Bye Bye Baby, Baby Goodbye

TMZ is reporting that former "American Idol" finalist Jessica Sierra is no longer pregnant. The site says it was given the information by a family member, though they would not confirm exactly what happened.

Sierra's pregnancy was revealed in December, while the former reality star was in jail.

Jessica can currently be seen on "Celebrity Rehab" on VH1 and in her sex tape, "Jessica Sierra Superstar," which was released last week.

***



Tuesday night's Idol was also about saying goodbye. Only 50 of the 164 Hollywood Golden Ticket winners would be left after Hollywood Week ended. The rules were changed this year. No more group singing. Performers were allowed to play musical instruments on their first time singing, something that did not work to every instrumentalist's advantage.

If you were put through on your first song, you got a pass to relax the next couple of days. If the judges didn't like the first performance, you got a "second-chance performance." On the second-chance performance, you were lined up with 10 others and each sang a cappella. You either moved on or went home.

On the last day, each of the remaining contestants sang a song of their choice from a list of 200, accompanied by piano and backup singers. The judges narrowed the field to 50. Half will be eliminated tonight and we begin voting on the 12 female semifinalists on Tuesday, the 12 males on Wednesday, and eliminate two of each next Thursday for three weeks until we reach the 12 finalists.

We saw some great performances last night. We saw some performers fall apart. We saw performers we previously disliked all of a sudden sound great, i.e. Carly (Carol Hennessy) Smithson (mea culpa, we wanted to hate her), who Paula Abdul called "a force to be reckoned with," then turned to the other contestants still waiting to perform and pronounced, "All of you should be very scared of her," with Simon Cowell chiming in, "You should all hate her because she's very good." Smithson's version of "Alone" was amazing. We certainly understand why she previously had a major-label record contract. If she becomes the next Idol, will her next CD be as disastrous as her first?

The person we just couldn't stand, who made us cringe whenever he came on camera, was 18-year-old cry baby Josiah Leming, who always had an excuse -- and tears -- for a bad performance. Please, Josiah, crawl back into that sad excuse for a home you have -- your car -- and drive away ... fast!

Also needing elimination (though he, and Josiah, won't receive it until tonight) was Kyle Ensley, the 21-year-old who would someday like to be governor of Oklahoma. We broke out in hives during his horrible rendition of Edison Ligthouse's "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)." He somewhat redeemed himself with his second-chance audition of Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up," but do we really need another Kevin Covais to squirm through until he gets sent home?

And though we know he ultimately makes it through to the Top 24, we can't understand the judges' passion for fresh-faced 16-year-old singer David Archuleta. For some reason, the former "Star Search Junior" winner really rubs us the wrong way. We only hope he'll get eliminated during the semifinals, but we bet he doesn't.



Other annoying things:

• We're tired with the new "kinder" Simon Cowell, both during the audition shows and last night, when he apologized to Kyle Ensley after walking out during his initial Hollywood audition. Certainly the producers know we tune in to see snarky Simon not sympathetic Simon.


• We're tired of Simon saying "I know," whenever someone tells him "I love you."


• We're tired of him (or Randy) saying, "of course," when a contestant announces what song they'll be singing.


• We're tired of looking at a row of really icky green tongues (which we assume were throat lozenges to ease sore vocal cords)


• And we're tired of being reminded by Ryan Seacrest, about every 7 minutes over the course of the two-hour show, that this is the best field of auditioners they've ever had. Do they think if they say that often enough we'll actually believe and buy into it?

Yes, there are some singers we've seen with great potential. Some, though few, already seem memorable, such as rock 'n' roll nurse Amanda Overmyer, whose voice we can't get out of our head. She's certainly another force to be reckoned with. There was judge favorite David Hernandez of Glendale, Ariz. But will the voting public really choose a second Idol from Jordin Sparks' stomping ground two years in a row?

Also knocking our socks off was Asia'h Epperson, who lost her father on her way to the Miami auditions. She was so choked with emotion at her initial tryout it was hard to judge her voice. No longer. It's a great voice and great style, enhanced by her good looks.

We were less impressed with others we know will make the Top 24 tonight. Their voices were serviceable, if not memorable. Those include Colton Berry, who we saw for the first time and only for a scant few seconds; Michael (Lee) Johns, the overconfident good-looking Aussie rocker whom the girls will love (we've already dubbed him this year's Constantine Maroulis after he took on "Bohemian Rhapsody"), but who sings with a complete lack of passion. Singing with more passion, but at this point still leaving us a bit cold is David Cook, another rocker. Is this the Bo Bice/Constantine Maroulis male rocker battle for 2008? And how does rocker Robbie Carrico fit into the equation? Frankly, he's our favorite of the three at this point.

Then there was Kristy Lee Cook, who again depended on religion to get her through. She did a repeat performance of "Amazing Grace," her initial audition song, to survive the second-chance round. Also receiving spots, some more easily than others, were Danny Noriega, Ramiele Malubay, and certainly the litte engine who could, Syesha Mercado. The latter was almost eliminated because of voice difficulties, but came back like gangbusters with Aretha Franklin's "Chain of Fools" on her second-chance try. Of course, Syesha sang the same song of ABC's 2006 reality series "The One: Making a Music Star" Check it out by clicking here. Syesha, who is not only pretty but has an incredible figure, reminds us a lot of Season 4's Nadia Turner in looks and singing style. We just hope she doesn't make the same poor song choices that Nadia did.

But still we wonder: Are any of the these four good enough to go the whole distance?



SPOILER ... SPOILER ... SPOILER ... SPOILER

Here is a repeat of the leaked list of 24 semifinalists. Will it be right again this year? Watch tonight and find out.

1. Alaina Whitaker
2. Alexandréa "Alex" Lushington
3. Amanda Overmyer
4. Amy Davis
5. Asia'h Epperson
6. Brooke White
7. Carol "Carly" Hennessy/Smithson
8. Joanne Borgella
9. Kady Malloy
10. Kristy Cook
11. Ramiele Malubay
12. Syesha Mercado

1. Chikezie Eze
2. Colton Berry
3. Danny Noriega
4. David Archuleta
5. David Cook
6. David Hernandez
7. Garrett Haley
8. Jason Castro
9. Jason Yeager
10. Luke Menard
11. Michael (Lee)/Johns
12. Rob "Robbie" Carrico

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2008

Paula Abdul's Sexy Thoughts

No, no, it not what you think. Sexy Thoughts is actually the name of Paula Abdul's new scent. Access Hollywood reports that Abdul can now can add one more item to her resume: professional fragrance creator.

"When I wear my fragrance, its the strangest thing. I look around for Ashton Kutcher," Paula told Access Hollywood. "I think I'm getting 'Punk'd' for real!"

The pop icon joins the ranks of other famous entertainers, like Britney and J.Lo; Partnering with perfume lab Fermenich to create her sweet scent, Sexy Thoughts.

"It's something that happens when people smell me," said Paula, referring to the fragrance's alluring name. "It provokes that! Its fun, its flirty, its chic. Its sexy."

But expect more than one Paula when you get your hands on her signature smell:

"There are times when I'm shy, there are times when I'm playful. There's times when I'm very powerful," Paula remarked. "It totally captures the spirit of who I am."

And Paula was definitely in "playful" mode when she said she took the time to create something special for her "American Idol" sparring partner, Simon Cowell.

"In the middle of coming up with my fragrance line, I asked the question, 'by any chance do you have anything that smells like cat pee, and cow poop and like farts?' And all three, as a matter of fact --'yes, yes, and yes,'" Paula joked. "And I want to put those elements -- the cat pee, the horse poop and fart -- in a bottle, and call it 'Ode to Simonella.'"

Paula told Access that she has specific plans for her Simon-inspired concoction.

"I'm going to put it together and I'm going to surprise him next season," she gleefully explained, "and douse it all over the chair!"

Well, alrighty then.

There's also a weird short video that accompanies the story in which Paula discusses the Simon's products, mantox and top shelf.

THE HARDEST WORKING PERSON IN SHOW BUSINESS

That's the title that Jordin Sparks can lay claim to according the Billboard. The publica-
tion says the Season 6 champ is in the midst of rehearsals for the American Idols Live! tour, which kicks off Friday in Sunrise, Fla. Sparks told Billboard.com that she's also started working on her album, which she hopes to release before Thanksgiving.

"It's going well," Sparks says of the album, "We've had some meetings, and the other night I recorded a song. I can't tell you details or anything like that, but I am very excited about it."

Actually, Sparks revealed that she worked with the production team Stargate on the track, but she'll be spending a lot more time on the album throughout the summer and into the early fall. "I'll be flying in and out as much as I can from the tour to get it done," she says. "And I'm assuming that after the tour's over I'll hit the studio pretty hard to finish it."

Sparks says she wants a "radio friendly" album that mixes the pop/rock sound of inaugural "Idol" Kelly Clarkson with the R&B edge of Beyonce. "It's hard to get at what my sound is," Sparks notes, "but I think that's what I'm trying to get."

Her own songwriting also isn't a priority for the album. "I write a lot of poems," she says, "and maybe I could get something on this first album, but I'm not sure. Eventually I'd love to be able to write and have a song on an album, but we'll see."

Count on Sparks to performer her current single, "This Is My Now," on the "American Idols Live" tour, but that's about all she'll acknowledge for the upcoming road show.

"The show is gonna be different than any other show they have put on," Sparks says. "There's a bunch of group songs and duets. The solos are really cool. I'm singing some songs I haven't sung before. We're really excited about it."

Sparks says rumors that Clarkson may drop in on the tour now that her own is canceled have reached rehearsals. And while nothing definitive has been announced, the current "Idol" has no objections to that. "I love her," Sparks says. "I'd be like, 'Hey, let's do something together!' That would be really cool for me."

Sure would Jordin, but don't count on it.

IDOLS ON THE CHARTS

Donna Reynolds' Idol Chartwatch reports that it was a rather slow week for Idols on the charts. Daughtry is the only Idol-related CD in the top 20 of the Billboard 200, coming in this week at #17. The album is #14 on the Internet Sales chart, #19 on the Digital Album Sales chart, and #6 on the Rock Albums chart. Daughtry's single "Home" remains #1 on the Adult Top 40 chart this week, and is #17 on the Hot 100, #7 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart, #11 on the Pop 100, #7 on Pop 100 Airplay, #7 on the Adult Contemporary chart, #26 on the Hot Digital Tracks chart, and #32 on the Hot Digital Songs chart; Daughtry's "It's Not Over" is #22 on the Adult Contemporary chart (#24), #11 on the Adult Top 40, and #72 on Hot Digital Songs.

Carrie Underwood's "Some Hearts" moves up one spot to #21 on the Billboard 200 and is #5 on the Country chart. Her single "Before He Cheats" is #9 on the Adult Contemporary chart, #13 on the Hot 100, #10 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart, #13 on the Pop 100, #11 on the Pop 100 Airplay chart, and #6 on the Adult Top 40. The song is #15 on Hot Digital Tracks and #21 on Hot Digital Songs; "I'll Stand by You" is #44 on the Country chart.

Elliott Yamin drops five spots to #75 on the Billboard 200 and goes from #38 to #39 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It’s #5 on the Independent Album sales.

Fantasia drops two spots to #118 on the Billboard 200 and remains #21 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart. Her single "When I See You" is #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles chart and #2 on the R&B Adult airplay list. It’s #52 on the Hot 100 and #13 on the Hot 100 Airplay listing.

Bucky Covington slips to #75 on the Billboard 200 and is #11 on the Country Albums list. Covington's single "A Different World" is #82 on the Hot 100, #69 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart, and #15 on the Country.

Kellie Pickler's "Small Town Girl" slips to #138 on the Billboard 200, but was up three spots to #27 on the Country listing. Her single "I Wonder" is #95 on the Hot 100 at #100.

Mandisa's single, "Only the World" (click to listen) remains #1 on this week’s Single Sales chart and is also on the Hot Christian Adult Contemporary chart (#9).

Last week, Taylor Hicks's "Heaven Knows" showed up for the first time on the Adult Contemporary chart, and this week, it’s up three spots to #24.

Elliott Yamin's "Wait for You" is up three spots to #25 on the Hot 100, ten spots to #35 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart, and two spots to #16 on the Pop 100. It's #12 on the Pop 100 Airplay chart, #39 on the Adult Top 40, #21 on Hot Digital Tracks, and #24 on Hot Digital Songs.

Kelly Clarkson's "Never Again" is #22 on the Hot 100, #19 on the Pop 100, #37 on Hot 100 Airplay, #17 on the Adult Top 40, #11 on Hot Digital Tracks, #12 on Hot Digital Songs, and #35 on the Hot Dance Club chart. Her duet of "Because of You" with Reba McIntire is #20 on the Bubbling Under (the Hot 100) and #17 on the Country chart.

Jordin Spark's “This Is My Now" drops off the charts while Blake Lewis' "You Give Love a Bad Name" is #88 on the Pop 100.

Kimberley Locke's single "Change" is up one spot to #6 on the Adult Contemporary chart, and is #36 on the Dance Club chart.

Katharine McPhee's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"/"My Destiny" is #36 on the Single Sales list.

Ruben Studdard's "Make Ya Feel Beautiful" is #36 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles chart and #7 on the R&B Adult airplay list.

Upcoming Idol Releases

Next up is Mandisa, whose "True Beauty" drops July 31.

Constantine Maroulis' self-titled album follows on August 7.

According to Bo Bice's official Web site, his second album will be released September 18. The working title is "American Blood." Still no word on what label will release the album, but it is looking likely that Bo is now working with StratArt, which looks to be a subsidiary of Bo’s management company, Strategic Artist Management.

McENTIRE'S HUSBAND TO MANAGE KELLY CLARKSON

Billboard reports Kelly Clarkson has signed with Nashville-based Starstruck Entertainment for management. Clarkson's career was previously handled by Jeff Kwatinetz at the Firm in Los Angeles.

Starstruck Entertainment is currently home to country artists Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton. Narvel Blackstock, CEO of Starstruck and McEntire's husband, will serve as Clarkson's personal manager. Trisha McClanahan, Starstruck VP of marketing, will assist with day-to-day operations.

Startstruck Entertainment was founded by Blackstock in 1988 as a full service entertainment conglomerate. McClanahan joined the company in 1990. Starstruck Management Group is the artist management arm of the corporation.

AMERICAN IDOL TIDBITS

J.D. reports in his Musical Ramblings blog these tidbits about "American Idol" that he learned when he attended the recent Reality TV Convention in Nashville, Tenn. Among those in attendance were former contestants Scott Savol, Will Makar, Lindsey Cardinale, Perla Meneses, Heather Cox and Jon Peter Lewis.

During Hollywood week of Season 6, American Idol camera crews routinely wake up contestants at odd hours of the night for impromptu interviews. This was done on purpose. Also, prior to going onstage, producers would tell select people "hey, don't forget your lyrics!" immediately before they started performing just to plant the idea of forgetting lyrics in their minds. It worked on more than a few people.

The rant that Derrell Brittenum (Season 5) went on in protest of his twin brother Terrell's elimination in Hollywood was fake. Derrell knew the entire time that his brother had made it through, but he also knew that doing that would ensure him maximum coverage and exposure. (Not that it mattered, since he and his brother both were in jail by the time Idol aired.) Said Derrell to Nigel, after leaving stage, "Sorry, but I had to do that to y'all."

Ace Young, Taylor Hicks, and Ryan Seacrest all had crushes on Heather Cox. Ryan asked her out. Ace was the only one she actively returned any sort of affection toward.

Kellie Pickler (Season 5) already knew what calamari was. She had ordered it in a restaurant in Hollywood prior to the Top 24 shows hitting the air.

Paula Abdul was often aloof to contestants during the Hollywood rounds, and more than once appeared tipsy. Conversely, Simon Cowell is described by almost all previous contestants as being a surprisingly nice guy.

Nobody liked Brenna Gethers (Season 5), not even Chris Daughtry. The producers tried to make it look like people didn't like Becky O'Donohue with some creative editing, however most people liked the O'Donohue twins.

Paris Bennett and Lisa Tucker (Season 5) disliked each other at first. Later they became best friends. On the other hand, Kellie Pickler and Heather Cox were great friends initially, but now are no longer speaking.

Nobody has anything bad to say about Melinda Doolittle.

Gedeon McKinney (Season 5) was at the Season 6 Memphis auditions, offering voice lessons for $75 to auditioners.

Stevie Scott and Heather Cox (Season 5) were both extremely sick during the early Top 24 rounds, and thus were eliminated. Neither got to sing the songs they wanted to sing.

David Radford (Season 5) is now in college studying music.

Season 3 Idols didn't really care for John Stevens. Jon Peter Lewis, on the hand, is one of the nicest guys in the world, and is considered to be the fun one of the group.

Heather Piccinini (Season 3) will tell you she's coming to a convention, confirm it for you on the phone the day before, allow you to book her into a concert event, and then not show up at all.

During this year's Superstar Idols tour in Texas, Ruben Studdard (Season 2) had no contact with any of the other former Idol contestants on the tour with him. He had to have a separate bus and prep area. Ruben was also frequently late to the stage, leaving Justin Guarini (Season 1) to carry the show. Justin did the job well, and often by the time Ruben got to the stage, the crowd would have followed Justin back to meet and greets and would pay Ruben very little attention.

Chris Richardson (Season 6) did a concert with Ace Young (Season 5) earlier this year, almost immediately after Idol was over. This is a direct violation of his contract with 19 Entertainment. Especially since the tour has not yet started. A couple of 19 executives actually attended the show, and nothing has been said to Chris about it since, so it appears, at least for now, that he's in the clear.

LOCKE TO LOSE WEIGHT FOR JENNY CRAIG

PR-inside reports that Kimber-
ley Locke is set to become the new face of diet company Jenny Craig.

The "8th World Wonder" singer has already lost 30 pounds on the plan and hopes to lose another 10 before her stint as a celebrity spokeswoman begins.

It's not the first time Locke has gone public with her weight battle - she's a former contestant on reality TV show "Celebrity Fit Club."

JESSICA SIERRA PLEADS NOT GUILTY

With long blond-and-black locks hanging over the shoulders of her tight, peach-colored dress, Jessica Sierra walked into the Hillsborough County Courthouse Monday morning to answer charges that she struck a man on the head with a cocktail glass, according to the Tampa Tribune.

Sierra, a Tampa resident who was a top 10 contestant on "American Idol," has made several appearances at the courthouse - as a victim and as a defendant - since her 2005 stint on the talent-seeking TV show.

On Monday, the 21-year-old pleaded not guilty to a felony battery charge stemming from an April 29 arrest at Hyde Park Cafe. Bar patron Wisam Hadad said Sierra threw the glass at him. Tampa police reports stated he sustained a 3/4 -inch gash over his right eyebrow. Hadad told reporters he assumed Sierra thought he was someone else.

Sierra told police Hadad spat on her but later clarified that she could not be sure it was Hadad. A lawsuit filed against the nightclub and Sierra is pending.

When police booked Sierra into jail, her legal problems worsened. Police said she had 0.8 grams of cocaine in her purse and added charges of cocaine possession and introduction of contraband into a detention facility.

On Monday, Circuit Judge William Fuente set trial dates for October. Sierra's attorney, John Fitzgibbons, said he hoped the charges could be resolved amicably.

Asked for comment, Sierra smiled as she walked away.

"Just thanking all my fans for being here to support me," she said.

Joining Sierra at the courthouse were Fitzgibbons, her stepmother and several journalists.

Later, Fitzgibbons said Sierra has received many phone calls and letters of support. When she has been out in public, he said, fans have approached her to offer kind words about her legal woes.

Sierra's first trip to the courthouse since her celebrity came in January 2006. She testified against a California man who was charged with stalking after he had flown to Tampa in an attempt to meet her. The man had claimed to be a record producer and made hundreds of calls to Sierra's cell phone.

Last month, Sierra's name again appeared in legal papers. A rental car agency filed a report with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office saying Sierra owed money for a car she had not returned. Sheriff's reports say Sierra owed for two weeks, at about $500 per week. She returned the car after the report was filed.

Sierra's lawyer said the singer is hoping to have money together in the next week or two to pay the debt.

A FAN'S DREAM COMES TRUE

For anyone who has ever dreamed of getting onstage with their Idol, you must watch this video of Taylor Hicks allowing an audience member to sing backup for him:


And now, you must read her story about how she got onstage. As Taylor told her, "You never know what you'll get if you only ask."

But please! Tell us what Hicks whispered in your ear.

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2007

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

Idol Finalist Jessica Sierra Arrested

The St. Petersburg Times reports that Season 4 "American Idol" finalist Jessica Sierra was arrested yesterday on felony battery charges after she allegedly hit a man on the head with a heavy glass, police said.

Sierra, 21, the tenth-place finisher on the show in 2005, was booked in the Hillsborough County Jail on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

She was also charged with possession of cocaine and introduction of contraband into a correctional facility after booking officers found a “small amount of cocaine” while searching her, Tampa police spokeswoman Andrea Davis said in a statement.

Davis said the incident happened at a Tampa cafe about 1:52 a.m. Sunday. Police have not yet determined if Sierra knew the victim, Wisam Hadad, 28, of Tampa. Hadad declined medical transport for the cut over his eye.

When Sierra was arrested she was uncooperative with police, who threatened to shackle her legs because she was trying to kick out the window of the police cruiser, the spokesperson said.

After she was transported to the Orient Road Jail, police reportedly found a small bag of cocaine in her purse. She denied the cocaine was hers, according to her arrest report, but when asked, said that no one besides the police had possession of her purse that day.

Sierra, of Tampa, was freed on $11,500 bond Sunday afternoon. It was not immediately known if she had a lawyer. Her family referred comment to Sierra's manager, Nancy Eckert at Verge Management. As of Sunday night, Eckert had not issued any public comments on Sierra's behalf.

The Tampa native started singing in church when she was 3. After her mother died, Sierra was raised by her grandparents and father. She attended Robinson High School for a year before transferring to D.W. Waters Career Center, a public school that offers career training. She studied cosmetology there, graduating at 17.

Sierra had worked as a nanny and performed on "Star Search" before she was picked as an Idol contestant in Las Vegas when she was 19. The show turned her into a minor celebrity.

Last year, Sierra was in the news after she was the target of a persistent stalker. In 2006, Daniel Robert Young, 61, was accused of stalking Sierra. He reportedly had been making harassing phone calls to her, sending her gifts and following her to her grandparents' South Tampa home.

Mental health issues delayed Young's case, and it remains open in Hillsborough County Court. Sierra joined the Stalking Resource Center, a program of the National Center for Victims of Crime, to speak out against stalking.

Sierra recorded some songs in Nashville in 2006, but never released an album. She spent July 4 in Iraq, entertaining the troops.

In February of this year, WTVT-Ch. 13 reported that Sierra was working at Hooters as she waited for her singing career to take off. In the video, she signed autographs and sang for patrons.

To date, her only released recording was her rendition of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" included on the Season 4 "Idol" compilation CD.

HE'S INTO SOMETHING GOOD

We met Peter Noone after a concert this weekend and spoke to him about his Idol stint. He told us he really enjoyed mentoring the male finalists and that he thinks Simon Cowell's not only OK, but that he is right most of the time. He also said that he will be in the audience for the season finale. Check out his blog for his appraisals of Blake Lewis, Chris Richardson, Phil Stacey, Sanjaya Malakar and Chris Sligh.

Noone gives great show. Amazingly, at 59, he's lost neither his looks nor voice. His audience interaction goes above and beyond other performers and not only does he have a great sense of humor, his singing impressions are impressive. He does Tom Jones (the hip grinding is hilarious), Davy Jones and Mick Jagger, among others.

He also gave out some free CDs to the kids and threw some T-shirts into the audience. He generously met with a huge crowd after the show to shake hands and sign autographs. If he tours near you, it's a show worth getting out to see.

THINGS YOU DIDN'T SEE ON TV

According to People magazine online, here are some things that happened on last week's show that you never got to see:

Ellen DeGeneres came out to greet the crowd before the show and showed off some of her signature dance moves as she shook her hips and did some tricks for the roaring audience. The talk-show host got a standing ovation and the audience chanted her name – "Ellen, you rock!" screamed one fan.

As the Idol Top 6 walked to the center of the stage for the show's opening, Jordin Sparks scanned the crowd to find her family. Dad Philippi Sparks caught his daughter's eye and held up his hands in the shape of a heart. She smiled and winked at her proud papa.

An audience member had the opportunity to ask Simon Cowell how his trip to Africa affected him and he sincerely replied, "You don't feel sorry for yourself anymore." The audience responded with polite applause.

When a shiny black Ferrari – just like Simon's – pulled into a parking space outside Idol's studio before the show, all heads were turned. But it wasn't the judge – it was Seal, who was arriving for the show. A fan remarked that she thought it was cool that the singer drove himself instead of taking a limo.

After Josh Groban performed an emotional rendition of "You Raise Me Up" with the The African Children's Choir, they got a two-minute-long standing ovation from the crowd at the Disney Concert Hall. And over at the Idol studio, the Top 6 were equally emotional about the tender song: When the show went to commercial, Jordin Sparks buried her head into her hands and turned away from the audience as she tried to regain her composure while LaKisha Jones rubbed her back. Chris Richardson was also in tears and quickly left the stage to pull himself together. Upon his return, Melinda Doolittle embraced him and patted him on the back.

For a crowd who had been anticipating surprise duet, there was an audible letdown when it was Celine Dion and Elvis Presley (we'll explain how the technology works in tomorrow's blog), who made a "guest appearance" next to her in the form of a 1968 performance. There were grumblings and light boos from the audience, who talked amongst themselves during the performance. Much more well-received was Annie Lennox's showstopping closing performance of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water." While Lennox sat down at her piano to prepare for her song, an excited Ellen DeGeneres came over to greet and hug the British singer.

Only a week after being ousted from Idol, Sanjaya Malakar returned to the Idol studio as an audience member. During a commercial break, Simon Cowell summoned Sanjaya to the judges' table, where the he was greeted warmly with hugs from him, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. During another break, Sanjaya reunited with the Top 6 contestants on the stage. They all embraced him, especially an excited Phil Stacey, who picked Sanjaya up and swung him around before putting him back on his own two feet.

MCCARTNEY UNLIKELY IDOL MENTOR

During a recent conference call with the press, Idol executive producer Ken Warwick said that although he'd love to have former Beatle Paul McCartney be a guest mentor on the show, it was unlikely he would appear. Here are some excerpts from the inyerview session:

On doing a Beatles theme night: But we were in dialogue with them this year as part of one of the genres. The problem we found was that, the problem we had was obviously, we need a mentor that is up to the job. And we were after George Martin and his schedule, unfortunately, we tried every which way. We had permission from the record company, but we just couldn't get George. And without a mentor, it's meaningless.

On whether he'd like to have Paul McCartney as a mentor: I'd love to have Paul McCartney as a mentor, yes, absolutely. The problem is I think he early on, I think in the English show, and I don't know whether this is true or not. This is what I've heard, he kind of took exception to Simon's acid comments about the contestants. You know he's a nice guy and he didn't like Simon saying "You're horrible. You're the worst I've ever heard. You shouldn't be singing," or whatever he says. And so the chances of Paul coming on the show were pretty slim.

We were trying to get, as I said earlier, George Martin to mentor that show, and you do need a credible mentor, if you're doing The Beatles. And his schedule, although he was up for, we got a really nice letter saying, "I would love to do it. But unfortunately, I'm France this day. I'm in Switzerland the next day. There's no way I can actually be there on the date that you need me." And, of course, we can't change the day of the show, so it's a very specific date they have to adhere to. And if they can't do it, then they can't do it. And so it was that reason, and that reason only that we went to British Invasion week, which had good stuff in it, too, it was a good week.

On whether Melinda [Doolittle] is too mature for a show that emphasizes young talent: Well, she is more mature, mate, to be honest with you. But the fact of the matter is that it's not my decision, it's the public's. If they think that she's fine and great and they want to see here again and again, then they vote for her, then she's going to be there. It's as easy as that. It's not my — you know I long ago gave up worrying about what my personal favorites were.

Last year I loved Kat McPhee. I thought she was great. I thought she was gorgeous. I thought she had a great singing voice. I knew for a fact she could dance like there's no tomorrow. I knew she could act really well. She was just a really, really talented all-arounder. I would have loved her to have won last year, but it wasn't to be. There was somebody there that was a singer that was a bit quirky, people liked him and he was the winner, end of story. So what I think is immaterial, really. ... Melinda is fine. She's doing very well. The public do love Melinda, so the chances are, she'll be there for awhile to come, hopefully, but you never know.

On whether the judges are favoring Jordin [Sparks]: In truth I have to say where they can, they always pretty much tell the truth, because they've also been pretty supportive of Melinda every week. I don’t think it's any more than anybody else who's good. They call it the way the see it. I mean had they had any kind of agenda towards making Jordin one of the frontrunners, they would have started earlier. It's just that in the past few weeks, she has impressed them. And it was one of those — as always with these shows, you find generally, it’s the person that grows throughout the series that usually reaps the benefit at the end of it.

I think they're realizing that the one contestant that has consistently grown — Melinda has been good every week. LaKisha [Jones] has been pretty good every week, but Jordin has grown. So it gives them something to talk about, because it maybe even a bit, they’re probably getting fed up with saying Melinda is great every week. So Jordin is someone that they can hook into, and say, "You were much better than last week," or whatever. And it just gives them a bit more credibility, really.

On whether they'd consider doing a 50/50 split, like "Dancing With the Stars," where 50% of the vote comes from viewers and 50% from the judges: No, I'll never consider that. It's not a part of our format. As far as we're concerned it's the public at home who pick the idol. There has never been a case where they have been able to sufficiently put the vote one way or the other, skew the vote in any way. The voting numbers, I mean we had, I think, 38 million this week, 38 million votes.

Now with all due respect, even the biggest radio shows on earth are not going to have anything more than maybe 1,000 or 2,000 or even if it’s 10,000 people who actually listen to that radio station and think, "Oh, we're going to do that." Ten thousand is a drop in the ocean and would never influence the outcome, one way or the other.

On how he feels about Ryan [Seacrest] apparently supporting the contestants more than ever this year, as he takes on the judges: I love it. One of the attractions, if you like, people say to me, "Why is this show so popular? Why does it do this and why does it do that?" One of these points, very relevant points is the fact that there is quite curt banter, if you like, between the judges and Ryan. Ryan is always there to support the contestants, no matter what the situation. He's not there as a judge. He's there to champion their song and the way they sing it. So if he thinks that they're being bullied by Simon or any of the judges, it's part of his mandate. You step in there and you defend them if you think that's right, or ask the relevant questions.

On whether the contestants do commercial endorsements immediately after they are off the show, or do they have to wait: Generally I don’t think they — to be absolutely honest, I'm not sure if there's a time. I know with regards to taking up recording contracts or promoting themselves in the music business, that there is a very definite wait. They have to wait until the Idol has released their song. They can't contaminate that market for I think, three months, minimum. But to be absolutely honest, when it comes to things like that, because it's a totally different department that would handle …, I don't know if there'’s a time limit. I hope not to be truthful, because that wouldn't impact the show in any way. I kind of like to think the kids have gone on to do some other tangible way and they’re getting something back out of it.

... As far as I'm concerned, it's fine. But there's a whole legal department, both in Fox and with Fremantle International that handle that. If I got bogged down in the licensing and marketing issues, you could imagine what kind of a nightmare that would be on a show like this. So I tend to step back and I'm given, "This is what we've got to do this week in the show. This is what we're compelled to do." We do that, sometimes I argue that, because I think it's too much.

But generally speaking those things, especially if the contestants have gone, I leave up to the legal people to sort out. And as far as I'm concerned, bless them. They can do it. I would love Haley [Scarnato] to do it; I think she'd be great at it.

On whether this year's group of contestants have as much pizzazz as last year's group: The truth of the matter is that it is a fact that last year was an exceptional year, the kids were just great last year. It was as much in their diversity and personalities as in their voices. So it was a very good year, last year. Are you asking me is this year's contestants as diverse? No. Are they better? Some are; some aren't. And a lot of this is subjective anyway. So you can ask one person and they say, "Yes, I love these people much more than I did last year." And you can ask someone else that says, "I thought last year's were great." I thought last year's were great, personally, I thought they were great. But this year's are pretty good, too.

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© 2007

Getting to Know the Top 24: Part 4

PHIL STACEY
Age: 29
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Audition City: Memphis
Details: Grew up in Cincinnati; has a degree in vocal performance and is a singer in the Navy; married with two children.
Video link

20 Questions
Favorite male pop artists? Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Prince, Sting, Michael Jackson, Timberlake, Robbie Williams, James Taylor and, of course, Sir Paul McCartney
Favorite female pop artists? Vienna Teng, Sheryl Crow, Anastasia, Paula Abdul
Formal singing training? I do — I took lessons in college.
Other talents? I like to draw. I also play piano, guitar, bass, and drums. I also enjoy writing songs and producing independent projects.
If you don’t make it on American Idol, what will you do? I don’t even know — probably just curl up in a big ball and cry myself to sleep.
Personal goals? To be a good husband and father, and to get a PhD so people can call me Dr. Phil.
What album would your friends be surprised you own? Frank Sinatra ... "Live at the Sands" maybe ... I don’t know. I’m pretty musically diverse so I doubt they'd be surprised with anything.
Your American idol? My wife, Kendra — she’s hot.
Any rituals or things you do before you perform? I ask God to help me do my best. I also cough a lot every time I perform. It’s a nervous tick.
Most embarrassing moments? I sang at the U.T.K. Arena in front of 25,000 people and forgot the song on stage — lesson learned — won’t be repeated on A.I.
Proudest moment? Marrying the most amazing woman on the planet and then, of course, meeting my babies.
Your definition of an American Idol? Someone from the U.S. whom people idolize. I guess technically they could be from South America or Canada, too.
Favorite judge and why? Probably Randy because he’s the first one of them to believe in me — but they're all really cool. Paula is amazing.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I had a car stolen from me at gunpoint when I was in high school. But it was very nice of the guy not to shoot me, so I'm not entirely bitter.
How has this changed your life? I'm probably more famous. I'm also exercising now to look a little better on TV.
Lucky charms? My friends bought me a trophy of a guy singing into a mic that looked just like me. The head popped off of it on the way to Hollywood week, but it still served me well.
Heroes? My parents and my in-laws—both excellent examples of genuine integrity.
Toughest obstacle? Making it through round one ... sad but true.
Was the audition process fair? There are moments that seemed jacked up to me, but overall, it is absolutely the best way to conduct a competition on this scale.
If you win, who will you thank first? Maybe the girl who almost passed on me the first audition day but ended up sending me through, but probably God. Yeah, I'll go with God.

RUDY CARDENAS
Age: 28
Hometown: North Hollywood, CA
Audition City: Seattle
Details: Was born in Venezuela, grew up in Denver; has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Northern Colorado.
Video link

20 Questions
Favorite male pop artists? Freddie Mercury, Marc Anthony, Eric Benet, Maroon 5, Stevie Wonder, Rascall Flats, Steve Perry
Favorite female pop artists? Gloria Estefen, Mariah Carey, Sade, Ella Fitzgerald
Formal singing training? Yes, I've been lucky to have some great teachers.
Other talents? I play the sax and piano, Texas Hold 'Em, golf, basketball, tennis, football ... oh wait, did you mean good talents?
If you don’t make it on American Idol, what will you do? Continue my musical career with my group M-Pact.
Personal goals? To unconditionally love my wife, family, friends and myself. To put out real, inspired, smart music.
What album would your friends be surprised you own? Michael Bolton.
Your American idol? Chris Sligh, Blake Lewis and Michael Bolton.
Any rituals or things you do before you perform? I breathe and think about my wife.
Most embarrassing moments? You don't want to know.
Proudest moment? She said "yes."
Your definition of an American Idol? Anyone who is true to themselves.
Favorite judge and why? Randy because he is an incredible bass player.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I'm afraid of heights and hate cauliflower.
How has this changed your life? Ask me again in May
Lucky charms? Yes.
Heroes? My parents.
Toughest obstacle? Stereotypes and racism.
Was the audition process fair? Hmmm ...
If you win, who will you thank first? My wife and family.

SABRINA SLOAN
Age: 27
Hometown: Studio City, CA
Audition City: Minneapolis
Details: Attended Northwestern University's music and theater program; has performed with the touring production of "Hairspray."
Video link

20 Questions
Favorite male pop artists? Sting! Stevie Wonder
Favorite female pop artists? Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston
Formal singing training? Yes – Private lessons and voice coaches training at Northwestern University
Other talents? Playing piano
If you don’t make it on American Idol, what will you do? Continue to perform!
Personal goals? To provide for my family, to be able to support those in need around me and around the world, and to make music I am proud of.
What album would your friends be surprised you own? NAS
Your American idol? Right now, Jennifer Freakin’ Hudson! And of course, my mom.
Any rituals or things you do before you perform? Pray.
Most embarrassing moments? Throwing up from food poisoning in NY subway station.
Proudest moment? Making top 24
Your definition of an American Idol? An artist who captures America’s hearts and souls and leaves them wanting more each week. The performer that makes each American wish THEY were on the stage singing too!
Favorite judge and why? While watching – Simon. Because he is devastatingly honest. While performing, hopefully still Simon.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I'm pretty clumsy. I love the movie, "Yentl." (Weird, I know.)
How has this changed your life? I'm now living my dream and am confident that ANYthing is possible with faith and diligence.
Lucky charms? Nope. Well, apparently, my husband at these auditions!
Heroes? My husband for taking risks in life. My mom for living by faith.
Toughest obstacle? Moving to NY a week after 9/11 into a cockroach-infested closet apartment to pursue singing.
Was the audition process fair? Yes.
If you win, who will you thank first? My husband, Chip for his patience, support, encouragement and unchanging love.

SANJAYA MALAKAR
Age: 17
Hometown: Federal Way, WA
Audition City: Seattle
Details: Comes from a family of singers; spent four years in Hawaii performing with the Hawaii Children's Theater. His sister made it to Hollywood with him, but not to the Top 40.
Video link

20 Questions
Favorite male pop artists? Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson
Favorite female pop artists? Lauryn Hill, Susan Tedeschi
Formal singing training? Yes.
Other talents? Culinary Arts.
If you don’t make it on American Idol, what will you do? Use the experience to further my career.
Personal goals? To become witty.
What album would your friends be surprised you own? My friends don’t get surprised by my musical choices.
Your American idol? Stevie Wonder.
Any rituals or things you do before you perform? No.
Most embarrassing moments? I don’t get embarrassed.
Proudest moment? Making it to the top 24 on American Idol.
Your definition of an American Idol? A role model.
Favorite judge and why? Simon Cowell, 'cause he's brutally honest.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I can independently raise both corners of my upper lip.
How has this changed your life? I'm scared that I'll never be able to walk into a supermarket without someone recognizing me.
Lucky charms? I don't eat sugary cereal.
Heroes? Joseph Paul Recchi Sr. [My Grandpa].
Toughest obstacle? Overcoming shyness.
Was the audition process fair? Yes, grueling but fair.
If you win, who will you thank first? My family.

STEPHANIE EDWARDS
Age: 19
Hometown: Savannah, GA
Audition City: Memphis
Details: Sang at the Apollo Theater when she appeared on "It’s Showtime at the Apollo"; has won every singing contest she has ever entered.
Video link

20 Questions
Favorite male pop artists? Justin Timberlake
Favorite female pop artists? Beyonce Knowles.
Formal singing training? Yes. I worked with a vocal coach for a month.
Other talents? Songwriting and poetry-writing skills.
If you don’t make it on American Idol, what will you do? Go back to college, but pursue singing on the side.
Personal goals? To live a life that I won't regret after I'm in Heaven.
What album would your friends be surprised you own? Robin Thicke.
Your American idol? Fantasia.
Any rituals or things you do before you perform? I pray to God, "If it's your will, let it be done."
Most embarrassing moments? When I fell while shooting a Ford commercial at Hollywood Week.
Proudest moment? Winning the title of "Savannah Star" 2005.
Your definition of an American Idol? Someone who is a great singer and relatable to by America!!
Favorite judge and why? Simon Cowell, because he's really nice to me.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I'm pretty goofy and silly!
How has this changed your life? I'm no longer in smalltown Savannah anymore.
Lucky charms? No.
Heroes? My mother and father.
Toughest obstacle? Deciding what to go to college for since I'd rather sing!
Was the audition process fair? Yes. Definitely.
If you win, who will you thank first? God!!

SUNDANCE HEAD
Age: 28
Hometown: Porter, TX
Audition City: Memphis
Details: Is the son of Roy Head, who had a No. 1 song in 1965, "Treat Her Right"; his life has been centered around music; can play five instruments.
Sundance Head

20 Questions
Favorite male pop artists? Vocals - Bono/U2, Roy Head, James Brown, Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin, Roy Orbison, Guitar – Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimmy Page
Favorite female pop artists? Sheryl Crow, Janis Joplin
Formal singing training? No.
Other talents? I play guitar, bass guitar, piano, write songs, and record well on tape.
If you don’t make it on American Idol, what will you do? Keep trying to make it, form a band and hit the road, get funded, record a record.
Personal goals? Make good records and spend time with my family.
What album would your friends be surprised you own? n/a
Your American idol?My dad, Roy Head - the gold record hanging in the hallway of our house gives me the motivation and dream to become successful in the music business.
Any rituals or things you do before you perform? n/a
Most embarrassing moments? One time in a football game in high school I went to the bathroom in my uniform in the middle of the game - they were white pants.
Proudest moment? Watching my son being born - his name is Levi Aron Head - born Nov. 22, 2006.
Your definition of an American idol? Someone who can write, sing, and play their own music.
Favorite judge and why? Simon - he tells the truth with no regret.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I love to hunt and fish.
How has this changed your life? It has given me the chance to change my life forever.
Lucky charms? Personal.
Heroes? My family.
Toughest obstacle? Growing up after the death of my older brother, who died in a car crash 1/2 mile from my house.
Was the audition process fair? Yes.
If you win, who will you thank first? God.

POSH IDOL?

The UK's Sunday Mail reports that sources say Idol executive producer Simon Fuller wants to replace Paula Abdul with stick-thin former Spice Girl Victoria "Posh" Beckham. But Posh's plan to become a judge on the TV talent show has been scuppered by fellow Brit Simon Cowell, who is refusing to greenlight Posh Spice's arrival on the show.

Allegedly, Fuller has drafted an ambitious publicity plan for Posh when she moves to Los Angeles with husband David - who is to play for the LA Galaxy soccer team - in the summer. Fuller persuaded the Beckhams, who are clients of his and good friends of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, to move the United States.

Sources say the anorexic-looking Victoria, whose clothes frequently display her artifically enhanced chest, hopes a regular slot on a high-profile TV show will increase her profile and lead to other work including movies. One said: " 'American Idol' is a big show and getting on there would be perfect for Victoria but the problem is Simon, who is just not wearing it. He's being loyal to Paula but, more importantly, fears two Brits on the panel will reduce interest in the show and sabotage ratings." The sources also claim that FOX executives are also worried that the arrival of Posh will reduce American viewers' interest in the hit show.

IDOL ALUMNI VIDEOS

First up, Kevin Covais on "The Morning Show With Mike and Juliet," who just can't seem to lose that "Chicken Little" nickname, critiquing, with "Frangela" (that's two women, Frances and Angela), the first Idol Hollywood show. We also learn from Kevin that he's going to be in a teen movie by Lionsgate Films to be released later this year. Kevin, who raps on Paris Bennett's debut album, gives us a sample of his skills. Kevin, The "P" in Princess P must stand for polite, because Paris apparently didn't tell you that you're no Eminem. Stick to Josh Groban.

And though many Idol finalists do get that music career
they're dreaming of, others just wind a working at, well ... Hooters. Apparently, serving up wings is the saucy current career of Season 4 finalist Jessice Sierra. You can see her serving with a smile and a side of singing, here. Click on "Idol Chatter: Jacko Day and the Idol-Turned-Hooters Girl."

CONSTANTINE MAROULIS IS ALIVE AND WELL AND ACTING IN NEW YORK

Our friend Peggy L reports that Season 4 finalist Constantine Maroulis does a bang up job in a new production of "Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris," at the Zipper Theater in Manhattan. "The venue seats 199 offering amazing sightlines, great sound and unusually comfortable seats (most of the seats come straight out of automobiles - a great way to recycle parts of junked cars and buses)," wrote Peggy.

She adds, "Constantine put on a great show ... his theatrical training was quite evident throughout the two-hour performance. He sang, he danced, he laughed and he cried. He moved the audience, as did the other three actors. What a show!" The show runs through this Sunday, Feb. 25th. You can buy tickets here.

Maroulis was interviewed about his new role and the new season of "American Idol" earlier this month on Good Day New York.

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