huh.

SANJAYA LOOK-ALIKE CALL

A posting in yesterday's San Jose Mercury News:

Can you look like "American Idol" contestant Sanjaya [Malakar]? If you can, the Mercury News wants to take your picture to honor the "American Idol Tour" visit to San Jose.

We are scheduling photo studio time on Saturday for the first 20 Sanjaya look-alikes who respond to our call. The photo shoot will be at the Mercury News offices. For more information, send an e-mail to features@mercurynews.com.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD'S NEXT RELEASE

CMT revealed that Carrie Underwood's new album is officially set for Oct. 23 release. The title is still to be determined for the project, and recording sessions are still underway with producer Mark Bright, who produced seven tracks on Underwood's 2005 debut album, "Some Hearts." Having co-written one song on "Some Hearts," the new album is expected to showcase more of Underwood's songwriting. "Some Hearts" has sold almost 6 million copies and sold almost 1,095,000 copies since January to remain the best-selling country album so far in 2007.

Before she repeats, however, Underwood can be heard on Brad Paisley's latest album, "5th Gear," on the tune "Oh Love," and she's set to help kick off New York's Fall Fashion Week by performing Sept. 6 at the fourth annual Fashion Rocks! gala at Radio City Music Hall.

FRENCHIE DAVIS STARS IN MAHALIA JACKSON MUSICAL

Playbill reports that the cast is now complete for the Hartford Stage presentation of "Mahalia – A Gospel Musical," starring former "American Idol" contestant and Broadway "Rent" star Frenchie Davis.

Part of the 2007 SummerStage season, the show will take the stage Aug. 2 for a run through Aug. 19.

Hartford Stage associate artistic director Jeremy Cohen directs the work written by Tom Stolz that centers on music star Mahalia Jackson. Billed as "equal parts gospel musical, biography, and revival meeting," Mahalia takes a "look at the music and Civil Rights pioneer and is guaranteed to lift audiences out of their seats with such songs as 'His Eye is on the Sparrow,' 'How I Got Over,' 'Deep River' and 'Move On Up a Little Higher.'"

Davis was a part of the second season of FOX's "American Idol" and has gone on to earn the VH1 Diva Award, star in a national tour of "Dreamgirls" and a European tour of "Little Shop of Horrors" and perform on Broadway in "Rent."

Joining Davis in the cast will be Miche Braden and JMichael. Braden has appeared at Hartford Stage in "The Devil's Music: The Life & Blues of Bessie Smith." Newcomer JMichael made his acting debut in August Wilson's "The Piano Lesson."

The design team features Jeff Cowie (scenic), Dan Covey (lighting), Reggie Ray (costumes) and Michael Miceli (sound).

Tickets for Mahalia at Hartford Stage, 50 Church Street in downtown Hartford, CT, are available by calling (860) 527-5151 or click here for more information.

HEART FULL OF SOUL FOR U.S. TROOPS

PR.com reports that Jewelry Sprout is sponsoring the Proud of Our Troops drive by asking the public to support and uplift U.S. troops by sending them "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks's inspirational book "Heart Full Of Soul." Jewelry Sprout is accepting both the hardcover and the audio versions of the book.

The Proud of Our Troops drive started on June 26, 2006. Part 1 of the drive ran for 21 weeks. 3,157 "Do I Make You Proud" CD's by Taylor Hicks were sent to our men and women overseas. Part 2 of the drive ran for 27 weeks. 2,751 Taylor Hicks CDs were sent to U.S. troops.

www.soldiersangels.org Soldiers' Angels will be distributing the books to U.S. soldiers in each branch of the Armed Forces who are overseas and to soldiers who were wounded in active duty and are recuperating in hospitals. Click here for more information.

HEAD OF THE DAWG POUND SAVES CATS

According to Island Packet, more than 300,000 cats have been adopted from shelters across American since Morris the Cat (from 9Lives cat food) and Randy Jackson (from "American Idol") kicked off the Million Cat Rescue last September.

"Dawg, I'm telling you, dude, this is a crisis. Too many cats need homes," Jackson said by phone. "The good news is that many have been adopted as Morris [and his trainers] travel around the country promoting adoption."

In fact, Jackson put his own paw where his mouth is, adopting the first cat in the march toward 1 million adopted cats. He named the cat Dawg, of course.

On "American Idol," that's how he speaks -- in "Randy-eze." Asked about his own version of English, Jackson chuckles. "Man, that's been my thing for as long as I've been doing it," he says.

Translated, Jackson's been using his own "speak" since launching his long career in the music biz. He's done it all, from playing bass with the '70s rock band Journey to performing alongside such stars as Herbie Hancock and Elton John. He's a Grammy award-winning producer who's worked on more than 1,000 gold and multi-platinum albums. Still, Jackson was pretty much unknown outside the industry until "Idol" began in 2002.

The show was an instant success. "It's very predictable, really," he says. "I can predict that every season there will be surprises. Man, this past season had so many surprises. I was surprised myself. I never would have predicted a 17-year-old girl could win the whole thing. Then came Jordin Sparks. I knew this poised girl with the curly hair and the big natural gift was something special immediately. I can't say I knew she'd win."

"Once we got into the season it clearly became our craziest," Jackson recalls. There was Sanjaya [Malakar] who kept advancing, although it seemed clear all the judges -- even the usually gleeful Paul Abdul -- cringed after his performances. "He had Swaggerdom," explains Jackson.

When it came down to the final three, Jackson said he thought Melinda Doolittle would advance. "She was certainly the steadiest performer week in and week out. For sure, I thought Melinda would duke it out with Jordin. That would have been amazing."

Instead, beat-boxer Blake Lewis landed in the finals with Sparks. As he said repeatedly on "Idol," Jackson is amazed by Sparks' poise. "Listen, man, she has the talent, the potential to be the biggest Idol ever."

When he's not working on "Idol" or promoting pet adoption, Jackson still produces. He recently produced a CD by Sam Moore (half of the vintage Sam and Dave duo), and enlisted stars like Mariah Carey, Vince Gill, Bon Jovi and Eric Clapton to participate. In September, he has a solo CD scheduled for release. "It's a kind of Quincy [Jones] thing, where others participate, too," Jackson hints. "But that's all I can say now."

Click here to learn more about the Million Cat Rescue and when Morris may be visiting your town.

PAULA'S SO HUNGRY, SHE COULD EAT A ... DOG!

If you can stomach it, here are more of Paula Abdul's "adventures" on her reality series, "Hey Paula":

Episode 4, Part 1


Episode 4, Part 2


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American Idol Audition Cities Announced

Well, it was a long time coming, but the producers have finally announced the locations and dates for auditions for Season 7 of "American Idol." Here is the official press release:

THE PHENOMENON CONTINUES

"AMERICAN IDOL" SEASON SEVEN AUDITIONS
BEGIN IN SAN DIEGO MONDAY, JULY 30

Audition Dates Also Set For Dallas, Omaha, Atlanta, Charleston, Miami and Philadelphia

With auditions scheduled in seven cities across the nation, the phenom-
enal AMERICAN IDOL begins its search for the next singing superstar. Once again, talented singers will have an extraordinary opportunity to perform before millions of TV viewers and become household names, with one winning the American Idol title and a major recording contract.

The quest to become the next American Idol is about to start. Auditions for the seventh season of AMERICAN IDOL begin in San Diego , CA , on Monday, July 30, at Qualcomm Stadium.

Auditions will continue in the following cities:
Dallas, Texas Monday, Aug. 6 Texas Stadium
Omaha, Neb. Friday, Aug. 10 Qwest Center
Atlanta, Ga. Tuesday, Aug. 14 TBA
Charleston, S.C. Saturday, Aug. 18 North Charleston Coliseum
Miami, Fla. Wednesday, Aug. 22 AmericanAirlines Arena
Philadelphia, Pa. Monday, Aug. 27 Wachovia Center

Audition informa-
tion for these cities will be an-
nounced shortly. Season Seven of AMERICAN IDOL premieres in January 2008 on FOX.

SAN DIEGO AUDITIONS
WHO: Men and women 16 to 28 years old on July 28, 2007 and eligible to work in the United States . Restrictions apply – please go to Americanidol.com for specifics.

WHEN: Monday, July 30

WHERE: Qualcomm Stadium
9449 Friars RoadSan Diego, CA 92108

LINEUP: Wristbands will be given out from Saturday, July 28 (starting time TBA), until 8:00 AM on Monday, July 30. Auditioners will not be permitted to camp out; therefore, once they obtain their wristbands, they will be asked to return to Qualcomm Stadium on Monday, July 30. Additional information is available at Americanidol.com.

USA Today reports that according to Fox estimated, last year the auditions attracted 100,000 hopefuls.

"We do like to see America," executive producer Nigel Lythgoe says of the annual search for vocal talent. Smaller cities, such as Charleston or an earlier site, Greensboro, N.C., "produce some wonderful stuff."

The tryouts will start a week earlier than last season because producers also will be conducting auditions for a new Fox reality series, "The Search for the Next Great American Band."

Whether any city will perform as well as Season 6's Seattle, much maligned by judge Simon Cowell, remains to be seen. (Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis auditioned in Seattle.)

"It's amazing, isn't it?" Lythgoe says. "Everything was condemned about Seattle … and out of it came Sanjaya [Malakar], the two finalists and the songwriters" who wrote Sparks' finale single.

After battling the elements in some earlier seasons, Idol will hold most auditions indoors, save for Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego and Dallas' Texas Stadium, which has a partly covered roof.

As with past audition tours, Idol producers will narrow each city's field to 300 to 400 of the best and worst singers. Lythgoe and co-executive producer Ken Warwick will then cull to about 120 per city to sing to judges Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

Producers want to find a way to make sure more good singers make it through the initial auditions and the Hollywood round and into the final 24.

"Too many slipped through the net," Lythgoe says, adding that no big changes are planned.

MELINDA DOOLITTLE HELPS BATTLE MALARIA IN AFRICA

Season 6 third-place "Ameri-
can Idol" finalist Melinda Doolittle will travel to Zambia on June 28 with Malaria No More to see and participate in malaria prevention programs as a part of First Lady Laura Bush's upcoming trip through Africa, according to PRNewswire. During the four-day tour, Doolittle will see the impact of malaria on the continent firsthand and assist in a distribution of 500,000 bed nets in Lusaka, Zambia to at-risk populations.

The bed nets distributed in Zambia represent the first installment of funds contributed to Malaria No More by Idol Gives Back, American Idol's two-day charity special that raised over $70 million dollars for programs aiding children in Africa and America. Malaria is the No. 1 killer of children younger than 5 in Africa, claiming more than 1 million lives a year worldwide.

"Traveling to Africa has always been a lifelong dream of mine," said Soolittle. "I am very excited to travel with the First Lady and Malaria No More and to show the impact the viewers of "American Idol" have had through their help and support during Idol Gives Back."

The distribu-
tion will take place through an innovative program called Reaching HIV/AIDS Affected People with Integrated Development and Support (RAPIDS), which uses community health volunteers who travel into rural areas of Zambia on bicycles. In addition to bed nets, the volunteers deliver HIV/AIDS medication, nutrition supplements and toys for children.

Doolittle will help load bed nets onto the bikes of community health workers who will deliver them to remote communities. She also plans to perform a song as a part of the day’s program. On June 29th, she will visit various malaria sites, including a health clinic where children with malaria are treated.

JORDIN SPARKS GEARS UP FOR THE IDOL TOUR

ETOnline caught up with Jordin Sparks as she and the other finalists rehearse in Burbank, Calif., for the 2007 Idols Live! Tour, which kicks off on July 6 in Sunrise, Fla. Sparks said, "My mom is going to come for the first leg of the tour, then my nana and then my uncle is going to come because he loves music. I was, 'You need to come with me.' He is 23. It is going to be really cool."

In addition to rehearsals for the tour, which will feature music not performed this past season on the show, Jordin has already begun reviewing songs for her album.

"I actually got a couple of songs the other day," she reveals. "I love them. I am so excited about them. I haven't gone and recorded anything yet. We are still in the starting stages of it."

That means Jordin is going to have to fly back and forth between Los Angeles and the cities where she is performing to get the job done. "I am just praying that my voice stays up," she adds.

Life for the sixth "American Idol" has changed dramatically now that her time isn't her own. But she insists that she doesn't regret it for a minute. "I still can't believe it is actually happening," she admits. "It has been great. I asked for it, and I am so glad I got it."

FANTASIA PRAYS CHURCH GROUPS KEEP COMING

According to the New York Post, while "The Color Purple" has enjoyed a steady stream of business in the past year, the addition of "American Idol" winner Fantasia in the lead has led to a huge financial windfall for the production.

The play has been grossing more than $1 million a week since Fantasia’s arrival in April, and advance ticket sales are nearing $10 million, thanks in large part to scores of church groups across the country who board buses and attend shows as part of package deals.

Stand outside the Broadway Theatre on any given day, and you'll see four or five buses, some from as far away as Chattanooga and Atlanta, unloading their passengers. (Not all the groups are from churches. The show also attracts student groups, labor groups, even family reunions.)

The Post followed one such group, "The Jewels of Ebenezer," from Fort Washington, Md.'s Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church. They were 56 deep -– including some grandchildren and one husband -– as they arrived at the Broadway Theatre following a 6½-hour trip. Ebenezer African Methodist has a 10,000-member congregation. The church has already sent two groups to "The Color Purple" and plans to send more in the fall. The cost is $160 per person and includes an orchestra ticket, transportation and dinner after the show at Applebee's.

After the show, The Post arranged a surprise for some of the Jewels: A meeting with Fantasia. Ebenezer Jewel Lucille Goldsborough, 82, was touched by the movie version of "The Color Purple" when she saw it back in 1985. But she was moved to the point of tears when Fantasia won "American Idol" in 2004. She hugged the star and said, "Oh, Fantasia, I watched you from the very beginning, and I prayed for you, I prayed for you."

"Mama, keep praying for me," Fantasia said, wiping away tears. "You all got me crying now," she added.

The Jewels were crying, too. Jean Hicks, a semi-retired health-care worker, said: "Look what God has done for you. You are so blessed." She added: "I'm your new grandma!"

"Yes ma'am, you sure are," Fantasia replied, hugging her.

Later, over dinner, Goldsborough said: "Some stars get a big head when they make it, but Fantasia's stayed true to herself. She's humble."

"You can tell she's getting used to her popularity," said Hicks. "You know, she's got the designer dress and the designer shoes. But she's down-to-earth. It all hasn't gone to her head."

CAR TROUBLE FOR JESSICA SIERRA

The St. Petersburg Times reports that a local rental car company manager has accused Season 4 "American Idol" finalist Jessica Sierra of keeping kept her rental vehicle 12 days over its due date without paying.

Robert Wilson of Apple Rental Cars on 12606 N Nebraska Ave. in Tampa said he filed a complaint with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office on Saturday when Sierra didn't respond to a registered letter requesting she return the 2004 silver Kia Optima and pay her outstanding debt.

Sierra, 21, first rented the vehicle on May 23, Wilson said, at a rate of $521 per week including fees for being younger than 25 and lacking her own auto insurance. Though Sierra renewed her use of the car several times, Wilson said, she stopped paying on June 13 and had not been heard from again - until Monday.

Before 5:45 p.m. Monday, Sierra brought the car back, Wilson said: "She just said it was a misunderstanding, that's all."

Sierra's attorney, John Fitzgibbons, confirmed Sierra had been renting the Kia for the last month and had re-rented it several times.

A Sheriff's Office spokesman could not be reached Monday to confirm the agency's receipt of Wilson's complaint.

Wilson said the 2005 Idol star, who grew up in Tampa, owes the business at least $643.40 -- and possibly as much as $893.40, depending on the condition of the car. Wilson said Sierra told him to bill her.

Sierra has had her share of legal complications since placing 10th in the televised singing contest two years ago. Last year, a 59-year-old California man was arrested on charges he was stalking the young star. Then, Sierra was booked into jail April 29 at Hyde Park Cafe after Tampa police said she threw a cocktail glass at another patron's head.

Free on bail, she faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, possession of cocaine and introduction of contraband into a detention facility in that incident. Wisam Hadad, 28, whose forehead was hit by the cocktail glass, is suing Sierra and the restaurant, saying he suffered mental and physical damage during the Hyde Park incident.

PLANE TROUBLE FOR FRENCHIE DAVIS

According to EURweb, "American Idol" second season finalist Frenchie Davis says she was a victim of racism by a passenger and flight attendants on Alaska Air, and plans to discuss her ordeal in a press conference scheduled for this week in Los Angeles.

Davis' rep says she was seated by the window at 1:30 p.m. for a scheduled 1:55 p.m. takeoff on Friday. A man and his son had the seats next to her, but the boy complained that he didn't want to sit next to the "big black person."

The man asked Davis to put her armrest down between her and the boy, but she had already fallen asleep as the plane began to taxi down the runway. According to her rep, the man "stands up and shakes Frenchie violently saying wake up and put the armrest down right now. She tells him to take his hands off her."

The man allegedly asked flight attendants to call security because this "big black woman is harassing him," the rep recounts, adding that two flight attendants responded, but didn't bother to ask Davis her side of the story. They alledgedly just demanded that she move.

Davis told the attendants that she was attacked, the rep said, but the pilot somehow got involved, turned the plane around and headed back to the gate, where Davis "winds up off the plane and misses her flight to her next professional singing performance." The rep said, "A few witnesses give her their information and tell her if she needs a witness to call them."

HEY, PAULA! ABDUL IS A TIGHTLY WOUND WOMAN

The Los Angeles Times reviewed Paula Abdul's new Bravo reality series, "Hey Paula." The most telling information comes in the last two paragraphs:

"She yells at her stylist, she yells at her lawyer, she yells at her publicist (not the venerable Howard Bragman, whom she recently, and publicly, fired) even though they are all her very best friends. Destined to be what was once referred to as a camp classic, 'Hey Paula' attempts to show the hard work it takes to be Paula Abdul. In this, it succeeds. Few will watch her days unfold with envy. But what Abdul may think makes her look wacky in a lovable and artistically driven way instead creates a portrait of a tightly wound, isolated woman who clearly thinks she is a much better version of what she actually is.

It's not so much a question of watching 'Hey Paula' as it is rubbernecking. That the show has Abdul's full and enthusiastic support may relieve some of the guilt of watching this clearly troubled woman have a hissy fit over the wrong pair of sneakers, but it doesn't do much for the queasiness factor. Which remains very high."

And so it goes.

VIDEO OF THE DAY

The 10 Idol finalists inter-
viewed by Fox's Good Day LA, goofing around and opening asking for swag. Blake Lewis first threatens to shave Sanjaya's head in the night (Phil Stacey volunteers the use of his razor), kids he can't stand Jordin, then sings to Steve Jobs to send him a new Mac. The "kids" would also like Gibson guitars and add that they all love iPhones, with Phil saying that they're taking tips from Elliott. It's a hoot. Watch video here.

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© 2007

This and That

IT'S NOT OVER
According to AmericanIdol.com Daughtry has become the #1 top selling album in the country for the second time this year, in an incredible 15-week run that has seen the debut artist, album and single – "It’s Not Over"– shatter so many records that the milestones are becoming too numerous to list. Debuting at #2 on November 21, 2006, the double-platinum album (certified this week by the RIAA) has been in the top 3 of the Billboard Top 200 albums chart for 9 weeks.

"Daughtry" has remained in the Top 10 every week except one since launch, and is the first rock band release in nearly 20 years – since Bon Jovi’s 1988 classic New Jersey– to hit the top spot after debuting below #1 and the first rock band to hit the #1 spot a second time more than 5 weeks after it first topped the chart without debuting there since Santana's "Supernatural" in 2000. The band and album are drawing over one million views per week to their artist site (www.daughtryofficial.com) and remain a Top 10 staple on iTunes since release.

The group's “Home” was chosen as the elimination song this season on "American Idol." This week “Home” moved up from #119 to #62 on the Digital Songs Chart with track sales at 17K, up 81% from the prior week. Other significant uses for the stirring ballad are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

“The tremendous radio and video support, the great crowds we get at our shows, the intensity of our online fans – all of it – is everything any artist could ever ask for,” said Chris Daughtry. “We see all these new faces everyday at our shows, including great, great rock fans who make each performance an adventure ... I want all of our fans to know that every song we play is a thank you right back at each and every one of them for standing by us in such an awesome way.”

And now Chris is giving back something to his fans. Go to his site to find out how to enter Daughtry's "It's Not Over Video Contest". Make a video for the song "It's Not Over" and you could win the grand prize of $3,000, or one of two 1st place prizes of $1,000.

You'll build your video on partner site, Musicbox. Use the online editing tool to drag and drop clips of Daughtry performing the song to the timeline. You can add your own video clips and photos, and drag them around the timeline to create a video sequence you like, then add the complete audio track of "It's Not Over." That's all there is to it. Open to legal permanent residents of the United States 18 years of age or older. No purchase necessary.

SOMEONE THINKS IT'S A LOCK

On his KIIS radio program in Los Angeles, Ryan Seacrest interviewed the four semi-finalists that were eliminated on Thursday. He first spoke with Sundance Head and Sabrina Sloan. Sundance told Ryan that when he heard that he had been eliminated, "I was shocked, I was amazed. I had not prepared myself for that at all ... I was a little angry, I was kind of mad ... I can definitely say my heart was broken. I felt it didn't go the way it should've went." When Seacrest asked Sundance "Is there anybody that thinks they've won this competition, that really believes that they're in already?" Head said, "yes," then added it was a male contestant. When asked if this person actually said that in front of the others, Head said, "Yeah, in ways, yeah" and that he did it "all the time." When Sundance tried to switch the conversation back to himself, Ryan said, "You don't like him," and Sundance answered, "no." Later, when Seacrest interviewed Jared Cotter and Antonella Barba, he told them what Sundance had said and asked Jared who the contestant was. It was obvious Jared knew what he was talking about, but neither he nor Antonella would name the confident male finalist who was, according to Ryan, "creating a little animosity within the group." Guesses? We're thinking Blake Lewis. You can hear Sundance and Sabrina here. And you can listen to Jared and Antonella here.

LYTHGOE ON O'DONNELL

Seacrest also spoke with executive producer Nigel Lythgoe about Rosie Donnell's accusations that "American Idol" is racist and weightist. Addressing the differences between the Frenchie Davis and Antonella Barba cases, Lythgoe said, "It's two totally different cases. Antonella had some personal photographs put on a Web site and Frenchie was actually supplying photographs to a pornographic Web site. They're totally, utterly different."

Speaking about O'Donnell, herself, Lythgoe said, "Once you get in a situation where you can have a view and then put it on television and discuss something, with that comes a responsibility. And that responsibility is you think before you open your mouth.

"And, I'm sorry, if you're going to talk about 'American Idol' being racist that is utterly crazy ... Talent does not recognize color or size. And if you're talking about size, look at our past contestants, Ruben [Studdard]for instance. Randy Jackson, himself. We don't look at size or color of skin on 'American Idol.' LaKisha [Jones], Mandisa [Hundley], you know, these are not small people."

"... And what it does in truth is cloud the true issues of racism, because, you know, if you cry 'wolf' and say this is racist, it just distracts people's attention from true racism that's going on."

When asked, Lythgoe said it had not been his decision to withhold "American Idol" clips from "The View." That decision, he said, was made by Fox. You can hear the entire interview here.

And according to TMZ.com, O'Donnell had this to say in her blog at rosie.com (warning: spellings unchanged):

what can u say really
from the coca-cola red couch
i call it as i see it
nigel l - sam r
same same same
1985 - 2007
blah blah blah blha
blha blha blah blha

O'Donnell appears to equate Nigel Lythgoe with Sam Riddle ("sam r"), the producer of "Star Search," where O'Donnell got her start by winning several weeks in a row.

TAYLOR HELPS AT HOME

KIIS L.A. reports that when reigning American Idol champion Taylor Hicks returned home to Birmingham, Ala., to perform this weekend, he gave back to the community. Hicks partnered with the American Red Cross to raise funds for victims of the violent tornado that struck Enterprise, Ala., on March 2, killing eight students and destroying the local high school.

Hicks, a native of Birmingham, appeared in his hometown at the Alabama Theater on March 10 and 11. Both shows sold out prior to the tragic events of March 2. After the tornado struck, Hicks invited the Red Cross to collect money on site and educate concert-goers on what they can do to help those affected by the tornado. During his Birmingham visit, Hicks will also be presented with the key to the city, which he will dedicate to the victims of the deadly tornado.

"This tragedy affected me very personally," says Hicks. "I know Enterprise, and have friends from there. When I heard the news, I wanted to be able to do something concrete to help all of the folks affected by the tornado. And I wanted to do it sooner rather than later, as these people need our help now."

This is not the first time Hicks has teamed up with the Red Cross. A portion of the proceeds from his first single, "Do I Make You Proud," goes to the charity, a campaign that continues with the sale of every single and paid digital download. "Do I Make You Proud" hit No. 1 on The Billboard Hot 100 and was the magazine's best-selling single of 2006, with over 460,000 sold to date.

Hicks' new single, "Just to Feel That Way," moves up to No. 25 this week on the Adult Contemporary chart this week.

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© 2007

American Idol Rewind?

OK, before we begin, we must reveal "American Idol's" newest scandal, and it has nothing to do with Antonella Barba. In fact, it involves Jordin Sparks. This is supposed to be a live show, right? Well if you taped it, TiVo'd it or DVR'd it, run right back to your TV and go to the last 10 seconds of Sparks' performance. You'll notice on that last killer note, she drops the microphone to her side a full two seconds before the sound of her voice ends. The voice just continues -- full blast -- without the mic. Huh? Take a look:


Are they backing up the performances with the dress rehearsal vocals? What up Idol? Some 'splaining needs to be done -- and fast!

That being said, when you think about the men and women performing this year, the sexes seem to have reversed roles (and we're not even talking about Sanjaya Malakar here). Men are taught to be competitive from the day they are born. It starts with sports, continues with schooling and usually culminates in the business world. Of course, women are competitive, too, yet they're taught to be more subtle about it (i.e. hide the claws and the backstabbing, you're not supposed to know they're being competitive).

Yet, when it comes to this season's "Idol," it's the women who are the aggressors, unafraid to take the risks and let you know how badly they want to be in the Top 12. They pick the power songs, sing them to maximum effect and dress to kill. They even listen to the judges ... and learn. Simon tells Gina she's lost her edginess? She drops the feminine dresses, puts her tongue stud back in her mouth, dons her jeans, boots, one net glove and leather accessories and sings Evanescence. Simon tells LaKisha her neon orange blouse and mini-skirt are distracting and unbecoming? She returns the next week dressed in an elegant black satin below-the-knee evening dress, complete with rhinestone-studded sandals. All three judges tell Antonella her singing is pitchy and her song choices (Celine Dion) exceed her capabilities? Even she comes back with a more appropriate song (Corinne Rae Bailey) for her voice and range (just for the record, Antonella always looks good). So what's up with the guys? Guess, they just don't get it.

So we hope this week America finally voted with their ears and brains instead of their hearts, geographical location or genitals.

The evening started out on an odd note. In Ryan's intro, he mentioned that Paula was missing, but we'll find her. A few minutes later, as Seacrest introduced the judges, Simon told Ryan that Paula had been under the desk, with Randy adding that she had been "getting something for me." Ryan immediately tried to shut down that line of conversation, repeating at least three times that it was a family show. We think Paula even blushed.

Before Jordin Sparks sang "Heartbreaker," by Pat Benatar, she revealed that football is a huge part of her life and that she even wears face paint to games. Do you care? We didn't. This theme, for the most part is so lame. After last week's emotional performance, Jordin apparently decided to show her edge, rocking jeans, black polish on her toenails and sporting a nose stud. The beginning of the performance lacked energy, and at times was pitchy and off-key, but it built as it went and Sparks carried it off (or did she? She above). Randy said its wasn't Jordin's best performance, and had pitchy spots, but was still dope and better than the boys, while Paula told Jordin that each week she was getting better and better. Simon, not quite as enthusiastic, said it was a bit manic and a bit shrieky in the middle and wasn't Jordin's strongest performance in the past three weeks, but that she'd done well, showed her personality and that he was 100 percent sure that she'll be there next week.

Sabrina Sloan tells us that she always wanted to be the next Katie Couric and hosted a weekly TV show in high school. We see amateur-hour film clips of her as a school reporter with much darker hair. She looked absolutely fabulous, but her rendition of En Vogue's "Don't Let Go" went pitchy and flat in places. We still think she has a powerhouse voice and deserves a place in the finals, but also realize that people seem to either love her and hate her; there doesn't seem to be a gray area and that could be dangerous. Randy thought the performance was solid, but wished the song choice had a little more melody, but Paula thought Sabrina brought a whole different energy and told her she can "sing, sing, sing." Simon, though he admitted she's a great singer, said Sabrina lacked emotion and was a bit robotic, reminding him of a hotel resort performance. He also told her without personality her voice will only take her so far, a point we understood, because we really don't feel we know Sabrina at all. But when Ryan asked the judges whether Sabrina deserved to be in the finals, they all said "yes" without a second's hesitation.

Up next was Antonella Barba, who told us she played violin since age 4, though she was a little rusty. Barba set her sights lower this week, choosing Corinne Rae Bailey's "Put Your Records On." Was it as bad as last week. No (was that even possible?). Was it bad? Well, yes. Problem is, Barba is just a capable singer and so totally out of her element in a group of women who can "really blow," as Randy would say, that she sticks out like a sore thumb. She should have never made the semis. But in spite of everything we've heard (and seen), we almost felt sorry for her last night. Randy complimented her on the song choice, but added it was pitchy in the middle and was just an OK performance. Paula also said it was the right song choice, but added that Antonella had to watch out for the bottom notes. Simon, trying to keep it real, told Antonella that she had gone as far as she can go. He also, for the first time on the show, indirectly opened up the Internet photos can of worms by saying that Antonella had taken a lot of stick from the media and had handled it well, and that nobody should be put in that situation. But, he added, he wasn't going to patronize her. It wasn't her worst performance, but he wished she were a better singer.

Haley Scarnato was a gymnast as a child, until she dislocated both of her shoulders. She then discovered singing. Her version of Faith Hill's "If My Heart Had Wings" sounded mechanical and rushed to us. It lacked emotion and phrasing. We found it deadly dull and probably her worst performance. Randy said he wasn't jumping up and down but that it was pretty much in tune, but added it had no pizzazz, no wow, no "yo" factor (a term he then used repeatedly the rest of the night). Paula thought she sang it well, but Simon (thank god) called it what it really was, "horrible, just horrible, like a ghastly high school musical performance." He might have gone a bit too far when he tried to express to Haley how forgettable she was by telling her he didn't even know her name (ouch!).

Stephanie Edwards tells us she used to be real shy, but isn't anymore. Here's our problem with Stephanie: She's got a great voice and she looks great, but almost without exception we've hated her song choices, and that includes tonight's "Sweet Thing" by Chaka Khan. For us, there has been a lack of melody in everything she's chosen (last week it was Beyoncé's "Dangerously in Love") and we find it hard to get into the music, or the performance. Ultimately, we find ourselves not listening and not caring, even though she has an amazing set of pipes. Randy gave her an "A' for effort, but said it was just OK for him, but Paula called it "darn near flawless" and said she has great showmanship. Simon told her she was one of the best they've got and that she had done 100 percent enough to sing herself to the Top 12 next week.

LaKisha Jones is terrified of animals -- all animals. OK girls, want to get her out of the competition? Smuggle a critter backstage. Otherwise Ms. Jones is not going anywhere. She took on Whitney Houston's "I have Nothing" and did it justice. She might have an even bigger voice thn Whitney. My only complaint? I would have liked to hear the entire song, not just 90 seconds. Randy said it was another great performance by the great LaKisha, while Paula told her "You’re going to stay right here, and you’re going to work on being the next Idol." Simon added that LaKisha had brought passion, talent, believability, and (in a jab at Randy) of course the "yo" factor. He also sweetly added, "tonight you look beautiful." Ryan then told us that LaKisha's auntie and mama need their own show, while the camera panned to them, wearing LaKisha T-shirts and carrying on in the audience. This elicited an "Oh my, I told them not to act up!" remark from a laughing LaKisha.

Yea for Gina Glocksen! She really stepped it up this week and became edgy girl again, down to the stud in her tongue. After sitting through a look at her troll, pickle and other lucky charms (which, by the way, weren't magically delicious) she performed Evanescence's "Call me When You're Sober." We were a little worried by that choice. After all, it's no small thing to take on Amy Lee. And the performance wasn't perfect. It was pitchy in places and screamy in others, but it was also high-energy rocker, which is what we thought Gina was all along, but hadn't exhibited until tonight. Randy pointed out the pitch problems, but said the real Gina came out tonight and advised her to keep the edge alive, keep the "yo" going. Paula warned her to avoid oversinging but also said this is the style that suits you best. Simon told Gina it was the first time he had seen her looking comfortable throughout the competition and even though she had tended to scream the song, she was a breath of fresh air and that with choosing better, more melodic songs she could do well. He ended by saying "I really, really hope you make it through next week."

Last up was Melinda Doolittle. In the pimp spot. You go girl -- and she did. But first Melinda had to tell us about her Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which she likes to think of as "equal opportunity." If she chews 10 times on the right side, she then chews 10 times on the left side. If she touches something cold with her left hand, she then touches something cold with her right hand. More information than we really needed (though charmingly explained) and thank god she didn't go into her toilet habits. Being a master of phrasing, she killed with Peggy Lee's "I'm a Woman." No contest. Randy told her, "You turned it out, the hottest one of the night," adding that she was a consummate pro. Paula called her so phenomenal and fantastic. But we enjoyed Simon's comment best. After a prolonged smile, he said, "You little tiger. I thought we had a pussycat. I loved that." He then said that it was quite obvious how good a singer Melinda is and that it is very, very nice that Melinda is actually enjoying every second on the show instead of viewing it, as others did, as a stepping stone, which was a direct shot at Jennifer Hudson's remark about "Idol" after she won her Oscar.

Top 2 in descending order: Melinda Doolittle, LaKisha Jones

Bottom 2 in descending order: Antonella Barba, Haley Scarnato

Everyone else, in no particular order: Sabrina Sloan, Stephanie Edwards, Gina Glocksen, Jordin Sparks

Should go: Antonella Barba, Haley Scarnato
Will go: Haley Scarnato, Sabrina Sloan

ROSIE THE RIVETING

Rosie O'Donnell just can't stop complaining ... about everything. And it must be "American Idol's" turn in the barrel again. Apparently inspired by an interview with Frenchie Davis in the New York Post, O'Donnell called "Idol" weightist and racist. Davis, a contestant during Season 2, was booted from the competition when producers discovered she had bared her breasts on an adult Web site five years earlier. Since current contestant Antonella Barba was not booted, in spite of the fact that revealing photos of her have also shown up on the Internet, Davis told The Post that she's wondering why "Idol" producers have applied a double standard.

"I couldn't help but notice the difference between the manner in which she was dealt with and how I was dealt with," Davis told The Post. "I think it's fantastic if 'Idol' has evolved and I think it's fantastic she won't have to go through what I went through four years ago. But if the rules have changed, I believe there should be something to make up for the fact that I was humiliated needlessly."

Davis added, "I was up-front about those photographs and I had taken them five years before I was on 'Idol' ... It's not necessarily something I'm proud of, but not something I regret, either. It happened and I was honest about it ... and weeks later they decided to kick me off the show. They said it was because of the photographs, but my photos certainly weren't sexual."

Davis, who has appeared in "Rent" for the past four years and ends her run on May 24, said she's willing to give "Idol" producers "the benefit of the doubt." "I'm willing to say maybe the rules have changed, and I think that's great. But it was a very painful experience for me and it was humiliating for my parents."

So what does any of this have to do with Rosie O'Donnell? The same day the story ran in The Post, Rosie went into a rant on "The View" saying that "Idol" canned Davis for her breast-baring snapshots, but kept current wannabe Antonella Barba despite hers -- because Davis is black and fat and Barba is, well, not. "It's weightist and wacist," said Rosie, doing her best Donald Duck impression.

Instead of ignoring O'Donnell as the gnat that she is, Idol's executive producers decided to forbid "The View" from showing any more clips from "American Idol," which, of course, set Rosie off again on "The View."

But that wasn't enough. Idol Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe stupidly chose to prolong the discussion yesterday by issuing a statement:

"Without wishing to add to the obvious self-promotion of Ms. O'Donnell, I feel as though I must refute her absurd and ridiculous claims that AMERICAN IDOL is racist and/or weightist. Ms. O'Donnell has, once again, spoken without thought or knowledge.Viewers need only look at the show tonight to realize that AMERICAN IDOL constantly confirms to America that talent has nothing to do with weight or color."

Nigel Lythgoe
Executive Producer
AMERICAN IDOL

OK, glad you all got that off your collective chests. Now will everybody just shut up?

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