Constantine Maroulis, Master Multitasker

In their interview with Season 4 finalist Constantine Maroulis, EW called him a master multitasker and says he is determined to stick around for these reasons:

• Barely a week after being eliminated, it was announced he had a TV development deal with Kelsey Grammer.


• Then, he was hitting the stage in New York, joining the cast of Broadway's "The Wedding Singer"


• Next, he was in the Off Broadway production of "Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris."


• Since then, Maroulis has toured the country playing solo gigs.


• Gone to work on his debut album, Constantine (out Aug. 7) .


• And found time to guest on the CBS soap "The Bold and the Beautiful."

And he's doing so on his own terms. After a major-label deal with Atlantic fell through, Constantine pressed on with his album, paying for the production himself and hiring all the players. Then he formed his own record company, aptly named Sixth Place Records, and, like Elliott Yamin, secured a distribution deal. Should he sell even half of the 150,000 copies being pressed next month, Constantine will likely enjoy a very nice payday. But it's not all about the money, says the Boston Conservatory of Music grad — his focus is on having a career. And whether you consider him a heartthrob or a cheeseball, Constantine doesn't care much either way, as long as you don't count him out.

What happened to the deal with ABC?
We had a show we were developing, but it didn't work out. When Kelsey Grammar calls you up, you put a year of your time into developing something because he's a legend. You have to pursue these opportunities, see what they are, and nurture them. You have to take time to see if there's something there.

Tell us about your character on "The Bold and the Beautiful."
I play Constantine Parros, an international rock star, which, of course, I'm not. He's a really cool, hard-working guy who's producing records and looking for artists. He becomes fascinated with Phoebe Forrester [played by MacKenzie Mauzy]. She's the heiress to Forrester fashion house, which is a big f---ing deal. The whole show is based around this family, and she's really beautiful and can sing incredibly well. I see this YouTube-equivalent [video] of her and I say, ''Look at all the buzz this girl's getting, look at all the views, she's got the paparazzi after her...'' She's a good girl, though. She's like Hilary Duff but with Paris Hilton exposure. So I see potential and I want to produce her record. And, of course, a romance ensues.

You perform your songs on the show as well; do you give her the staple Constantine stare?
Definitely. It might have been written into one of the stage directions. The script said, ''Constantine gives her 'the look.' '' I laughed out loud, of course. I take my work really seriously, but that's funny s--- when you see that written into the script.

Certainly it must be easier to gaze toward Phoebe than Simon Cowell.
Yeah, a little bit. Although he might have liked it. He did call me ''smoldering.''

You went from "Elimidate" to "American Idol" to "The Bold and the Beautiful" — some may say there's some cheese there.
I say it's cool to be cheesy. But also look at Boston Conservatory, [the] Rent [tour], record entrepreneur, classical actor. You can see all sides of it. As long as they're talking about me, that's all that matters.

Why did you choose to self-release your album?
It just ended up becoming the best situation for me. Anytime you can have control of an album's direction, that's a good thing. I own this record. I'm the label — I lay out all the money for the studio, the musicians, the producers, rights and clearances to songs ... There's a huge advantage and a much bigger profit margin for units sold if you can do it like this.

Care to predict how it will do?
If we can sell enough to continue making records and stay on the road long enough to get more people into the music ... that's the goal. Numbers are irrelevant now. It's about who your target audience is and trying to move them. I'm realistic. I know I'm not going to be like the major artists out there. I think that's so silly when artists talk about [how much they'll sell] ... I've taken the time to consciously build a career. I wanted to do Broadway, I wanted to do soap operas, I wanted to start my own label, I wanted to host and write. There were all these ''I wannas'' and I got to do them all.

Would you say you're proof that you don't have to win to have a successful career?
I'm just a hardworking kid from New York. I'm about perseverance. You pound away, you keep working and things will happen. If you're not fortunate enough to be Carrie Underwood, you have to f---ing bust your ass. That's it. I've stayed out there without being too much out there. I've quietly done good work. I plan on sticking around for a long time as a result of it. Then one day, I'll move to Greece and retire with my 10 children.

ELLIOTT YAMIN DEFIED THE ODDS

EW says that 14 months after his Season 5 on "American Idol" ended, Elliott Yamin's self-titled debut album, which was released in March, is quickly approaching gold status. It's about to overtake runner-up Katharine McPhee's total sales and is outpacing current numbers for winner Taylor Hicks.

How did Yamin defy the odds? Judge Randy Jackson has a theory: ''He's the same guy he was on the show,'' he tells EW. ''The pop, R&B thing worked for him and that's what he's doing now. People [respond] and go, 'Yeah! This is no different than the guy I voted for, it's right on the money.' ''

Yamin's other smart decision was how he went about releasing his album. Rather than pursuing the major label route, Elliott saw being passed over by SonyBMG (the music conglomerate that has first dibs on Idol contestants) as a blessing and opted to go indie. With a publishing deal in hand (from Sony/ATV, who signed him after hearing one song) and guidance from his manager, Jeff Rabhan (who previously worked with Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken), Elliott's team became a "virtual label," with many of the key elements (sales, promotion, press) outsourced to various experts of their field.

As luck — and hard work — would have it, Yamin's first single, "Wait for You," was an unexpected hit, and with a new shaggy 'do and (gifted) $50,000 veneers, he looks poised to be the next solo pop star to break out of the Idol mold. EW caught up with Yamin at a café near his home in Los Angeles to talk shop.

We'll have to start with the teeth, because they look great!
And now it feels great! [The process] was excruciating. I was wrecked from the neck up. It hurt to talk. I'd had a couple cavities filled and my wisdom teeth pulled, but that's it. I would never even go to cleanings. So that was tough. I didn't think the pain was ever going to go away.

Did that make you insecure?
Yeah, a little bit. I always had a complex about my smile. I would have to smile a certain way, knowing it looked better than the other way, when my teeth were exposed. I never thought I'd have the whole mouth done, but they offered to do it for free! That was definitely the Jew in me.
You're part Israeli, aren't you?
My dad's Israeli. He was born in Baghdad to Iraqi Jews. Then, at age 2, his parents wanted to move to their homeland and he grew up in Israel. I've been there twice, once as a baby and once when I was 15.

Did you have a Bar Mitzvah?
No, I didn't. I was a bad kid. I got kicked out of Hebrew school for making fun of [my teacher]. She was pretty strict with us and her husband was the rabbi. We used to clash.

And you dropped out of high school, too?
Yeah. I was never really good in the classroom setting. But I got my ''Good Enough Degree.'' [Chuckles]

Do you think being deaf in one ear had anything to do with it?
No. I hear okay. It's never been that big of an issue other than in crowds, or on headphones.

What about on the Idol stage when the judges are talking to you?
On the stage, you can't see, but the sound up there is good. They have tons of monitors that protrude through the floor. Sitting on the side of the stage, though, I could never hear a word Ryan [Seacrest] or any of the judges were saying.

You watched Idol before your audition, and now you've seen another round of contestants. Was your season the best?
I think it was the best so far, and I'm not being biased. That seems to be the general consensus from everybody; this year wasn't as good as last year. It's cool to be a part of that alumni.

Your single is a Top 40 hit. Do you think performing it on Idol gave it a big boost?
It was on the rise, but yeah, it wouldn't be where it is today if not for performing on that show. 100 percent. Thirty million people saw it! There was an 87 percent increase from one week to the next. I was really pumped.

Why didn't you sign with 19 for management?
I felt they weren't going to pick me up on the management side or the record company side, so I called Simon Fuller personally and I said, ''I appreciate everything you've done. I've gotten amazing opportunities.'' I thanked him and told him what a great time I had on the show, then I said, ''I'd like to cede the deal with 19 Entertainment.'' And he said, ''That's cool, just don't put out a record before Kat, Taylor, or Chris.'' I was, like, ''No problem, I'll take my time.'' That was that. I wasn't like, ''That's f----d up, why didn't they pick me?'' I was more relieved. They were trying to manage a lot of people at one time and they didn't indicate that in the future, away from Idol, they'd give me 100 percent of the attention that I need. It wasn't the right fit.

What were your expectations for the album?
I wasn't too sure. I had preconceived notions, probably like the public did. You know, what's he going to sound like? Are people going to buy it? Not literally, but like buy it. I wanted it to be good, quality music — a singer's record, because I'm a vocalist — and something I could be happy with and grow from. I think I did that.

And the album is an independent release, so you stand to make more of a profit ...
Yes. But there are so many ways to make money in this business: Touring, endorsement deals, I'm doing something with Oscar Mayer, I'm doing a Christmas album with Target ... There are all kinds of opportunities coming my way that have nothing to do with singing but are other sources of income.

Still, it must feel good to have an album that's selling so well.
It feels amazing. We worked tirelessly and it's really paying off. Pounding the radio, going to three or four stations a day, sometimes in two different states, for five weeks straight. We played every chance we got, it was almost like a country-music radio tour; meeting the fans and the listeners. But people really like the song, they like me, they like the record!

Have you come to terms with the fact that you'll likely be talking about American Idol for the rest of your life?
I've accepted it. I know I'll be forever synonymous with those two words. But so what? I knew what I was getting myself into. I didn't know the magnitude of how big it was, but I'll talk about it until I'm blue in the face. So many doors have opened because of it. Now, I get to do what I love every day.

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© 2007

The Dumber Blonde? Hint: It's Not Kellie

In a move that will likely make her look as if she has the higher IQ, Kellie Pickler has begun to pal around with Jessica Simpson, according to a report in the National Enquirer says The National Ledger. And the story claims that the elder Simpson sister has been pouring her heart out to her new BFF about her breakup with John Mayer. The problem in the relationship, according to a (*ahem* anonymous and no-doubt nonexistent) source was John's jealousy and Jessica's father, Joe Simpson.

The Enquirer reports it learned the two blonde stunners rendezvoused for girl talk at an exclusive club in Dallas earlier this month and that Jessica made a tearful confession, a source told the magazine. She sobbed to Kellie: "I really loved him, but I've never known a man so jealous!" The source added, "Jessica also said John despised her father and was obsessed about her seeing other guys."

According to the magazine, Kellie, 21, sought Jessica's friendship after she burst onto the pop music scene following her stint on "American Idol." During their recent heart-to-heart, Jessica, 26, told Kellie that at first she thought John's obsessive attentiveness was charming, but then his fits of jealously over other guys "got old quick."

Kellie listened sympathetically -- and then made a shocking confession of her own, says the source. "She told Jessica that John once hit on her when he was still together with Jess, and she added: 'The guy's a major rat. Honey, you're better off without him!' "

File this one under Ripley's Believe It or Not.

WILL FULLER FILL UP MEMPHIS?

A story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about the wonders of Memphis, includes these intriguing graphs about Graceland:

"The house is surprisingly small -- [Elvis] Presley bought it and its nearly 14 acres in 1957 and never had it expanded, though he added buildings, including an office for his father and a racquetball court that now holds memorabilia. The King evidently did all the decorating himself, and some of it makes me cringe to think that this was what lots of money could buy in the '60s -- including a furry white monstrosity that turns out to be a bed. Despite what I consider to be his questionable taste, there is a casualness that lends the place a more dignified air than I had expected.

We learn that his three Grammy wins were for gospel albums and he showed up in person to accept only one of the many awards that came his way -- from the Jaycees. His troubles with prescription drugs and other struggles are glossed over but not ignored, and I wasn't sure that would be the case.

It seems odd to see tourists mingle and snap pictures outside in the meditation garden, where Presley, his parents and grandmother are buried and his twin brother, who died at birth, is honored with a plaque. But then the tour recorder tells us that Vernon Presley, worried about vandals, had his son's grave moved here from a public cemetery. The folks snapping pictures here are at least quiet and respectful.

Walking between buildings, you can see the modest neighboring houses beyond Graceland's fences. It will be interesting to see how long that will last.

A partnership that includes Simon Fuller, a co-creator of "American Idol," has paid Lisa Marie [Presley] millions for the rights to use Elvis' and Graceland's names and likenesses. Although she still owns the house, they are buying up land around Graceland, and there's fear, some locals told us, that the quiet neighborhood could become more of an amusement park or worse -- if hotels blossom here, people might stay just in this area and miss the whole history of blues, soul and rock as told along Beale Street and at Sun and Stax studios.

... Graceland is a must-see, but Memphis has so much more that should not be missed."

KELLY CLARKSON AND REBA McENTIRE TONIGHT!

Don't forget to catch Kelly Clarkson with Reba McEntire tonight on CMT's "Crossroads" at 8 p.m. The New York Daily News gives the show three stars. Here is their review:

If you think Kelly Clarkson looks like she's needed a friend lately, you can relax. She has found one: Reba McEntire.

McEntire, one of the most successful country artists of modern times, joins Clarkson, the "American Idol" winner who has been all over the charts in the past five years, for a CMT production of "Crossroads" in which they sing a bunch of familiar songs together and then, between songs, sit down and chat.

It will come as no surprise to fans of these two American Sweethearts that they can harmonize on popular anthems as if they were born doing it, or that when they talk they sound like the Nashville branch of the mutual admiration society.

Clarkson says McEntire's songs have always blown her away, and she's like, so awe-struck just to be talking with her.

McEntire says, nonsense, child, I remember sitting there myself, and besides, you earned it.

Although McEntire has worked almost entirely on the country side of the music game and Clarkson has primarily been a pop artist, their musical common ground is extensive.

Both have scored best with big, booming, melodic tunes that sound great from a car radio, like McEntire's "You Lie" or Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone."

They belt out both of those on this show, along with "Does He Love You," "Because of You" and a half-dozen others. No shortage of hits, no shortage of powerful crescendos that make the adoring crowd even happier.

Besides, in a world that loves a catfight, this is a kitten cuddle.

They don't cover anything terribly profound in their chats, with McEntire talking about her struggle to get that first break and Clarkson musing about her musical influences. More significant is that they do it in such a warm manner, like two best friends who happen to have sold tens of millions of records meeting for a morning cup of coffee.

The special airs at a particularly good time for Clarkson, who has been bounced around lately by the ambivalent response to the CD that comes out Tuesday.

Not entirely by accident, "Crossroads" may remind fans that they basically like the girl and maybe ought to give her new record a chance.

Speaking of music, the special reinforces one other truth about McEntire and Clarkson. While the appeal of their songs is wide, it's not especially deep. Their songs tend to be more catchy than profound, which is fine. It's just worth noting.

It's also worth noting that once or twice, when the gals are talking, Clarkson somehow uses the phrase "so I said," rather than "So, I'm like ..."

You go to the crossroads, you just never know what you'll find.

You can also find videos and photos with Kelly and Reba on the CMT site here.

FANS CROSSING COUNTRY TO SEE TAYLOR HICKS

The Spartanburg Herald-Journal reports that fans will come from across the country to see "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks at the Spartanburg Community College Foundation's Red, White & Boom celebration Friday (June 29th). People from 25 states have purchased tickets, and the Marriott has already booked the block of rooms set aside for Red, White & Boom attendees.

"We have people coming from as far away as California, Washington state and New York," said Nancy Dickson, executive director of the SCC Foundation.

"We do this as a fundraiser to raise scholarships to support students who come to the college," Dickson said. Dickson said that in the past couple of years, organizers have tried to appeal to the age group they serve at the college.

Last year's concert with singer Miranda Lambert, the Academy of Country Music's Best New Female Artist for 2007, filled the park to capacity.

"Taylor Hicks is that type of person," Dickson said. "He appeals to a broad range of people, and our sponsors feel comfortable with a nationally recognized name."

Hicks draws crowds of fans from all over the country, many who follow him from show to show. He's nothing like 'American Idol,' " said Donna Bristow, a 46-year-old sales representative from Anderson County. "You can't describe him unless you see him live. He's so magnetic. He puts his whole heart and soul in it. I know women who have cashed in 401(k)s to follow him," Bristow said.

Bristow has friends coming in from Naples, Fla., Charlotte, N.C., and Nashville, Tenn. She knows women who have seen him more than 20 times. "I attended two of Taylor's concerts in Tennessee this winter and was thrilled to learn that he would be performing within driving distance this summer," said Millie Wilson, a retired English teacher who lives about 150 miles away in Kingsport, Tenn.

She said she was struck by Hicks the first time she saw him perform on "American Idol." "No two Taylor Hicks concerts are the same. He has a vast storehouse of music to draw from. He has been compared to a walking iPod," Wilson said. "He's one great-looking fellow, too," she added jokingly, "and that's worth about 50 miles of driving."

Hicks will take the stage around 8 p.m. A 25-minute fireworks display starts at about 9:30.

Meanwhile, the Leader-Telegram says that Hicks' hot blues and jazz left the audience cold when he opened for Sara Evans at Country Fest in Cadott, Wisconsin:

"American Idol's Hicks didn't stand a chance with devout country music fans. The blues and jazz crooner, dressed in a black shirt and gray suit coat, warmed up the crowd with "Soul Thing."

But the warmth quickly faded.

Although his voice was right on key and he rocked on the harmonica, Hicks' handful of hard-core fans couldn't persuade the rest of the crowd to play along."

This group was apparently not too easy to please. The paper also reported that, "Throughout the 70-minute set, Evans and her band, including sister, Lesley Evans Lyons, a back-up singer; and brother, Matt Evans, the guitarist, attempted to keep the crowd entertained, but the slower songs weeded the fans from the fanatics.

The crowd grew restless and began packing up for the night during the ballad 'I Could Not Ask for More.'

At least Evans made it 50 minutes into her act before the fans started making their way back to the campsites. It took Hicks, who played before Evans, only a handful of songs to send people back to their tents."

Tough crowd.

UNDERWOOD WORKING ON NEW CD

In a story announcing that Carrie Underwood would be performing at Allentown Fair Grandstand in Pennsylvania on Sept. 2, the Morning Call also said that Underwood is working on a second album. In a recent interview with Nashville newspaper The Tennessean, she said, "It's definitely staying in the country genre. That's where my heart is, and it's worked well so far." The first single should hit radio stations later this summer.

Underwood never seems to never be out of media spotlight for long, because of her involvement with PETA and rumors of her on-and-off again relationship with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tomy Romo.

Underwood credits her sorority sisters with helping her to overcome her shyness at singing on stage. Youngest of three girls, she grew up in Checotah, Okla., and attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, as a journalism major, which may explain the long but well-written bio on MySpace. She also is a skilled guitar player and vegetarian.

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2007

Ryan Blames Simon for ‘Idol’ Ratings Drop

According to MSNBC, Ryan Seacrest says he knows why "American Idol" took a ratings hit this season. He says it's Simon Cowell’s fault.

When asked about the decline, reports Canada's Globe and Mail, Seacrest replied, "Well, the knee-jerk reaction would be Simon."

Seacrest says there's just too much of the acid-tongued judge: "Clearly there's an over saturation of his character." Seacrest pointed out that the ratings are still high, and addressed buzz that bosses want to change some of the "Idol" judges. "That's clearly rumor," he said. "I'm positive you can't recreate the chemistry that we have with the group on 'American Idol.' "

Clearly the reporter missed that Seacrest was being tongue in cheek. Seacrest, of course, eggs Cowell on constantly, so if that were the real cause, Seacrest would be at fault as well.

Us? We think the ratings drop was due to a dull season resulting from a lot of generally weak contestants. This was especially true coming off of Season 5, which had a particularly strong group, especially Chris Daughtry, and in which eight (Daughtry, Taylor Hicks, Katharine McPhee, Paris Bennett, Elliott Yamin, Kellie Pickler, Bucky Covington, Mandisa) of the Top 12 have already released CD's, a ninth (Ace Young) is in the works; one semi-finalist (Ayla Brown) has released a CD as well.

McPHEE REALLY HURT

US magazine says that although fellow Season 5 competitors Elliot Yamin, Kellie Pickler, Taylor Hicks and Chris Daughtry all returned for guest spots of "American Idol's" sixth season, noticeably absent from the rundown was Katharine McPhee, 23 – and it was not by choice.

"Katharine called them herself, trying to get on the [finale]," a source close to the singer told Us. "She's really hurt." The finale featured performances by original Idol champion Kelly Clarkson, second-season Idol winner Ruben Studdard and fourth-season Idol winner Carrie Underwood and last season's champ Taylor Hicks, along with appearances by numerous non-Idol artists, including Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Gwen Stefani, Tony Bennett, Green Day, Bette Midler, Joe Perry, and Bebe and Cece Winans.

But she wasn't the only former Idol who got dissed. When Sony/BMG president Clive Davis addressed the TV audience, he made sure to plug Taylor Hicks' new single, but failed to mention Kelly Clarkson's latest single or her forthcoming CD, "My December," over which the two have reportedly butted heads.

McPhee's rep could not be reached, and Fox had no comment.

RAISING KANE

Meanwhile, MSNBC reports that Katharine McPhee's fans are outraged that the former contestant was treated rudely on a Washington D.C. radio station. Now the show’s DJ, Kane, is hitting back.

As we reported last week, McPhee was interviewed by an intern named Ally on Hot 99.5’s "The Kane Morning Show." The interview was supposed to be in the studio and the station had agreed that McPhee wouldn't be asked any personal questions. But McPhee didn't show up at the studio — handlers explained that her flight had been delayed — and one of the first questions the intern asked the 23-year-old singer was about her 42-year-old boyfriend. The intern asked if having a boyfriend who was so much older hurt or helped the relationship. An obviously irritated McPhee said she didn't want to discuss her private life and the interview went downhill from there.

Angry fans deluged Kane with hate mail. "Maybe she should have been nicer and been live as she promised," Kane replied to some of them.

The angry calls and e-mails kept coming, and Kane shot back a lengthy response. "I'm getting increasingly frustrated by e-mails from McPhee fans that don't know the whole story and are writing me angry e-mails," Kane wrote to them, scolding, "It makes Kat look bad when every other word in your e-mail about how you thought we didn't handle the interview professionally starts with an f---."

He went on to describe in detail a scenario in which he said McPhee was pitched to the radio show on the condition that she appear live, that the appearance be pre-promoted, and that there would be no personal questions. He also challenged the excuses he was given for her failing to appear live — pointing out, for example, that the flights from L.A. to Washington weren't delayed that morning.

"Slam us, go-head," Kane wrote. "We agreed to have her on; we followed the rules. They didn't tell the truth. Kat could have had a little more fun with Ally. She could have said, 'You guys know you're not supposed to ask me personal questions. What's wrong with you?' Rather, she just got mad."

COWELL 'SICK WITH ENVY' OVER DWTS' SUCCESS

FemaleFirst, a UK Web site, says that Simon Cowell confesses he is jealous of friends who taste success -- but insists it is healthy to be competitive. But the music mogul also admits he is 'sick with envy' that he wasn't the brainchild behind hit U.S. TV show "Dancing with the Stars," and secretly wanted the program to flop.

"If someone I know is doing better than me I get incredibly miserable," Cowell said, adding "A lot of my friends are extremely wealthy, but I'm not envious of their money, however, I'm never pleased if they have a hit show. I don't go to bed thinking, 'I'm really happy their show is doing so well'. It annoys me that it wasn't my idea.

"When I watch 'Dancing with the Stars' in America it makes me sick with envy because I didn't think if the idea myself. But that's how it should be -- when you lose your competitive edge, you're over."

Meanwhile its been revealed that the music mogul follows a superstitious ritual before appearing on TV -- he "worships" his hair dryer, according to his "Britain's Got Talent co-judge Amanda Holden.

The actress explains, "He has a little routine before every show, with his hair dryer, but it's pointless -- he looks exactly the same afterwards. I can only assume it has become a sort of superstitious ritual. Just as Madonna prays before a performance, Simon worships at the alter of his Babyliss hair dryer. He likes to be assured he looks good and we always tell him he does."

BOSTON PICKS PICKLER

Kellie Pickler, travelling with the Brad Paisley tour, got a great review in Boston Herald yesterday. Of her performance on Saturday at the Tweeter Center, the paper's critic said:

"With all the sticky sweet gloss now coating commercial country, it’s easy to forget the earnestness that once defined the genre.

But at a nearly full Tweeter Center last night, Brad Paisley's Bonfires & Amplifiers Tour confirmed that not only is quality country being made, its performers are charismatic and charming.

With Taylor Swift apparently ill, "American Idol" Season 5 top-six contestant Kellie Pickler opened in a sexy red top and skin-tight jeans.

In addition to selections from her impressive "Small Town Girl," Pickler served up a slow, saucy cover of Patsy Cline's "Walking After Midnight" and a hammed-up version of Dolly Parton's "9 to 5."

During "I Wonder," a song about being estranged from her mother, she began to cry; a well-deserved standing ovation followed.

Hook-laden tunes such as "Red High Heels" are proof that Pickler's career is just getting started.

FULLER REASSEMBLING THE SPICE GIRLS?

On Friday, People magazine reported that the Spice Girls are preparing for a Christmas reunion tour. "It should be happening in December," a source told People. "Geri [Halliwell, a.k.a. Ginger Spice] and Emma ["Baby Spice" Bunton] have been in the studio writing new material and they want to do a worldwide tour."

Rumors have circulated recently that the band would reunite for the Princess Diana memorial concert that is to be held on Diana's birthday, July 1, to mark the 10th anniversary of her death.

"They definitely won't be performing at the Diana show. It is too soon and Emma is pregnant," says another band insider. "But plans are afoot for later in the year. It all depends on Simon Fuller. He is the mastermind."

Fuller, 47, the creator of "American Idol," was also the Svengali manager who turned the five-woman group into the most successful female act of the 1990s.

The group plans to release a greatest hits album that will include several new songs, sources tell People. "They have a couple of new songs and one in particular is fantastic," says one recording-studio source. "It's hard to get something as pop-laden as their first hit, 'Wannabe,' but one of the new songs is heading that way and it has far more funk in it than the ballads before the band split."

Until recently, it seemed there was no hope for a reunion. "There are no plans for it at all with or without me," Melanie "Sporty Spice" Chisholm, 33, told People in March.

The band insider confirms that Chisholm was reluctant at first. "It's been a long time coming and the negotiations have been going on for a while," says the source. "Mel C. was the last one to come onboard as she has been pushing her solo career."

The first hint of a possible reunion came on April 22 at the baptism service for 34-year-old Halliwell's 11-month-old daughter, Bluebell Madonna. Only L.A.-based Melanie "Scary Spice" Brown, 32, who welcomed a daughter of her own on April 3, was absent.

Sources tell People that Fuller returned to London from Los Angeles earlier this week and is expected to craft an announcement of the reunion. Meanwhile, Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham has returned to California to finalize her family's move.

However, a day later, on June 9th, Access Hollywood reported that while at least one of the girls confirms the multi-platinum fab five have been speaking about getting back together as a tour de force, don’t set aside your ticket money just yet.

"There has been discussions," Melanie Chisholm told the BBC's "Something for the Weekend" recently, "but nothing's been agreed at the moment."

While the girls may be talking, some UK newspapers have said Chisholm who is currently promoting her fourth solo album "This Time" in the UK, is the lone hold out of the bunch. Mel C furthered those rumors during her appearance on the weekend program.

"I really, really like my life the way it is. I've got my record out and it's very special to me," she said. "I've always said I don't want to do it and in my heart of hearts I'd rather leave it really but if the other four girls wanna do it, then I don't wanna be the one who stops it from being the complete five."

Though she offers some hopeful sentiments that the world could see the first reunion of all five girls in nearly a decade (Geri Halliwell left in 1998), Chisholm rules out anything more than new versions of their hits during potential performances.

"I absolutely don't want to do new material 'cause I think that time has passed," she stated. "If we're gonna do it, it should be for nostalgia and it should be all the old stuff, everyone have a great time, put it to bed, finish it and then everyone stop asking me about it!"

YAMIN BACKS OBAMA

Sen. Barack Obama's Web site says that Elliott Yamin will appear at a fundraiser for the presidential hopeful tomorrow in San Francisco from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Ruby Skye, 420 Mason Street. Admission is $250. You can RSVP online. Email for more information.

BILLBOARD CHART NEWS

After reading this week's Idol Chart Watch by Donna Reynolds, we again we have to ask whether the right person was selected as the new American Idol. The EPs for both Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis are in freefall on the Billboard Comprehensive Chart this week (hers went from No. 22 to No. 45; his dove from No. 30 to No. 49. But more interesting, Lewis' "You Give Love a Bad Name" is doing better on Billboard's Hot 100 and Pop 100 than is the new (bleech) Idol Anthem song, "This Is My Now," by Sparks. They stand (on both charts) at Nos. 21 and 25, respectively. Last week, Sparks was at No. 15 and Lewis at No. 18.

Other chart news: Fantasia's eponymous CD rose from No. 85 to No. 65 on The Billboard 200.

Daughtry's self-titled CD landed at No. 5 on this week's Billboard 100.

Bucky Covington's eponymous CD (152,719 copies sold) jumps to No. 51 on the Billboard 200 and is also up to No. 10 on the Country Albums list.

Carrie Underwood 's "Some Hearts," which has sold 5,579,325 copies, drops one spot to No. 11 on the Billboard 200 and is No. 2 on the Country chart.

Elliott Yamin's eponymous CD has sold nearly 251,000 copies to date. The album drops to No. 41 on the Billboard 200 and is No. 27 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

Katharine McPhee has dropped off the charts.

Paris Bennett's "Princess P" is No. 93 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums listing

Kellie Pickler's "Small Town Girl" has sold 546,698 copies and is up six spots to No. 103 on the Billboard 200 and is No. 25 on the Country listing.

This Week’s Idols’ Singles Charts

Mandisa's first single, "Only the World," remains No. 2 on the Single Sales chart. The single is also on the Hot Christian Adult Contemporary chart (No. 15).

Daughtry's "Home" hit the No. 1 position on the Hot Adult Top 40 chart and drops to No. 7 on the Hot 100; "It’s Not Over" drops to No. 35 on the Hot 100 and is No. 31 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart; Chris’ single, "What I Want," is No. 11 on the Rock chart.

Bucky Covington's single "A Different World" landed at No. 15 on the Hot Country Singles and Tracks chart.

Elliott Yamin's "Wait for You" continues moves up to No. 32 on the Hot 100, No. 57 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart and No. 22 on the Pop 100.

Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats" is No. 14 on the Adult Contemporary chart, No. 10 on the Hot 100, No. 11 on the Pop 100, and No. 5 on the Adult Top 40; "I'll Stand by You" is No. 42 on the Country chart; "Wasted" is No. 64 on the Hot 100 and No. 73 on the Pop 100.

Fantasia's "When I See You" is No. 55 on the Hot 100, No. 4 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles chart and No. 8 on the R&B Adult airplay list.

Kelly Clarkson's "Never Again" is No. 11 on the Hot 100, No. 13 on the Pop 100, No. 13 on the Adult Top 40.

Kimberley Locke's "Change" dropped from No. 19 on the Hot Dance Club.

Kellie Pickler's "I Wonder" is No. 2 on the Bubbling Under (the Hot 100) chart and No. 18 on the Country chart.

Katharine McPhee's "Over It" is No. 89 on the Pop 100; "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" / "My Destiny" is No. 24 on the Single Sales list.

Taylor Hicks' "Just to Feel That Way" is No. 27 on the Adult Contemporary chart.

Ruben Studdard's "Make Ya Feel Beautiful" is No. 33 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles chart and No. 8 on the R&B Adult airplay list.

NEW VIDEOS

Fantasia performing at the Tony Awards last night:


Katharine McPhee interview at the Special Olympics on "The View From the Bay":



Chris Daughtry singing "Home" at Riverfest 2007 III:


Chris Daughtry singing "It's Not Over" at Riverfest 2007 III:


Chris Daughtry singing "It's Not Over" at Riverfest 2007 III:


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© 2007

Cowell to Spears: "Go Home"

Simon Cowell doesn't limit the advice he dispenses just to "American Idol" contestants. He also had some advice for train wreck Britney Spears. People magazine reports that on "Good Morning America," Cowell's career advice for the pop star is "go home to your family."

Cowell told ABC news correspondent Juju Chang that Spears is perfectly capable of saving her career because she's "still one of the most talked about pop stars on the planet."

"She has the X-factor because people want to write about her," Cowell says. "She's not conventional, she's not normal." At the same time, Cowell says that Britney "can't handle the tension and the pressure" that comes from being in the spotlight so she needs to refocus herself at home.

"Lock the door, don't go out with your stupid friends, have some home-cooked food, get a sense of reality," he says. "Go lie in the garden, okay? And then say to yourself, 'There's more good in my life than bad. I'm still a rich, talented girl – now I want to get my career back on track.' End of story."

But the interview wasn't all about Spears. Cowell also revealed why he believes Jordin Sparks is the new American Idol. "Jordin was the most improved over the whole season," he says. "She didn't start the best but midway through, this was the girl who suddenly got momentum."

Still, Cowell feels that Sparks wasn't necessarily the one who deserved the title. "Melinda [Doolittle] should have won," he says. "She tried the hardest, was consistently the best and had the best voice."

But Cowell's praise doesn't always have the intended effect and he knows it. "I think about it now – whether I should have endorsed her as much as [I did]," he says. "I think it was the right thing to do."

COWELL DOUBLES FORTUNE

And speaking about Cowell (which everybody does), it seems that the British pop mogul proves the axiom "the rich just keep getting richer." Metro.co.uk says that Cowell will have doubled his fortune to £200 million [approximately $400 million U.S.] by the end of the year, thanks largely to the success of "American Idol" in the US.

Cowell, 47, will make about £50 million from the latest series of the hit talent show – and has signed up to the series for another five years [interesting, since only last week he was claiming his contract is only for the next three years, after which he's quitting the series -- wink, wink], which will net him £ 20million a series.

He also earns a fortune from the recording rights of all songs released by contestants who appear on the show.

Cowell, named Britain's 700th richest person in the Sunday Times Rich List, will boost his bank balance further with the sale of his production company, SyCo.

His agent, PR guru Max Clifford, said of his client who dropped out of school at the age of 15 to become one of the most important people in pop : "He's got a Midas touch."

FULLER LAUNCHES BID TO BUYOUT IDOL COMPANY

In another case of the rich just getting richer, just two years after CKX bought Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment for almost $200 million, The Financial Times of London reports that Fuller and U.S. entertainment heavyweight Robert Sillerman have launched a $1.3 billion bid to take over CKX, the company that owns the rights to "American Idol."

Sillerman, the chief executive and largest shareholder of CKX, and Fuller, who created "Idol" and is the chief executive of its subsidiary 19 Entertainment, have made a proposal to the company's board of directors to take the company private.

As well as owning 19 Entertainment, CKX has exclusive talent deals with David and Victoria Beckham, singers Rachel Stevens, Will Young, Claudia Schiffer, Annie Lennox and Emma Bunton. It also has a controlling interest in Elvis Presley Enterprises and owns the names, images and likenesses of Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali.

If a deal goes through, Fuller and Sillerman would hold equal stakes in the new company.

PAULA ABDUL: I'M EXTREMELY HURT

In an exclusive statement to TMZ.com, Paula Abdul says:

"I am deeply hurt and extremely disappointed that someone has taken a private telephone conversation that I had with my representatives and released it to the media. This is not only illegal but also highly unethical. While I don't feel a need to justify or explain my conversation, even as a public figure I do feel my privacy has been violated and find this action to be unacceptable."

A secretly taped phone conversation was released this week featuring a sobbing Abdul discussing her former publicist and their strained relationship. TMZ says that Paula is now back with her longtime publicist Jeff Ballard.

You can hear audio of the phone conversation on the New York Post site (you can also click here to listen to it), which originally broke the story and said, that in a sob-filled audiotape Abdul is captured having a meltdown during a recent conference call.

Abdul, who seems to be talking to a group of publicists at some point during the last week, trashes her former rep, Howard Bragman; reveals she's dealing with challenging medical problems; and states she's had enough of the terrible treatment she receives from the "people who are supposed to be taking care of things."

She sobs on the tape: "I've never been treated this way and I've never seen anybody treated this way. This is just too much to stomach." Abdul is assured by those hearing her wails, "You will be treated better starting right now."

"I've been going through tremendous amounts of a difficult time," said Abdul, who, the paper claims, recently fibbed to her fans when she said she hurt her nose tripping over her Chihuahua. The paper says that Abdul actually threw a glass against the wall and a shard of it cut her face.

Abdul also outlines her health problems, including an adrenal disease called Addison's.

Ranting about Bragman, who apparently didn't appreciate her enough, Abdul says: "I do a call-in every week for OK! Magazine on 'American Idol.' Because of my brilliant job, they want to do a cover on me. I'm being told by Howard Bragman that I'm too old and no one will ever want to do a cover.

"I'm being tested. All I've ever wanted in my life is to be treated fairly and be treated with kindness. And I've never in my entire career been treated this way. The people who are supposed to take care of these things do not. I have to clean up after them everywhere they go. And I'm tired of it.

"Howard Bragman on Monday - he did some disgusting behavior. I had to go to Jimmy Kimmel," Abdul is heard sobbing, "with no publicist there. [Abdul appeared on Kimmel's show on May 15.] I go on with no publicist there and I pay this man . . .

"I don't understand how this man can call me a whining bitch. I've never in my life been called a whining bitch and a loser."

When the paper asked Bragman when he stopped working with Abdul, he said, "I'm not going into it," and added, "I'll stand by my reputation if she'll stand by hers." Her current rep, David Brokaw, did not return calls.

IDOLS AT MACY'S JULY 4TH CELEBRATION

NBC has announced that the network will celebrate the nation's 231st birthday extravaganza with a live telecast on July 4th at 9 p.m. that includes performances by Martina McBride, Jordin Sparks, Blake Lewis and Melinda Doolittle . The show will be hosted by Natalie Morales and Tiki Barber.

The country's largest Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza will feature nearly 35,000 brilliant shells exploding over New York City set to an original medley performed by The New York Pops. Over 1,000 pyrotechnic shells are fired every minute, when the first shells explode and begin their choreographed pyrotechnic dance.

IDOLS 3-10 VISIT ACCESS HOLLYWOOD

Eight of "American Idol's" final 10 (numbers 3-10) visited the "Access Hollywood" stage to chat about life in the spotlight and their new found fame. (you can watch the video here).

"It was a year ago and nobody knew who you were," Access' Shaun Robinson joked with the group. "Five months ago," Melinda Doolittle joking corrected her.

But the eight apparently still aren’t used to seeing themselves on camera, as they took every opportunity to ham it up on our set before the interview began, with Sanjaya Malakar smothering LaKisha Jones with kisses.

"Sanjaya you kiss me one more time and I'm gonna beat you down," she smiled. In that regard, it looks like LaKisha stands alone, because plenty of girls are clamoring for smooches from Sanjaya.

"It's very awkward sometimes though because you're walking down the street and someone will be like, 'Hey Sanjaya! How you doing?' and I'm just like 'Hi,'" he told Shaun.

"It's weird because I thought Sanjaya was the most non-popular [er, Chris, try unpopular] person on the show," Chris Richardson joked, getting a big laugh from the rest of the group.

But how did all of the controversy impact the musical Malakar? "I was just focusing on what I had to do each week because that's what you have to do," he told Shaun. "You can't get distracted by that stuff."

So did his fellow contestants feel all of the attention helped Sanjaya stick around a little longer than he would have otherwise? "I think the press certainly helped Sanjaya get votes, but I also think he deserved it," Phil Stacey said.

"He stuck through it too," Chris Richardson added. "Especially being his age and having so many people just coming down on him, he still would come in with a smile every single day."

Shaun asked Sanjaya about the video on YouTube in which Sanjaya claims his name is Bill Vendall, a 25-year-old grad student who's been playing the role of "Sanjaya" as an art project. (Watch Bill Vendall video here.) "Okay, you wanna explain that?" Shaun asked him.

"I was having fun and then people believed that I was actually Bill Vendall," he laughed. "I'm not Bill Vendall!" (Watch Bill Vendall denial video here.)

As it turns out, the bizarre hoax was actually commissioned by Will Ferrell for his Web site FunnyOrDie.com.

"It's gonna rock," said Chris Richardson when asked about the Idols Live summer tour.

"Now the pressure is off – we're not competing for anything anymore," LaKisha noted.

So who do the "Idols" think received the worst slam from the always candid Simon Cowell? "Haley," Chris Sligh quickly answered, drawing a laugh from Scarnato. "It was when he was like, 'I can't even remember your name.' "

But apparently Haley Scarnato isn't the only one who Simon couldn't remember. "Don't take it too hard," Phil Stacey added. "He came up to me at the finale and said, 'Chris, how have you been doing?' "

Oy.

BTW, here are more Idol-related "Access Hollywood" videos you can watch:

Jordin Sparks' first day as an Idol and her visit to "Access Hollywood"

Former Idols at this year's finale (almost all pushing new or upcoming recordings), including Constantine Maroulis, Diana DeGarmo, Paris Bennett, Ace Young, Jon Peter Lewis, Jasmine Trias, Mandisa and Scott Savol.

Kelly Clarkson fashion flashback after the finale.

VIDEO OF MELINDA DOOLITTLE ON REGIS

Watch video of Melinda Doolittle on "Live With Regis and Kelly" singing "Home" (the song she sang on Diana Ross Week). Melinda, I'm running out to buy your first CD as soon as it's pressed!:



VIDEOS OF BLAKE LEWIS APPEARANCES

Watch video of Blake Lewis on "Today"



Watch video of Blake Lewis on "The Morning Show With Mike & Juliet"



Watch video of Blake Lewis performing on "The Early Show":



Watch video of Blake Lewis interview on "The Early Show":



Watch video of Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks signing autographs outside "Today":



VIDEOS OF JORDIN SPARKS APPEARANCES

It's an interesting phenomenon that there are A LOT more Blake Lewis videos being posted on YouTube.com than there are of Jordin Sparks. Did the right person really win?

Watch Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis at press interview after she won:



Watch video of Jordin Sparks on "The Morning Show With Mike & Juliet":



e-mail Idol Addict
© 2007

Chris Richardson: I'm in God's Hands

Chris Richardson says he doesn't mind hearing the comparisons to Justin Timberlake. But, he adds, those who've drawn the connection should listen to his album when it comes out and then decide if it still holds. "To be even mentioned in the same sentence as someone so successful, it's great," Richardson told The Associated Press Thursday in a phone interview.

"They might be surprised whenever I come out with my album, that it's completely different than his. So that's when other people might one day be, like 'Hey, you sort of sound like Chris Richardson.' "

Richardson said that he and Phil Stacey had a feeling the axe was coming on Wednesday and that they were "at peace with it and we just accepted it. Usually when you go out there on decision night you usually go out there preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.

Now Richardson is focusing on the future -- the "Idol" tour and his album, which he said will be a mix of both rock and soul. "It'll be a mixture of a Maroon 5 sound with a little bit of Jason Mraz," said Richardson, who also plays the guitar, drums and piano. "I love rock and roll but I have this soulful type voice and I just like to infuse both of them."

Born in Belgium, Richardson moved around as a child with his sister Michelle, mother Phyllis, and father Danny, who was in the Air Force. As a child and teen, Richardson said he was overweight before he became more health conscious and shed about 40 pounds. At Great Bridge High School, Richardson played football and track before graduating in 2002.

Richardson made a decision after his freshman year to focus on a career in music and not return to the football program at Christopher Newport University. "I always wanted to be a professional football player but I also always wanted to be a rock star," he said. "For me, I seemed like I shined more whenever I was in the nightlife scene singing in a club or bar as opposed to standing and waiting to get thrown in the game."

After leaving the school, he studied music at community college while working at Hooters, soending his shifts dancing and singing to James Brown in front of the white and orange tiled walls and silver stovetops, making his way from a cook to a supervisor in about four years, said general manager Jennifer Gillis.

"He used to love listening to his James Brown while he was at work," said Gillis, who only knew of his real singing ability through recordings he had made. "He would sing goofily. He wouldn't sing like he normally would, and he would joke around with the regulars and with the staff."

In the Virginia Daily Press, Gilles said, "From what I hear, he's not going to be back for a couple of weeks. "He's going to be making the rounds, hitting the talk shows." But when the time arrives, Gillis said Richardson's friends in Chesapeake will throw a welcome home party. "It won't be at the restaurant, though," Gillis said. "We'll probably have to rent a tent," adding, "Finishing sixth among thousands of people who auditioned isn't too shabby."

Hooters manager Terrell Parker said, "We are proud of Chris. He did a good job."

Richardson's good friend Anthony "Blue" Yearling also said it's a bit early to schedule the singer's return bash. "We'll have to wait and see," he said. "It all just happened."

"It has been a long journey and I've enjoyed every second of it," he said. "I think that things happen for a reason. Maybe if I had made it through the times that I tried out the year before, I might not have made it this far. I sort of just give God the will and then I go from there. I'm pretty much in his hands."

QNAS FROM RICHARDSON'S EXIT INTERVIEW

Yesterday, Richardson answered questions from journalists across the nation. He talked about fashion, family, his friendship with fellow contestant Blake Lewis and what it's like to get the boot from one of the most popular programs on U.S. television, "American Idol." Here are excerpts from the telephone press conference:

On rumors that he has a girlfiend and who he's dating.

I just got out of a three-and-a-half-year relationship back home. That's about it. The rumors that are going around, all that stuff is just rumors ... Right now, I'm single, but still respecting the fact that I just got out of a relationship.

On the women he's been seen with in Hollywood clubs.

The women are friends and acquaintances.

On what he's like to sing on the [American Idols Live!] tour.

I haven't even thought that far ahead. I've got a lot of songs in the database, I've just got to figure which would be the best, one that would suit the style of music that I'll be coming out with on my album.

On how he felt about the producers pitching him directly against Blake, with whom he's best friends.

They gotta make a good television show, you know. They're smart producers and they know what will shock people and what will get people interested in the show. Whatever way they did it, if they would have let me go with someone else, it would have been just fine, too.

On what he and Blake were saying to each other while you waited to her who had been eliminiated.

We were singing a song that we had wrote that we used to laugh and joke about. And I was just telling him to go ahead and sit down, 'cause I knew I was going home and he was staying.

On where he got the clothes he wore on the show. Were they his or did he go shopping.

Yeah, we would go shopping in different places. Some of the clothes I don't even remember what the name of the clothes were. I just remember seeing it and I liked it and it was something that I wanted to do. The combination. Sometimes the outfits would go together and sometimes they weren't, but it was on purpose that I did that, because that's what I felt and I felt the mood. I always try to do stuff to fit my style and also fit the song of the week. That's what I did when I went out and shopped, I just really tried to fit my style and make sure it completely fit in with theme of the week.

On what he was thinking between the time he knew he could be, and then was, eliminated.

Me and Phil came to peace with the fact that we thought we were coming home. When he called me and Blake together, I knew I was going home. You start to put pieces together. I looked around and saw the band setting up and the guitar player grabbing a 12-string guitar, and I'm the only person with a 12-string guitar. You put it together. I just think if you go out there and prepare for the worst and hope for the best ... I think you're not so much let down. You know, for me, I'm sure that everybody knows by now that Blake's my best friend. I was glad to go and him to be in my place.

On how he and Blake ended up becoming so close.

It started in Hollywood week. It was just one of those things where you just sort of clicked with somebody. Me and him had a lot in common, music tastes, music style, personality traits, loyalty of friendship. It was just one of those things where we just bonded.

On whether he stayed close to his family during the competition.

Staying in touch with my family kept me grounded. Talking to my mother on the telephone energized me. It made me want to do the best that I can do.

On whether he took advice from others during the competition.

I tried to be myself throughout. I tried to stay true to myself and sing the songs that I could have fun with. That's what I did with "Geek in the Pink." It was something different for me. I'm glad I did it. I loved doing it.

On whether his verbal joust with Simon Cowell over his "nasally" singing might have cost him votes.

It might have. And then again it might not have. Who knows? I was grateful that at the end of that exchange I got to say that my heart and prayers went out to the students of Virginia Tech.

[On a video clip on the "American Idol" Web site, Richardson talked about that in more detail: "I've come to the realization that I sing with a little nasaliness. It's nothing new to me. I've always sang like that. And there's a lot of artists to me out there that have a nasally-type singing voice that have been successful. And some people are going to like it, and some people are going to completely hate it. And I totally respect that. You can't change your style of singing. You can make it better ... It's tough to come out there every week. That's the only thing I can say about it."]

On his relationship with the judges.

Randy was really supportive even on the bad nights. He'd always say something supportive. Paula also had some uplifting things to say.

Tomorrow's blog recounts Phil Stacey's conference call exit interview and whether the active Navy sailor will be allowed to participate in the Idols Live '07 summer concert tour.

JORDIN IN JEOPARDY? THAT WAS A MISTAKE

In an Associated Press story, "American Idol" creator Simon Fuller said he was determined to stretch the boundaries of the hit TV show this season by staging an ambitious charity special and a songwriting contest. So far, he's more than pleased with the results.

The online competition to create this season's coronation song got off to a robust start with nearly 30,000 entries, which were winnowed down to 20. Voting on those was to begin after Wednesday's show, with the most popular song performed later this month by the top two finalists and the winner recording it.

The entries were screened by Fuller and series producers and include "a handful of world-class songs," Fuller said.

Any tinkering with the Fox series -- the centerpiece of a hugely lucrative franchise that includes albums and concerts - is carefully considered but vital, Fuller said. "When you're sitting in the amazing position of having the biggest show, it's a great opportunity to experiment," he said. "You either sit there and think, 'It's great' and wait for it to fall apart, or say, 'Right, we're No. 1, how do we maintain, improve the show and the interactivity with our viewers?' "

"I think with everyone ... primarily the network, there was a little bit of trepidation [about Idol Gives Back]. We have a good thing going and when you look to change it in a way that's never been done before, it makes people nervous," he said.

"With credit to all concerned, they backed me on it," Fuller said. "Along the way, there were a lot of questions asked, lots of worrying faces. But we pulled it off."

Last week's two-night fundraiser for relief agencies serving needy families in America and Africa, drew pledges of $70 million with the help of star power from Bono, Celine Dion and others.

One element in "Idol Gives Back" that Fuller concedes could have been done differently: Although it was decided to refrain from bouncing a contestant last Tuesday in the spirit of the evening, the show briefly made it appear that Jordin Sparks was in jeopardy. That drew sharp criticism from some viewers; in hindsight, Fuller said, they might have handled it differently.

"This has been an intriguing year. It's been a slow burn in terms of getting to know the talent ... It's more of a journey than ever this year," he said. Two or three "terrific" contestants have emerged that Fuller sees dueling until the last. "No names," he said, diplomatically.

WASHINGTON HOMETOWN SNUBS SANJAYA

According to the New York Post, in spite of the nationwide sensation he caused, it seems that his hometown could care less that Sanjaya Malakar is back.

City officials in Federal Way, Wash. -- a suburb of Seattle -- won't give the "American Idol" finalist his own day or a parade -- or even a cardboard key to the city. "Federal Way has more important things to deal with, and unless a council member tried to push through a proclamation, then that 'Idol' wannabe should not expect a similar honor," town manager Neal Beets told a local TV station just before Malakar, 17, was voted off "Idol."

Suggestions for a Sanjaya day "came from people on the East Coast," says a city hall source.

"I would love to do something," Tiffany Archibald, the director of marketing for a mall near his home in Washington, told a local paper. "I just can't find him."

But Archibald seems to be one of only a few Federal Way residents who want to celebrate his return.

Mayor Mike Park told reporters that the city has never honored anyone with a special day in its 17-year history and is questioning Sanjaya's connection to the town in the first place. "It's not as if they have deep roots in the community," Park says.

Malakar's family has lived in the Seattle area most of his life, but has also lived in Hawaii and California. He attended area schools but dropped out of high school in Federal Way his sophomore year -- after passing his GED exam -- to pursue a career in music. His parents are divorced.

A source at City Hall said that officials were reluctant to do anything for him that would cost taxpayers money. "Maybe if they [fans] had gone to the chamber of commerce it would be a different story," the source said.

After weeks of exposure on "American Idol," Sanjaya quietly returned home late last week and has tried to keep a low profile ever since.

And to top that off, now Time Magazine has left Sanjaya off their official list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Talk about a fleeting 15 minutes of fame. Awwwww.

ROSIE AND WALTERS BLAST PREZ' IDOL CLIP

RealityTVWorld.com reports that while the "Idol Gives Back" thank you video from the President George Bush and First Lady Laura Bush (click to watch video) on Tuesday night's results show seemed innocent enough, the unusual appearance is also generating controversy. After discussing the performances of Idol 6 finalists Blake Lewis and LaKisha Jones on Wednesday morning's broadcast of ABC's The View, co-hosts Barbara Walters and Rosie O'Donnell criticized the presidential appearance.

"I think that's great... [but] that there are so many things that the President can come on and thank people for, and perhaps we've been talking about how little money goes to [U.S. military] servicemen who come home and who are wounded and to families who have to struggle, that I just think that it's sort of interesting that they go on the most popular television show," Walters remarked after co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck -- responding to O'Donnell's comment that the appearance upset her a little -- attempted to defend the Bush appearance.

"I'm more disturbed that he's thanking the American public for giving up their money," O'Donnell responded after Hasselbeck, a political conservative, began the discussion by uncharacteristically baiting O'Donnell, an outspoken Bush critic, by asking her if she was "disturbed that [Bush] 'invaded' Idol last night."

"We've asked the American public for money during every tragedy, but you know, [he's spending] $500 billion in Iraq," O'Donnell continued. "But he wants to thank America for the $70 million out of their own pockets that they gave but he doesn't mention the $500 billion he's spent in Iraq. I think it's very distorted."

After Hasselbeck responded that she thought President Bush's Idol message was a "positive one," Walters continued her criticism. "American Idol -- I hate to be cynical because I'm such a wonderful person -- but American Idol could have thanked themselves," said Walters. "I just think it's interesting that the President and Mrs. Bush spent their time and effort to come on a popular television show."

When Hasselbeck suggested all presidents would take advantage of what fourth The View co-host Joy Behar termed "a photo-op," O'Donnell criticized Fox -- which has already been receiving criticism for not increasing its parent company's "10 cents for every one of the first 50 million votes cast" donation pledge to include all of the 70 million viewer votes that last week's Idol Give Back performance show ultimately ended up generating -- for only contributing $5 million to the charity telethon.

"Here's what I would respect Fox if they did, if they matched the money. How much money has Fox made off of American Idol? If they said, 'We will match the [entire] $70 million,' I would go, 'Wow. That's impressive... to think that they're not making money by the increased [ad] revenue [Idol Gives Back's two-hour "results show" broadcast generated for them]... you have to look at that,'" said O'Donnell of "I would prefer that the President spend his time at the funeral of a dead soldier than on American Idol."

"I don't think it's a bad thing for [President Bush] to be on American Idol thanking the people who donated $70 million to this country and also to Africa," Hasselbeck responded before Walters reiterated her skepticism about the appearance.

"I don't think it's a bad thing -- I think it's a fine thing -- I just think it's interesting that of all the different outlets and all the different ways of spending money and with all of the time constraints that the President and First Lady have, that this is what they chose to go on," said Walters.

Here is the transcript of the segmet from Newsbusters.org:

Barbara Walters: "What they were doing was they were thanking people who contributed to American Idol for both African and American charities, and they were obviously reading exactly from the [speaks very slowly] tele-promp-ter."

Joy Behar: "I think he should be voted off. What do you think?"

[audience applause]

Walters to Joy Behar: "Do not expect to be invited to any state dinner."

Behar: "You know what? I would not go to the White House."

Walters: "Oh, it's the White House!"

Behar: "I would not."

Walters: "Well, that's wrong."

Behar: "I have my principles."

O'Donnell: "You wouldn't go?"

Behar: "I wouldn't."

O'Donnell: "Interesting."

Hasselbeck: "You wouldn't go even to protest?"

Behar: "Protest, yeah, outside, but I'm not going to sit there with somebody who's doing what he's doing. I won't. I would not."

Hasselbeck: "You wouldn't sit there just to try to get a moment with him and tell him what you think, one on one?"

Behar: "Oh, like he would spend a moment with me."

Hasselbeck: "Maybe he would. Maybe he would. Sheryl Crow got to Cheney." [O'Donnell corrects her, noting it was Karl Rove]

Behar: "She practically had to assault Karl Rove. She practically had to be on top of the guy."

Walters: "I think, at some point, if you're invited to the White House and it is the President, I do think that your opinions are your opinions, but I think you'd go. But, you know, you probably-"

O'Donnell: "I don't think I would go either. I hadn't thought of it until you said it, Joy, but I probably wouldn't either."

Hasselbeck to O'Donnell: "Did you like him on Idol last night? Were you disturbed that he invaded 'Idol,' for you?"

O'Donnell: "A little bit. But I was more disturbed that, you know, he's thanking the American public for giving up their money. We've asked the American public for money during every tragedy. But, you know, $500 billion in Iraq, but he wants to thank America for the $70 billion [really million] of their own pockets that they gave, but he doesn't mention the $500 billion that he spends in Iraq. I think it's very distorted."

Hasselbeck: "I think it was a great thing that the American people did, and to just-"

O'Donnell: "I think we're asking a lot of the American people while we're wasting their money and not giving them enough to live on, you know."

[audience applause]

Hasselbeck: "These weren't forced donations to ask of people, I mean, $70 million, it's a lot of money for kids, and the fact that people gave, it's a gift."

O'Donnell: "But on another thing is I would prefer that the President spend his time at the funeral of a dead soldier than on American Idol."

Behar: "But that would be a photo-op he doesn't want to go to."

O'Donnell: "I know."

[audience applause, Behar says something unintelligible to Hasselbeck]

Hasselbeck: "I've said he should be there. I've said that he should be there."

Behar: "He should put his money where his mouth is, and let's see him show up at one of those funerals."

Hasselbeck: "I don't think it's bad for him to be on American Idol thanking the people for donating $70 million to this country and also to Africa."

Walters: "I don't think it's a bad thing at all. I think it's a fine thing, but I think it's just interesting that of all the different outlets and with all the different ways of spending money, and with all the time constraints that a President and a First Lady had, that this is what they choose to go on."

O'Donnell: "And consequently, it's on the Fox, it's on the Fox network, which is all of the pundits who are pro-Bush are on the Fox network, so I thought it was interesting as well."

Hasselbeck: "Let me ask you this. Would a President, then, be not so wise then to choose an outlet that didn't reach as many people? I mean, this is in terms of just getting to American people and reaching the public, that was probably the smartest way to do it."

Behar: "He has access to all the money that we pay taxes for. He is able to do whatever he wants to do with that money. Congress will be very happy ..."

Walters: "Not exactly."

Behar: "Well, practically."

Hasselbeck: "It has to be approved now, especially with the changes in Congress."

Behar: "He could do it though, he could do it."

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