American Idol:The Top 12 Results Show

Bottom Three:
Syesha Mercado ("Got to Get You Into My Life")
Kristy Lee Cook ("Eight Days a Week")
David Hernandez ("I Saw Her Standing There")



Eliminated:
David Hernandez






Watch video of the David Hernandez elimination:


Also on the elimination show, the Top 12 medley tribute to Lennon-McCartney songs.

Watch video of the Top 12 Lennon-McCartney medley:


There was a way overdone plug from Jim Carrey for Fox's "Horton Hears a Who." It began with Carrey in the audience dressed in an elephant suit and continued throughout the show, including him sitting on the bleachers with the 12 finalists regretting that he had "done the REO Speedwagon thing." *ugh* It's bad enough we have to sit through these hyper-extended results shows because Fox has no programming due to the writers' strike and "Idol's" producers are too greedy to refuse every dollar or minute of airtime they can grab. But how many of these unfunny Fox cross-promotional pieces of crap of we going to have to watch before the season finale in May?

This week's Ford commercial was done to the song "The Distance," and featured a political campaign scenario. After all, for the first time in years, the presidential race is the hottest thing other than "Idol."

Watch video of the Top 12 Ford commercial set to "The Distance":


There was the totally useless and stupid home-viewer question segment, where Ryan Seacrest selects from a group of prescreened viewers who get to ask their queries *live* on the air. Who cares? Not us. Just another piece of fluff filler. Dumb questions: To Jason Castro, "If Jason could be any 'American Idol' judge, which would he want to be?" Dumb answers, Jason in stoner mode sounding like Goofy, "g-ha, g-ha, that's kinda a hard one, um, but, I think ... maybe I'm the most unlike Paula, I guess, because she's a girl ... maybe wear some of like Randy's shoes with a nice V-neck like Simon. I dunno." Oh, puleeeeze! On their Web site, The Vote for the Worst folks are encouraging their followers to try to get on as a plant. Now, at least that would be entertaining.

Watch video of the viewer question-and-answer segment:


After being ignored all last year by the series that thrust her into our faces, Season 5 runner-up Katharine McPhee returned as a guest performer. In keeping with the Lennon-McCartney theme, she sang "Something," accompanied on piano by her musical pimp David Foster, who was already drooling over her during Season 5. If we were Kat Pee's fiance we'd check out what was going on between those two. We already know Kat Pee prefers older men, and Foster is even older than her fiance. Plus, they shared some interesting glances and smiles as she sang. Foster plugged his appearances on "Access Hollywood" (apparently plugs are the only reason anyone shows up on "Idol" these days), where he says he will "fine tune" Simon's opinions. Uh-huh. We saw your expertise when you were a judge on "Celebrity Duets," David, and weren't impressed. So feh. Foster also told us that he and Kat Pee are *surprise* working on an album together, and he declared her magnificent. Frankly, she sang better during Season 5. Kat Pee's performance Wednesday night made Ramiele's Tuesday night gig look exciting. Talk about a B-O-R-I-N-G and emotionless version of the George Harrison song!

Watch video of Katherine McPhee singing "Something" accompanied by David Foster:


And Ruben Studdard got yet another chance to prove why he won Season 2 with Season 7's new exit sing, a cover of Kenny Loggins' "Celebrate Me Home," which was played as the video montage of David Hernandez's "journey" was shown. Personally, we preferred the Graham Colton exit song,"Best Days," that was used during the semifinal eliminations.

Finally, Ryan Seacrest told us that due to all the phone calls and text messages the producers received, the contestants will again sing selections from the Lennon-McCartney songbook next week. Do they really expect us to swallow that as the reason we're sitting through Lennon-McCartney again? Not that we don't love The Beatles' songs -- we own every album they ever made -- but the producers must have paid a fortune to Sony for the rights and are either getting their money's worth out of it or fulfilling some contractual agreement. It had nothing to do with us, folks. Of that we're sure. Hopefully, Kristy Lee Cook will find a new way to butcher Lennon-McCartney and finally leave our lives. After all, too many Cooks have spoiled the "Idol" broth. David's the only one we need!

And, in case you missed it, watch video of Danny Noriega on "Ellen":

Jordin Sparks Fired Up for the Fourth

According to Newsday, Jordin Sparks is bursting with enthusiasm over her appearance tonight on NBC's "Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular."

"I'm so excited to do this program ... and right after that, I leave to start the tour," she said. "It's going to be so much fun, I can't wait to get started on all of it."

Fellow "Idol" finalists Blake Lewis and Melinda Doolittle will perform on the Independence Day show, too, as will Martina McBride and Joss Stone.

"It's kind of tripping me out," Sparks admits. "You watch it on television and think it's such a big event. I love the Fourth of July. Melinda actually was the one who told me we were going to be doing this, and I said, 'What are we going to [sing]?' She said, 'I have no idea. We'll talk about it later.' I just love her and Blake; we have such a good time when we're all together."

The occasion will let Sparks be in one place for a while. She says that a few weeks ago, "everything was going so fast, I was like, 'Oh, my gosh. I really just need to sit down.' So I did, and I thought of everything I'd done, and it all just hit me. It was unbelievable, and it's still a whirlwind sometimes. It's just this crazy cycle."

"It's going to be a blast," Sparks says of the Idols Live tour. "Most of us are going to be doing songs we know we can succeed in doing and that we love to perform. There will be different groups and duets. I went to the season-four 'Idol' tour, and this is so much different. It's going to be really intense, so I hope people come out and see us."

An "American Idol" fan since its debut, Sparks says the show's earlier seasons were an education for her.

"Just seeing what everybody performed and what the judges responded to, and even the little things, really helped me," Sparks says. "I would think, 'I don't want to sing such-and-such song because somebody else already sang it, and I don't want to be compared to them.'

"Also, having seen an 'Idol' tour, I know the arena in my hometown was packed. It was amazing, and I kind of know what to expect in terms of how many people will be there. I love touring; it's going to be fun to wake up in a different city every day."

The home-schooled Sparks is sure to meet countless fans along the way. "I haven't really talked to many of them, but my mom got an e-mail from a teacher who said her class had been watching 'Idol.' One of the kids said, 'If Jordin can do "American Idol" and get A's, I can, too.' Things like that have been coming along, and I think, 'All I did was get up there and sing.' My mom has been telling me I've been making an impact, though, and I feel so lucky to be doing that.

"People will be constantly watching me now, and at the same time, I still need role models. Two little girls came up to me and were like, 'Jordin, we love you. You're our inspiration.' It made me want to cry because I want to reach out to them and show them they don't have to wear the latest fashions, or have the coolest things, or succumb to peer pressure. They can just be themselves, and I want to be able to represent that."

Sparks kept remarkable company during her "Idol" season, thanks to guest coaches ranging from Gwen Stefani and Diana Ross to Jon Bon Jovi and Tony Bennett.

"I'd be looking around," Sparks recalls, "and thinking, 'Do you see this? Do you see these people who are standing in front of me?' I mean, they're all legends and household names, and I just felt so lucky to be able to meet all of them. It was really, really cool."

Once she's past the Fourth of July show and the "Idol" tour, Sparks will begin work on her first album, following the online success of her "Idol" anthem "This Is My Now." She expects her CD to be released "before Thanksgiving. People sometimes take a year to make an album, and I have just a couple of months. I'm going to start meeting with writers and talking with people about songs, and I just hope that when it comes out, people like it."

RUBEN STUDDARD KEEPS KIDS FIRST

According to MyFox Birming-
ham, Ruben Studdard paid a special visit to children in Alabama Tuesday when he spoke to a group of kids involved with a summer program called "Kids First" about the importance of education and how it is the building block for success.

IDOLS ON COUNTRY MUSIC'S MOST BEAUTIFUL LIST

Net Music Countdown reports that in the July 16th issue of Country Weekly, the results of the reader poll naming the most beautiful woman in country music are in and that the fairest of them all is ... Carrie Underwood.

Underwood takes the title from the 2006 winner Faith Hill, who placed second in this year's voting.

Cracking the Top 10 for the first time are rising stars Kellie Pickler, at No. 5, and Taylor Swift, who came in at the No. 9 spot.

McPHEE BARES SKIN, SOUL

The Detroit News reveals that in the August issue of Stuff, "American Idol" runner-up Katharine McPhee bares some skin and her soul as the cover girl. McPhee, 23, reveals her views on dating older men (her man is 42), dealing with enormous boobs as a high school freshman and not being as innocent as people think. By the way, McPhee wants kids, lots of kids. "Oh yeah. I want to have, like, 15 babies," she says.

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© 2007

Kelly Clarkson's 'Gay Friendly' Duet

Watch video of an amazing duet of "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEnire:


The Web site After Ellen is all a titter about this version, titling it "gay friendly" and saying that "The American Idol winner and country music icon Reba McEntire have dyked things up in a duet of Clarkson's hit single" because, as one poster points out, at exactly the 27th second in this video Kelly sings, "It wasn't long till I called HER mine"

Know what? Who cares? A great singer is a great singer, gay or straight. But it's given a lot of gay girls a new reason to crush on Clarkson.

P.S. But just for the record girls, when Clarkson appeared on "Ellen" last month, she sang the lyric, "It wasn't long till I called HIM mine"

Watch video of Kelly Clarkson singing "Since U Been Gone" on "Ellen":


CLUB RUBEN

AL.co reports that a Memphis developer said his firm is in talks with former "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard about opening a nightclub in the planned Birmingham entertainment district.

John Elkington, CEO of Performa Entertainment Real Estate, told members of the Birmingham Ad Federation at a luncheon today that he wants the district to feature nightspots indicative of Birmingham's musical history.

"Ruben Studdard would be great for Birmingham's district and we're in talks with him now," Elkington said. "Ona Watson has a great musical legacy in Birmingham. Those are the type of people we want involved."

Elkington said he has signed several tenants and will announce some of them soon. His goal is to break ground on the project this fall, with opening set within 18 months.

The entertainment district is planned for property adjacent to the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex.

Performa is credited with rejuvenating Memphis' Beale Street with venues such as a B.B. King blues club.

... Meanwhile, the Richmond-Times Dispatch reports that Studdard seduced the women at last night's Fridays at Sunset show -- even the ones snuggling with male companions -- with his easy charm and soothing voice.

He also generously gave up the stage for a few minutes so Richmonder Vance Hayes could propose to girlfriend Tia Wansley (she said yes) as the crowd cheered them on.

Studdard, 28, launched his 90-minute set with the uptempo "Ain't No Party," a song written by Richmond native Harold Lilly, who received several shout-outs from Studdard throughout the concert.

Though he sounded more nasally than velvety for the first couple of songs, and hit some rough spots during "One Side," Studdard recovered in time for the chorus and directed the crowd of just more than 1,000 to "put your hands to the sky!"

A jolly fellow with a sweet grin perpetually plastered on his face, Studdard recalled staying at the Jefferson Hotel when touring with "American Idol" four years ago, and his frequent question, "Where my ladies at?" usually garnered excitable screams as those ladies popped up from lawn chairs to gyrate and point their cell phones at him.

When Studdard crept into his signature rendition of "Superstar," one woman repeatedly squealed "Oh, my God!" as if God himself had appeared on stage. Such is the effect of Studdard's gentle teasing, especially with that song, which indeed sounded sweet and clear as he effortlessly landed the big notes.

Along with his own repertoire from three albums of material, Studdard offered a gratifying run of old-school songs that, unfortunately, spotlighted how toothless his own material is by comparison.

"How Can You Mend a Broken Heart," his phrasing a hybrid of Barry Gibb and Al Green, worked surprisingly well, while his take on "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe," was rich, full and nearly as great as Barry White.

Studdard isn't going to alter the R&B universe with nondescript songs such as "Change Me" and "Sorry 2004," but he's an exceptional singer and song interpreter. That should sustain his career at least a few more years.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

From Jon Bon Jovi, speaking to the UK's Daily Mail about his experience working on "American Idol" ("I liked Simon Cowell -- he was nice") this season:

" ... It's important that the kids learn to write their own songs. With these kids, their first album goes multi-platinum, but where do they actually go to learn their chops?"

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2007

McPhee's Latest Humiliation

If we were Katharine McPhee, we might never return to Washington, D.C. She travelled to the nation's capital to perform in a fundraiser for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and has suffered humiliation not once, but twice.

First it was at the hands of radio station Hot 99.5, which allowed a green and rude intern to interview her. McPhee's handlers instructed the station there were to be "no personal questions," that McPhee was there to talk about the event -- why she was in D.C. So the intern promptly decided to ask only personal questions and never even asked why McPhee was in D.C.

What could be worse than this start? Well, bombing at the fundraiser. The Washinton Post reports that Hillary Clinton's attempt to bring young and hip women into her campaign with a "block party" in a parking lot in downtown Washington did not turn out quite as planned.

The event, named "Club 44," was meant to inspire women in the 18-to-24-year-old set to support Clinton's presidential campaign. "Wear your jeans!" said the invitation. Comedian Caroline Rhea was brought in to be the emcee. Katharine McPhee from "American Idol" was recruited to sing. A "carnival theme" was promised.

McPhee tried to get the crowd going with her song "Love Story." The Clinton partisans declined her invitation to clap and wave. "Let's hear it!" she said when she finished, to lackluster result. "In the back? I know you're out there!" she pressed, earning the sort of applause that follows a weak lounge act.

McPhee gave an awkward chuckle. "That was kind of lame, I have to say," she told the middle-aged hipsters.

We watched a video of the McPhee fiasco and clearly heard either the videographer or someone nearby saying during and after McPhee's performance of "Love Story," "She has to learn how to project" and "I didn't understand one word of that." It didn't help that the outdoor sound system sucked or that McPhee was apparently lip-syncing to backing tracks. (At one point she dropped the mike to her side as her voice continued).

According to the Washington Post, the crowd much preferred the act preceding McPhee: Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), who drew a huge ovation for lifting from FDR: "We have today a rendezvous with destiny!"

Only in Washington would a 4-foot-11-inch senator be treated as more of a rock star than an actual rock star. [Well, McPhee is hardly a rock star, more a pop TV sensation and wannabe star.]

Another performer at the event, R&B singer Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, who saw the 23-year-old McPhee bomb, shrewdly chose to greet those in the crowd with something more their speed. He opened with James Taylor's 1970 hit "Fire and Rain."

Watch video of the McPhee flop in D.C.:


McPhee appeared much happier in this photo run by TMZ.com, on her on her way to D.C. and captioned: Idolicious Katharine McPhee was spotted catching a flight at LAX -- in her sexy new geek-chic eyewear -- and carrying her Chihuahua in a bag. Miss McPhee had been seen a few weeks ago by a myopic TMZ spy at Optical Connection in Studio City, where she picked up the Bulgari face hardware. Kat and her dog caught a redeye to D.C., where she's playing at City Center Lot tonight.

BLAKE LEWIS VIDEO AND RADIO INTERVIEW

Here is a video of Blake Lewis in the People magazine offices sharing the secrets to his signature style in this video beat-box lesson.

Blake was also interviewed by Bob Rivers for Seattle radio station KZOK/102.5 FM. (Search Blake Lewis in search box on upper-right side of page. When you get the results, select "American Idol Runner Up Blake Lewis" under "Bob Rivers Show Audio" in center of page).

And the Verizon Beatbox Mixer is a fun site where you can try your own hand (and someone else's mouth) to mix your own beatbox sounds.

STUDDARD, YAMIN, MCPHEE DO GOOD DEEDS

WTVY-TV reports that Ruben Studdard took some time from his music camp to spend a few moments at the Wiregrass Boys and Girls Club. Studdard was once a Boys and Girls Club member himself.

He grew up within the organization and has since been inducted into the Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame.

Studdard said he wanted to visit the club to encourage it's current members to continue to dream big. "I feel like it's good for the young people to see someone who's been where they've been. I've been in camp, I've been with that shirt on everyday, I've done this. So for them to see me where I am now, I think would be a great inspiration to them," said Studdar.

And according to Antimusic, Elliott Yamin is scheduled to welcome home Navy Troops from the U.S.S. Boxer (LHD4) on June 15th at their North Island Naval Base in San Diego, Calif. Yamin will have the opportunity to thank the Navy personnel for their service to this country after just returning from Iraq where they have served a double extended deployment.

Yamin will have lunch with the troops and will also participate in a meet and greet with military personnel and their families. He will also sign copies of his debut self-titled CD Elliott Yamin and photos.

"Visiting The North Island Naval base will be a unique and wonderful opportunity," stated Yamin. "I have so much admiration for men and women that service this country and the courage and strength that they possess. I look forward to being able to spend some time with them all and hear some of their stories while I visit the base."

And you watch videos of an interview and performance by Elliott on radio station 95.7 in Denver, Colo. by clicking here.

And a little bit of good press for Katharine McPhee, who, according to the Oroville Mercury-Register she will will be performing today at the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games at California State University in Berkeley at Haas Pavilion on the Cal Berkeley campus.

Another Idol do-gooder was Season 6 semi-finalist Leslie Hunt, who, according to Chicago Suburban News performed at a "Salute Our Troops" event in Geneva.



PAULA ABDUL: SO OPEN TO THE IDEA OF ADOPTION

The Post Chronicle reports on a World Entertainment News Network story that "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul is considering adoption if she is unable to have her own children biologically.

The single 44-year-old wants to raise a child with a father figure, but if she fails to find a suitable man before it is physically impossible for her to get pregnant, she will adopt. "With medical technology these days, I could have children by myself using a donor. But I would rather be in a relationship so the child has a father to help instill core values," Abdul said.

"If it's meant for me to have children naturally, I absolutely will. I love kids, I really do. And kids love me," adding "I'm so open to the idea of adoption. But, again, I would like to be able to share the raising of the children."

Given all her "medical conditions" and "problems," perhaps it would be better for all of us for Abdul to adopt.

SIMON COWELL VOWS TO NEVER HAVE PLASTIC SURGERY

According to ContactMusic.com, British music mogul Simon Cowell has vowed to age gracefully and stay away from the cosmetic surgeon's knife.

The American Idol judge, 47, admits he works hard to keep in shape and is determined to do the best with what's he was given. He says, "I wouldn't have plastic surgery, it looks ridiculous on guys. I'd never dye my hair either. Everyone thinks I do, but I never have. I do 100 press-ups before I get in the bath in the morning, then at work after a meeting, I'll shut the door and do more."

Obviously, Cowell does believe in whitening his teeth, as the smoker's chops are always unnaturally glow-in-the-dark bright white. So there!

CARRIE UNDERWOOD'S MYSPACE PAGE HACKED

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that country singer Carrie Underwood's MySpace page has been hacked by a cell-phone ringtone promotion.

Fans of the "American Idol" winner have been receiving emails claiming to be from Underwood herself, urging them to check out "these amazing free ringtones."

The spam emails read, "Hey, this is Carrie Underwood. OK here's the deal, I need every single MySpace friend to stop what he/she's doing and go here right now and put your cell # in. You'll receive every ringtone from every myspace artist (including my favorites) ..."

Underwood's management have been made aware of the hack and the password was changed to stop the hackers.

VIDEOS OF IDOLS AT BREA SUMMERFEST

Admittedly, these videos are poor amateur quality, but it's a chance to catch a glance of some of your faves at an event you probably didn't attend, SummerFest 2007, which occurred last weekend in Brea, Calif. In attendance were Ace Young, Paris Bennett, Lisa Tucker, Chris Richardson, Sabrina Sloan, Kevin Covais, Kimberly Caldwell, Will Makar and Sherman Pore.

Watch video of "Harder to Breathe" soundcheck for Chris Richardson and Ace Young:


Watch video of Ace Young and Chris Richardson singing "Harder to Breathe":


Watch video of Ace Young singing "Should I Stay" at Summerfest 2007, featuring Chris Richardson, Lisa Tucker, Paris Bennett, Will Makar, Kimberly Caldwell, Kevin Covais and Sherman Pore going crazy and having fun:


Watch video of Chris Richardson beatboxing while Kevin Covais raps to "Gold Digger":


Watch video of "Through With You" soundcheck for Chris Richardson:


Watch video of Chris Richardson singing "Through With You":


Watch video of Ace Young singing "Scattered":


Watch video of Ace Young at Summerfest 2007:


Watch video of Ace Young singing "Vertigo":


Watch video of Ace Young with kids at Summerfest 2007:




Watch video of Ace Young singing:


Watch video of Kimberly Caldwell, Kevin Covais, Will Makar, Lisa Tucker, Paris Bennett:


Watch video of
Kevin Covais singing "Home".

Watch video of Lisa Tucker and Kevin Covais singing "Tell Him".

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2007

The Only Surprise Would Have Been If She Lost

Videos updated, most are HD with excellent audio. Enjoy!

Least biggest surprise of the evening: Jordin Sparks won the title of Season 6's Idol.

Biggest surprise evening: A fairly entertaining show, one of the better ones if our opinion. Perhaps the producers should note that more Idols and less guest stars = better show.

Worst part/s of the show:
1. The Golden Idol Awards - We've seen enough clips of these idiot auditioners. We wouldn't have missed seeing them again.
2. Ashley "Crying Girl" Ferl - We've had enough of her, too.
3. Bette Midler a) What the hell was she doing there except promoting her coming Vegas show replacing Celine Dion (do we smell a prize here for this season's "So You Think You Can Dance?" winner) and b) Er, sorry, but she's really lost her voice.

Best parts of the show:
1. Blake Lewis and Doug E. Fresh - This may be a singing competition, folks. But this was the most rousing part of the show.
2. Tony Bennett - Forever a class act, plus he can still sing.
3. Jordin Sparks and Ruben Studdard - Duetting on "You're All I Need to Get By"
4. Kelly Clarkson - singing anything (but we loved "Never Again")
5. The Beatles medley

Enough already moment: Gwen Stefani

Huh? moment: Green Day on tape singing John Lennon's "Working Class Hero." It was good, but what did it have to do with the show?

Questions: Yes, we know he was the fodder that kept the show in the press all season, but it wasn't because he had a good voice. So why did Sanjaya Malakar get his own singing segment, when Melinda Doolittle (who did sing with BeBe and CeCe Winans, but not alone) and LaKisha Jones didn't?

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS


Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks duet on the first Beatles number of the evening, "I Saw Her Standing There." Well, how else could they get Jordin's age in at the top of the show: "She was just 17/And you know what I mean/But the way she looked was way beyond compare"

Watch video of Ryan Seacrest introducing the show and Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis singing "I Saw Here Standing There":



Gwen Stefani performs "4 in the Morning" via satellite from a concert she's performing.

Watch video of Gwen Stefani performing "4 in the Morning":



Kelly Clarkson knocks it out of the park with her new single, "Never Again." The camera pans to skeletal Clive Davis in the audience. He may be applauding, but we know they'd probably really like to throttle each other.

Watch video Kelly Clarkson singing "Never Again":



The first of three annoying Golden Idols segments, where we're forced to relive audition segments we'd rather forget. No. 1 is awarded to Margaret ("Big Bird") Fowler, who auditioned in Alabama. While on stage her cell phone started ringing. Ryan Seacrest answered it and told whoever was on the line to call back that Fowler was on national TV.

Watch video of Margaret Fowler receiving her Golden Idol Award:



Smokey Robinson performed with the top 6 guys. Numbers included "Ooo Baby, Baby," "Being With You" and "Tears of a Clown." Smokey looks as if he's had a great face-lift. Very few wrinkles, but it still looks like him.

Watch video of Smokey Robinson and Top 6 guys singing medley:



Blake Lewis and Doug E. Fresh rock out the audience of 3,000 in the Kodak Theatre with "The Show." Wild and awesome. If he was allowed to have performed like this the night before, instead of that treacly coronation song dreck, he probably would have beaten Jordin.

Watch video of Blake Lewis with Doug E. Fresh:



The second stupid Golden Idol Award is presented to Sholandric Stallworth.

Watch video of the Golden Idol Award for Best Performance:



Gladys Knight and her new Pips -- the top six ladies -- perform "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," "I Feel a Song in My Heart" and "Midnight Train to Georgia."



Watch Gladys Knights and the Top 6 ladies sing a medley of Knight hits:





Tony Bennett, who missed his theme-week performance because of the flu, proves that no one, especially Michael Buble, is worthy of filling his 81-year-old shoes, when he performs "For Once in My Life" and hits an incredible money note at the end. Pay attention, kids.

Watch video of Tony Bennett singing "For Once in My Life":



Thankfully, the last of the Golden Idol Awards is presented to Jonathan Jayne and Kenneth Briggs. (Seriously, we would have preferred to rewatch Kellie Pickler's hilarious misadventures at Spago from the last finale show.)

Watch video of "Best Buddy" Golden Idol Award:



Melinda Doolittle performs "Hold Up the Light" with Bebe & CeCe Winans. It must have been a thrill for Melinda to singing with them, instead of backup for them as she used to do, but frankly we would have preferred more Melinda and less Winans.

Watch video of Melinda Doolittle performing "Hold Up the Light" with BeBe & CeCe Winans:



Ford music video is a collage consisting of outtake clips from all season set to the finalists performing "Time After Time" precedes Ryan presenting Blake and Jordin with new Ford Mustangs.

Watch the Ford video with the Top 12 singing "Time After Time":



Carrie Underwood performs "I'll Stand By You," the same number she was seen singing in Africa on the Idol Gives Back show. Good, but never as good as Chrissie Hynde.” Still, her cover sold well after the charity show.

Watch video of Carrie Underwood singing "I'll Stand by You":



Clive Davis presents Carrie an award for achieving sales of 6 million sales on her debut album, "Some Hearts." Eek, he creeps us out.

To further remind us of the Idol Gives Back drive, The African Children's Choir perform. The audience, and we, ate it up.

Watch video of the African Children's Choir perform:



In an evening low-point equivalent to the handing out of another Golden Idol Award, Sanjaya Malakar takes the stage with Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry to reprise his British Invasion Week number, "You Really Got Me." Of course, Ashley Ferl is in the audience crying. Funny, she wasn't crying on the red carpet. In fact, she was all tarted out.

Watch video of Sanjaya Malakar singing "You've Really Got Me":



In a taped performance, Green Day sings John Lennon's "Working Class Hero."

Watch video of Green Day singing "Working Class Hero":



Last season's winner, Taylor Hicks performs his latest single, "Heaven Knows," no doubt to Simon Cowell scowling behind the judges' table.

Watch video of Taylor Hicks singing "Heaven Knows":



In one of the night's better number, Jordin Sparks and Ruben Studdard duet on the Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell classic, "You're All I Need to Get By." Release this as a single, please!

Watch video of Jordin Sparks and Ruben Studdard singing "You're All I Need to Get By":



Bette Midler proved that she can't replace Celine Dion in Vegas with her performance of "Wind Beneath My Wings." She's lost a large part of her vocal range and sounded croaky. The camera panned to Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul slow dancing. Simon Cowell was probably asleep. Frankly, this could have cost Midler Vegas tickets.

Watch video of Bette Midler singing "Wind Beneath My Wings":



A beautifully done Sgt. Pepper's Beatles tribute medley by former "American Idol" winners Kelly Clarkson ("Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"), Taylor Hicks ("A Day in the Life"), Carrie Underwood ("She's Leaving Home") and Ruben Studdard ("Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds"), ending with the Top 12 singing "With a Little Help From My Friends."

Watch video of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" Beatles medley by Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Hicks, Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard and the Top 12 finalists:



Before the results were announced, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell predicted that Jordin Sparks would win, while Paula Abdul refused to make a choice, though before the show on the red carpet she admitted that she thought Jordin had the edge. Ryan Seacrest announced that after a record 609 million votes over the season and a world record 74 million votes cast the night before, Jordin Sparks was the winner of American Idol 6.


Blake Lewis looked happier than Jordin. We think he really wanted her to win. He thanked his parents, an emotional Jordin said, "I can't thank you for keeping me around, and thank you so much for everything. Mom, dad, I love you," then sang her crappy coronation song as fireworks went off behind her. At the end, the other 11 smothered her in a hug.

Watch video of Jordin Sparks winning American Idol:



And remember, bookmark this site. We'll continue to report news and tour info throughout the year on all of your Idol favorites!

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© 2007

Brilliant Entertainer vs. Great Singer

Simon Cowell says this year's "American Idol" contest is too close to call. He also thinks that Melinda Doolittle should have been one of the two finalists. Reuters reports that:

British music mogul Simon Cowell says he is not as smart or as mean as people think -- he cannot predict who will win "American Idol" and he wants contestants on the show to be rude to him when he is offensive to them.

The grumpy judge, whose acerbic comments draw boos each week on the top-rated televised singing contest, said on Friday this year's show has come down to a choice between a "brilliant entertainer" and a "great singer."

Jordin Sparks, a bubbly 17-year-old [really!?] with huge voice, and spiky-haired Blake Lewis, 25, who puts a modern twist on classic songs, will square off next week in the two-part finale on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"I can't call it at this stage," Cowell told reporters on a conference call. "For Blake, he's a brilliant entertainer, but the negative is he's not a fantastic singer. The advantage for Jordin is she is a great singer and the negative is she hasn't done one performance yet which I can remember as a 'wow.'"

Cowell also entreated the "Idol" contestants to give back more of what he dishes out to them.

"They all think they are going to be voted off if they are rude to me," he said. "If I'm rude to them they are more than entitled to be rude to me back."

Cowell said he was amused by the long "Idol" run of Sanjaya Malakar, a contestant known for extreme hairstyles and mediocre singing.

"The whole Sanjaya thing was hysterical," said Cowell, who once threatened to quit if Malakar won. "I don't think I'd be happy if he was in the final, but looking back I think it was quite amusing."

Cowell said it was "unfair" that contestant Melinda Doolittle was eliminated from the show this week.

"She had delivered 10 weeks in a row better than anyone else," he said, adding that the experienced backup singer's age -- Doolittle is 29 -- may have made her less appealing to the show's teenage viewers.

"When you allow the public to choose, you've got to live and die by the vote," Cowell said.

WILL 5 IDOL WINNERS APPEAR ON FINALE?

We're beginning to get that sneaking suspicion. Kelly Clarkson and Taylor Hicks have already been confirmed. American Idol.com reports that, "Fans can be watching for Carrie [Underwood] to return to the Idol stage for a performance on the show's May 23 season finale." That just leaves Fantasia and Ruben Studdard.

Fantasia is currently appearing in "The Color Purple" on Broadway, but Wednesday's show is a matinee, the easiest to skip out of. She could take a red-eye to Los Angeles after Tuesday night's show and another one back Wednesday night (the show ends at 7 p.m. in Los Angeles), plenty of time to be back for her Thursday night 8 p.m. performance.

Ruben is currently not on tour, so he should be available as well.

What tipped us off even more was a snitty remark by finalist Chris Sligh in a video shot this week by TMZ.com as he was making a trek across the Les Deux parking lot. He jokingly remarked, "you guys have five 'American Idols' ... and you've got me." (The video starts with Paris Hilton.)

What a coup that would be for the executive producers, to bring all six American Idols (including this year's winner) onstage together!

BTW, Chris Daughtry will be appearing on Tuesday's performance show. What a week!





CLARKSON TALKS ABOUT 'MY DECEMBER'

TMZ.com reports that Kelly Clarkson did a photo shoot for Entertainment Weekly and a video in which she discusses her forthcoming album, "My December." In the video, which shows snippets of the cover photo shoot, Kelly says that although she loves her first two albums, "My December" is different and better. She also says she's been watching Idol this season and likes Jordin Sparks, calling her "Really cute. She's a beautiful girl, and sings very, very well. And is a little bit different than anyone who's ever won. So I like her."

RESULTS OF EW IDOL POLLS

Entertainment Weekly conducted a series of online polls related to "American Idol" and here are the results:

What was the best performance this season?
29% Jordin, "I (Who Have Nothing)"
29% Blake, "You Give Love a Bad Name"
24% Melinda, "My Funny Valentine"
9% LaKisha, "This Ain't a Love Song"
9% Gina, "I'll Stand by You"
[How could they pick that for LaKisha instead of "And I Am Telling You, I'm Not Going," one of the few "wow" moments of the entire season. People are still talking about it]

What was the worst finals performance this season?
64% Sanjaya, "Bathwater"
17% Haley, "Turn the Beat Around"
9% Jordin, "Livin' on a Prayer"
7% Blake, "You Should Be Dancin'"
4% Chris R., "The Boss"
[Frankly, Phil Stacey's "I Need You" was a train wreck]

Who was the best mentor this season?
38% Jon Bon Jovi
35% Jennifer Lopez
16% Tony Bennett
7% Diana Ross
4% Barry Gibb
[Personally, we thought Peter Noone and Lulu resulted in some pretty amazing performances on British Invasion week]

What was your favorite Sanjaya hairstyle?
44% The Ponyhawk
28% The Perm
16% The Hair Straightening
12% The Slick Back
[Our favorite? The bandana -- because it was the week he went home]

Which semifinalist was robbed of making the finals?
56% Sabrina Sloan
23% Sundance Head
17% AJ Tabaldo
5% Antonella Barba
[We agree, but think our homie, Jared Cotter, should have made the list]

Who was your favorite audition-round disaster?
39% Jonathan Jayne and Kenneth Briggs
29% Ian Bernardo
17% Martik "Eccentric" Manoukian
8% Tashawn Moore
6% Jasmine Holland
[So many names, so little space]

Face-off: Simon or Paula?
84% Simon
16% Paula
[Er, where does that leave Randy?]



Who's your favorite previous Idol winner?
49% Kelly Clarkson
35% Carrie Underwood
7% Taylor Hicks
6% Fantasia Barrino
2% Ruben Studdard
[Five years later, Kelly is still No. 1. The sign of a true Idol]

CARRIE'S 'SOME HEARTS' TOUCHES MANY HEARTS

American Idol.com reports that Carrie Underwood 's debut album, "Some Hearts," is now RIAA-certified Sextuple Platinum for sales of 6 million copies. One of only two female country debuts ever to reach this milestone, "Some Hearts" now ranks alongside Leann Rimes' "Blue" as the best-selling debut by a country female in RIAA history.

Released November 15, 2005, the disc's unstoppable sales momentum has powered it to #1 for a remarkable 26 of its 78 chart weeks – holding the #1 position on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart across multiple weeks in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

With a 29% sales jump to more than 56,700 copies sold this past week, "Some Hearts" reclaims the #1 position on Billboard's Top Country Albums and surges to #8 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart. This sales leap preceded Carrie's performance and triple win on Tuesday’s 42nd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, where she was awarded Video of the Year ("Before He Cheats") and two of the night's top prizes: Top Female Vocalist and Album of the Year, for "Some Hearts."

"Wasted," the fourth #1 country airplay single from "Some Hearts" (following the success of "Jesus, Take the Wheel," "Don't Forget to Remember Me" and "Before He Cheats"), also becomes a #1 video this week on GAC’s viewer-voted Top 20 Country Countdown.

Carrie's massive cross-format appeal has also delivered Top 10 success at Hot AC and Mainstream Top 40 with "Before He Cheats," becoming a Top 5 favorite video on VH1’s VSpot Top 20 Video Countdown as well as the first country video ever to air on MTV’s TRL and the first country video added to MTV since 1999.

With this week's SoundScan sales numbers, "Before He Cheats" also breaks new ground on the digital frontier, as release-to-date total sales vault to 1,228,511 downloads, ranking "Before He Cheats" as the best-selling digital country song in chart history.

"Some Hearts" remains the best-selling, single-disc country album by a solo artist (male or female) in the last six years (since Tim McGraw's "Greatest Hits" released in November, 2000) and the best-selling, single-disc country album by any artist since the release of the Dixie Chicks' "Home" in August 2002.

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2007