Breaking News - American Idol Returns

Judges, left, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell will help America choose the next "Idol."

Dos and Don'ts for 'Idol' Hopefuls
A handy checklist for what to do (and what not to do) if you want a shot at winning the show

By Larry Carroll
Special to MSN Entertainment

Every new year brings with it hope. The hope of world peace, of good health for friends and family and, naturally, renewed hope for thousands that they'll make it through the nationwide auditions to become the next "American Idol."

This year's process has already begun, and Season 7 will launch on Jan. 15th at 8 p.m. on FOX. But, if you're among the few and the chosen, are you really ready for prime time? Based on the fact that the same judges, and the same die-hard millions who've powered "Idol" in the past, will be returning once again, the time has come to start looking for patterns.

So sit back, rest those vocal cords with some herbal tea, and read on. Because if you're going to become Season 7's big winner, you'll definitely want to hit these notes.

Don't Dance
Every season, a few early wannabes attempt to augment their performance with dancing. Most are dismissed immediately, and for good reason: If you feel the need to dance, then you must know you can't sing. America learned that the hard way with Britney Spears, so why should they have to do it all over again with you? Occasionally, once a contestant like Taylor Hicks has established the power of his pipes, he'll dance and get away with it. Other times, a Joshua Gracin or Jon Peter Lewis kicks up his heels and quickly gets the boot. Either way, it's just not a safe bet, folks. If you want to dance, go on that Marie Osmond show.

Dog Is Your Co-Pilot
America loves an underdog. So, if you're ugly, overweight, got picked on as a kid, or simply suffer from the occasional zit, play up your perceived handicap. As your singing skills get asserted, you can evolve into a more photogenic version of yourself (Hi, Clay Aiken. Hi, Elliott Yamin!), and the fans will rally behind you.

Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
Embrace the point above, but just beware that if your underdog gets too big for its collar, the voters won't hesitate to send you to the doghouse. Everybody loved Chris Daughtry -- until he started getting cocky. And don't snap back at the judges, a la Justin Guarini, Julia DeMato or Brenna Gethers -- it'll just make you look like the over-egoed second act in a bad musical biopic. Believe it or not, the audience really does like Simon, Paula, and Randy, and have come to regard them like family -- so, if you get too big for your britches, you'll be booted out like a drunken uncle at Christmas.

The South Shall Rise Again
If you're from the South, get thyself to an "AI" audition, post-haste. Don't laugh: It worked for winners Kelly Clarkson (Texas), Ruben Studdard (Alabama), Fantasia Barrino (North Carolina), Carrie Underwood (near the Oklahoma and Arkansas border), and Hicks (Alabama), as well as runners-up like Clay Aiken (North Carolina), Diana DeGarmo (Georgia) and Bo Bice (Alabama). There seems to be several reasons why people from Los Angeles and New York never win: they're too polished, they lack Southern charm, maybe they just don't appeal to the Wal-Mart crowd. Regardless of whether any are true, the trend is clear: Start talking like Andy Griffith, or just stay home.

Pick Popular Songs
Just because you're from the South, doesn't mean you should perform country music -- and, no matter where you're from, don't dare sing a showtune. Showtunes sank the likes of Lisa Tucker and Mikalah Gordon. And Kellie Pickler and Bucky Covington's love of country didn't put them over the top, either. The judges seem to fall for rock music more increasingly with each passing year -- hence Daughtry, Bice and Gina Glocksen -- so, when it comes to the all-important job of picking your songs, skip Streisand and instead go for some Steve Miller.

Don't Be a Freak
Every season, America has an ill-advised one-night stand with Sanjaya and his mohawk, William Hung and his bangs, or Blake Lewis and his beatbox. If your plan is to rely on a fad, you're just trading 15 minutes of fame for a lifetime of mockery. If you really feel the need to go down that road, do like so many before you and simply make a sex tape with Paris Hilton.

Don't Be a Skank
While we're on that topic, short skirts, hot bodies and flirting with the bosses will only get you so far on "American Idol" (unlike in the real world, where it gets you a corner office and an expense account ). Over the years, we've watched Haley Scarnato ineffectively show her skin, and let's not even get started on Jessica Sierra. Frenchie Davis' dirty pictures got her the boot, and Antonella Barba similarly blew her chances. When Corey Clark (allegedly) took flirting to the next level with Paula, it still didn't take him to the top. Learn from the past: Sleeping with Paula didn't do wonders for Emilio Estevez's career, and it won't help yours, either.

Don't Ring in the New Year
Like it or not, America is more likely to fall in love with you when you're single and ready to swing. Performers like Scarnato started the process with a significant other, then shed the baggage as time went on. If you happen to be wearing an engagement ring, it might be a good idea to hide that rock, and hope it puts you on a roll.

Gain a Few Pounds
Typically, traditionally good-looking people are lucky if they make it beyond the top 12. Underwood is the only "AI" winner who could possibly make it as a model, and both she and Clarkson were still burdened by a lot of baby fat when they took home the title. Once again, it proves that people like the underdog, and our supersized nation wants to see its own reflection in an Idol. So, don't look as though you could make it without the world's most famous reality show, or you just might have to.

If You Haven't Got the Talent, Stay Home
The bottom line is, the cream rises to the top, and this show carries on for so many weeks, in front of so many millions, that it always screens out the weaker members of the herd. So either bring your A-game, or sit home on the couch with a lap full of nachos, and join the rest of us in a state that's truly American: idle.

Jordin Wins American Idol !

With a record 74 million votes cast, 17-year-old diva Jordin Sparks edges out human beatbox Blake Lewis, 25, to become the sixth, and youngest, 'American Idol' champ. Was she your pick? Relive the season and sound off below.

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Jordin, Blake take last turn on 'American Idol' stage

Jordin, Blake take last turn on 'American Idol' stage

NEW YORK - The two "American Idol" finalists took their last turns on stage Tuesday night and crystallized the choice facing viewer voters: the most talented singer or the better entertainer.

Blake Lewis, the stylist, and Jordin Sparks, the voice, each performed three songs in front of adoring legions of fans at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.

Lewis, 25, of Bothell, Wash., opened the show with a reprisal of his infectious interpretation of Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name." The crowd was delirious but the judges were less impressed by Lewis' voice than his performance as a whole.

"Blake, you're not the best singer in this competition. But you're the best entertainer I think we've had," Simon Cowell said.

Sparks then crooned Christina Aguilera's "Fighter." Cowell was happy the 17-year-old from Glendale, Ariz., chose a song that suited her age, even, he noted, if "the vocals were actually a bit shriek-y."

Round one, the tough judge decided, went to Lewis.

In this photo made available by Fox,
Jordin Sparks performs on the set of
Associated Press

But Lewis ditched his beatboxing and other performing flourishes in the second act for a straightforward cover of the Maroon 5 hit "She Will Be Loved." He pleased judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, but Cowell thought he'd played it too safe.

All the judges swooned, however, over Sparks' soulful take on Martina McBride's "Broken Wing."

"Now, THAT was good," Cowell said.

Round two to Sparks.

In their final turn, both performed "This Is My Now," the tune picked by viewers in an online "American Idol" songwriting contest introduced this season.

It was clear during Lewis' performance that the feel-good ballad - sample lyric: "As I look around, I can't believe the love I see" - was not his style.

"I thought it was all a little odd. ... It's just not a song that you would normally sing," said Cowell, who suggested that Lewis should be judged on his earlier performances.

Then Sparks took the stage, and owned the song. She teared up as she delivered the last line, "This is my now." Classic.

"You were the best singer tonight. You deserve it all, baby!" Jackson gushed.

"You just wiped the floor with Blake," added Cowell, who then told Sparks he was wrong for thinking she wasn't good enough to win the Fox talent show.

"I would say the best individual performance of the night was Blake on the first song," Cowell said. "But, based on overall singing - Jordin."

Round three, clearly, was Sparks'.

Whether viewers will validate the split decision will be learned Wednesday night with the crowning of the new American Idol.

Earlier on Tuesday, Cowell told the Associated Press he thought the two remaining contestants were the most evenly matched finalists yet and that either could end up the winner.

The tipping point, Cowell shrewdly predicted, could come down to the new online-contest song.

Cowell added that his thoughts Tuesday night - and likely those of many viewers - would be with arguably the best "American Idol" contestant yet to miss out on the finale, Melinda Doolittle.

"I can understand why they (Sparks and Lewis) both made it. But I would have happily swapped either of them for Melinda, to be honest with you," Cowell said.

Despite her artful performances, the one-time backup singer from Brentwood, Tenn., didn't get the fan support she needed to make it to the top.

"The fact is she was up against two much, much younger singers and, guessing that most of our voters were younger, my feeling was that she was going to miss out (based) on her personality, not her singing," Cowell said.

"I'm pleased for the two of them," he said of Sparks and Lewis. "They're nice kids. But I would have liked to have seen one of them up against the big singer."

Source : EastValleyTribune

Paula Abdul Breaks Nose Before Finale

LOS ANGELES (May 22) -- Paula Abdulbroke her nose over the weekend after she fell while trying to avoid stepping on her Chihuahua, her publicist said Monday

Paul Hawthorne, Getty Images

'American Idol' judge Paula Abdul is recovering after breaking her nose following a fall.

Source : Aol.com

Paula Abdul Breaks Nose Before Finale

According to Abdul's spokesperson, the former pop star was trying to avoid stepping on her dog when she fell and hit her nose.

Paula Abdul Breaks Nose Before Finale

Michael Becker, FOX

But fear not, 'Idol' fans -- Abdul will be in her middle chair to judge the 'American Idol' finale shows.

Paula Abdul Breaks Nose Before Finale

In many instances, Abdul's erratic ramblings and strange behavior have led many to poke fun at her and accuse her of being intoxicated.

Paula Abdul Breaks Nose Before Finale

Even the show's host, Ryan Seacrest, has been known to make a joke or two during broadcasts hinting at Abdul's interesting ways.

Paula Abdul Breaks Nose Before Finale

Abdul, who became a pop star with songs like "Opposites Attract" and "Straight Up," has had her share of embarrassing moments during her 'Idol' career.

'Idol' Voters Have Spoken: No Mandate for Melinda

News Source : Washington Post

No, not Melinda. No, no, no, no, no.

Melinda Doolittle, the most polished singer in the history of "American Idol" -- she effortlessly channeled Carmen McRae, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, just name your diva and stand back -- was voted off last night. That leaves Jordin Sparks, a big-voiced but inexperienced teenager from Arizona, and Blake Edwards, a hyperkinetic fashion victim who interrupts his performances with beat-box vocalese, to compete next week in the finals.

Melinda's dismissal stunned even Jordin and Blake -- she was that much better. Melinda had made her living as a backup singer, which meant she had chops. Her command of breath, tone, her phrasing were those of a professional singer. Jordin and Blake, let's face it, probably couldn't spell vibrato, let alone modulate it.

But her departure wasn't entirely unexpected. For all her talent and accomplishment, Melinda had little of the sparkle and fizz that people expect from a pop star. Everything about Jordin and Blake seemed younger -- they are younger, truth be told -- and it's a truism that America worships youth.

In that sense, the result was probably good for the "Idol" franchise. Yes, it's something of a problem when the best-singer-by-a-mile gets booted. But "Idol" needs to appeal to a young demographic. Television isn't about justice; it's about parking the right eyeballs in front of the flat-screen, preferably without a DVR attached.

This is our children's world. We are mere trespassers.

Last night's show was larded with the usual non-nutritional filler. We saw Jordin's whirlwind "Idol"-escorted trip home to Glendale, Ariz. She broke up at being reunited with her best friend -- she's only 17, remember -- and seemed to spend the rest of her stay in tears.

Blake, on the other hand, had a grand old time on his trip home to Puget Sound. It took a flight in a private jet, another flight in a seaplane and a ride in a stretch-limo SUV to get him to his family's doorstep, where his parents awaited. Blake's father then promptly began to weep.

Next came a performance by Elliott Yamin, the angel-voiced, charismatically challenged "Idol" finalist from last season. He was there to sell his eponymous new album. He also got to show off his new clothes, his new hairdo and, most important, his new teeth.

Then we got to see Melinda's trip home to Nashville, where she got something more than the royal treatment. At a minimum, it was the "empress of all she surveys" treatment. The state of Tennessee proclaimed "Melinda Doolittle Day," the city renamed a street "Melinda Doolittle Way," and while the eager throngs did not strew rose petals in her path, they would have if she'd only asked.

After the Melinda Experience, we got a performance by Maroon 5. As Adam Levine crooned the band's new single, Blake stood with the other finalists in the wings and mouthed the words, shadowing Levine's every movement. We have long suspected that Blake imagines himself to be the real Adam Levine. If Adam Levine ever has problems with a stalker, I know where the authorities might start.

Finally, at 9:56 p.m., host Ryan Seacrest read the results. Jordin, despite having given three mediocre performances the night before, was safe. Melinda, unjustly, got the ax. And Blake survived to do his beat-box-boy thing one more time.

News Source : Washington Post

Jordin Sparks, perfoms live at her hometown in Glendale, Arizona.

Jordin Sparks, 17, of Glendale, Ariz. performs in front of several thousand fans at Westgate City Center in her hometown Friday, May 11, 2007, in Glendale, Arizona.
(AP Photo, Ross D. Franklin)

American Idol finalist in a Free Concert in Bothell,, Washington

American Idol Finalist Blake Lewis performs a free concert on Friday, May 11, 2007 in Bothell, Washington.
(AP Photo, Kevin P. Casey)

Melinda Doolittle at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.

Melinda Doolittle rides in a car through a crowd of fans at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, May 11, 2007. (AP Photo, Mark Humphrey)

'American Idol' finalists awash in hometown love

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The three remaining 'American Idol' contestants took to the streets Friday -- of their rapturous hometowns. Local loyalists showed all day just who they thought should win the wildly popular singing contest, which will feature some of the scenes next week.

Back before she was an "American Idol" finalist, Melinda Doolittle was a Belmont University mascot. She wore a hot, sweaty bear costume and jumped around in the name of school spirit.

The tables were turned on Doolittle in a big way when she returned Friday to her alma mater. Hundreds waved signs and shouted encouragement to her: "We love you, Melinda." "You're going to win, Melinda." "Doolittle's Da Bomb." "Melinda for President."

The school even named a street after her, unveiling a black iron post with a blue sign that read: "Melinda Doolittle Way."

Doolittle, who arrived waving from the back of a white convertible Mustang, looked -- all too characteristically, as "Idol" judge Simon Cowell has scolded her -- surprised and overwhelmed.

"If I talk too much I'll cry," she said. "You have no idea how much this means to me. ... This is probably one of the most amazing things I've ever experienced."

Doolittle said she was glad to be home, even if just for an afternoon. "I just got some sweet tea, so I'm happy. Now I need some candied yams and greens and I'll be great."

Doolittle, a professional backup singer in Nashville before she became an "Idol" contestant, has a rich, powerful voice that she put to work on two songs Friday. But even stars have off moments, and Doolittle's came during her first number when her microphone kept cutting off. The problem was corrected, and she recovered nicely for the second song.

Ironically, her mother, Marguerite Doolittle, said her daughter was tone deaf until about the sixth grade. She couldn't carry a tune to save her life.

"God really dropped a voice into her in the seventh grade," her mother said. "It's been so exciting watching this, because it was not there before. It's like seeing a miracle, really."

Doolittle, 29, graduated from Belmont with a music degree in 1999. Everyone in the crowd was certain she'd prevail over rivals Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis.

"She's very talented, and she's also very sweet and personable," said Susan Belsante of Charlotte, N.C.

Belsante has a daughter at Belmont and a son graduating from nearby Vanderbilt University. She felt a little guilty about it, but she skipped the commencement speech at her son's graduation so she could come cheer Doolittle.

"I went 'Let's see,'" she said, holding up both hands like a scale, "commencement speech or Melinda Doolittle.'

"I had to go with Melinda Doolittle."

This photo from Fox Television shows the 'American Idol' remaining finalists Melinda Doolittle, left, Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks. (AP Photo, Fox Television, Frank Micelotta)

The scene in Seattle

The scene was just as raucous in Seattle, where Lewis, 25, played a free concert before more than a thousand fans at Westlake Park. He was joined onstage by Seattle's own Sir Mix-A-Lot, who sang his hit "Baby Got Back" over what many in the crowd came to see: Lewis' beat-boxing.

"Every time you watch `American Idol,' you see people that can sing, and that's it," Mix-A-Lot said to wild applause. "This cat got real talent. ... He's the new king of Sea-town, baby."

Lewis' homecoming plans included a parade in his suburban hometown of Bothell and a performance of the national anthem at the Mariners-Yankees game Friday night. He looked out on the crowd in the warm midday sunshine and said: "I'm speechless. Thank you guys for all the support."

Many in the crowd, populated largely by truant teenage girls, screamed and waved signs that read "Blaker Girls" or "We (heart) Blake."

Blaire Ginnever, a 14-year-old eighth-grader, said she was skipping her lunch period and Spanish class at Villa Academy in Seattle.

"Blake es muy bueno," she said.

Ginnever's mom, Marilyn, was also in the crowd, and said she didn't mind that her daughter was missing school.

"It's the end of the year, and this is big for Seattle," she said. "We follow the show. It's kind of a family event, and rooting for a hometown boy makes it special."

City Councilwoman Jean Godden, who is old enough to remember a significant chunk of Seattle's musical history, read a proclamation declaring Friday "Blake Lewis Day" and placing the "renowned beat-box musician" in a local tradition that includes Jimi Hendrix, Quincy Jones, Ann and Nancy Wilson, Nirvana, Modest Mouse and Death Cab for Cutie.

Hot in Arizona

Meanwhile, in Glendale, Ariz., an estimated 5,000 fans weathered 100-degree heat to see the 17-year-old Sparks, their hometown fave.

A stage was erected in an outdoor plaza at Westgate City Center and some fans waited up to five hours to see her.

"You guys are crazy but I love you for it," Sparks told the crowd before singing three songs that she has performed on the show -- "Give Me One Reason," "Heartbreaker" and "I Who Have Nothing."

"I hope I make you proud next Tuesday," Sparks told the crowd, referring to the upcoming semifinals. The last singer standing will be announced May 23.

Glendale, located just northwest of Phoenix, has been throwing elaborate, outdoor "Idol" viewing parties to show support for Sparks. Since March 20, the city of about 245,000 has seen hundreds of people from all over the state turn out to see "Idol" episodes on two 14-foot TVs. The city also has distributed hundreds of free "Glendale supports Jordin" posters at its visitor center.

Sparks made a grand entrance late Friday afternoon, perched on the back of pink Mustang convertible.

Her father -- former Arizona State and NFL player Phillippi Sparks -- and other family members followed behind in two other convertibles.

Once on stage, Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs presented Sparks and her family with a special city proclamation.

'American Idol' finalist Blake Lewis back in Seattle

Despite gaggles of screaming fans and the instant fame of being an "American Idol" finalist, Blake Lewis kept it cool Friday on a "hometown visit" financed by the show.

Lewis, one of three finalists on America's favorite reality show, beatboxed on demand, sounding like a human mixing machine. He signed autographs and posed for pictures and handled like a pro all the questions ping-ponged at him.

What he didn't do was predict that he's going to win the competition. That, he said, would likely happen for Jordin Sparks, the teenager from Glendale, Ariz.

But Lewis, 25, who's been noticed on the show for his smooth voice, beatboxing rhythms, funky style and frosted locks, was cool with that too. During morning interviews at KCPQ/13, he said his first goal was to get into the to 10 and then the top four.

His main ambition, he said, is to pursue his music and communicate it to people. A lifelong dream, he added, is to host and be the musical guest on "Saturday Night Live."

But winning "American Idol"? Well, he's good with that too.

"If it happens, great. If not, I'm so happy if I got sent home yesterday. When I made the goal of the top four, that was the goal," said Lewis, who said his musical heroes are the band 311 and musician/producer BT (Brian Transeau).

And despite criticism of too much beatboxing in his performances, he said he won't shy away if it feels right.

"If I feel the performance needs it, I don't care," he said. "I've gotten, you know, criticism for my hair and wearing the wrong shirt. Criticism's criticism. It doesn't really affect me."

His prescription for handling all the hype and the pressure is: "Keep doing me. Keep true to myself." He later added: "I just hope everyone sees how much fun I'm having, because I'm having a blast. The only thing I hope comes across is that I'm communicating my song well with everyone each week."

In a finale, he said he'd love to sing with Sting, but others also came to mind, including Adam Levine of Maroon 5 and Bjork. "I'm everywhere in my influences. So much music inspires me."

Lewis has gone further in the pop-singing competition than any entrant from this region. Asked how he would rebound from last week, which judges considered one of his weaker moments, Lewis said, "I think I did well for that moment in time."

He did drop that he hasn't lived by the curfew the show sets for its contestants and goes out just about every night -- to see live music.

"They call me the rebel for that," he said. "I'm not 12 and I don't need to be baby-sat. ... For me, I get all my inspiration from going to live music and being around passionate people."

Friday at the Q13 studios he performed "All Mixed Up" live, followed by some freestyling with the aid of his loop machine and a chaos pad.

Lewis said the hometown support, especially for an "eclectic artist," has been amazing. He called the "American Idol" winnowing process and all of its attendant fame "surreal," and said he hadn't watched the show before auditioning.

"I'm kind of a hermit," he said. I stick to music."

He also gave props to a region that was assailed as the worst source of auditioners for the show by its judges and host.

"There's so much talent here. You can go down to the coffee shop and there's so much talent here," said Lewis, noting that two out of the three finalists -- Sparks is the other -- tried out in Seattle.

Asked what he missed about the area -- which he's been away from for nearly four months -- the Bothell resident said: "I miss the air and the water and pretty much everything about it."

Kara Pierre brought her 9 1/2- month-old son Jensen and some friends to see Lewis at Q13. He didn't get kissed by Lewis, but the baby did manage to tug at Lewis's shiny earring. "We all watch 'American Idol' together, with the babies," Pierre said.

Trailed by an "American Idol" crew and cameras, as well as excited admirers screaming "Go, Blake," wherever he went, Lewis made his way around town in a black and white Ford Excursion stretch limo. He was escorted by Bothell police.

But he managed to snag some private time amid the madness. On Thursday night he had a rehearsal and a private party with friends before overnighting at a downtown hotel. He said he planned to catch the Blue Scholars at the Showbox on Friday night.

At a 12:15 "mini-concert" at Westlake Center, Lewis was set to sing about four songs and have guest performers Sir Mix A Lot and Pat Monahan of Train.

The city of Seattle also planned to proclaim May 11 Blake Lewis Day.

'American Idol' veterans withdraw as Emmy executive producers

The Emmy Awards ceremony won't be getting the American Idol touch after all.

Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick, executive producers for Fox's hit talent contest, have backed out of producing the prime-time Emmy ceremony in September, the TV academy and network said Friday.

The pair cited their upcoming commitments and current demanding schedule, including last week's American Idol charity special and the show's finale later this month.

They will be replaced by Ken Ehrlich, an Emmy and Grammy awards telecast veteran.

"We respect Nigel and Ken's decision and are fortunate that Ken Ehrlich has agreed to return to executive produce his fourth Primetime Emmy telecast," TV academy chairman Dick Askin said in a statement.

Askin broke the news to the academy's board of governors Friday.

Lythgoe and Warwick said in a statement they "realized that we could not devote the creative energy and time necessary to make the Emmys outstanding" for the TV academy and for Fox, which will air the awards.

When their hiring was announced in February, Fox Entertainment President Peter Liguori said the pair have raised "the creative bar with their innovative work" on top-rated American Idol and would do the same for the Emmy broadcast.

The event could use a shot in the arm. Although host Conan O'Brien drew raves, last year's broadcast averaged about 16 million viewers, the fourth-smallest audience ever for the ceremony.

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 59th Primetime Emmy Awards show is set for Sept. 16 at the Shrine Auditorium. Nominations are to be announced July 19.

The Emmy ceremony's executive producer has been announced as late as July, so Ehrlich isn't starting out behind schedule.

American Idol wraps its season on May 23 but Lythgoe and Warwick plan to remain busy.

Lythgoe, who co-created Fox's So You Think You Can Dance, is a judge on the summer dance contest series. He's also president of 19 Television, the TV division of 19 Entertainment, the company founded by American Idol creator Simon Fuller.

Warwick is senior executive producer for worldwide productions of the Idol format for Bertelsmann AG-owned FremantleMedia North America, which produces American Idol with 19 Television.

"American Idol" Finalist Tamyra Gray Will Play Mimi in 'Rent'

Gray, who finished in fourth place on "Idol," will don latex pants in the show through Nov. 25 at the Nederlander Theatre.

After "American Idol,"
Tamyra Gray landed a recurring role on the hit television series "Boston Public" as well as guest spots on shows such as "What I Like About You" and "All of Us." She's no stranger to Broadway: Gray made her Broadway debut in the Bollywood-themed musical Bombay Dreams.

She penned the songs "I Believe" for "Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino (who is now on Broadway in The Color Purple) and "You Thought Wrong" for first season champion
Kelly Clarkson. Gray also appeared in the film "The Gospel."

As previously reported, original Rent stars
Adam Pascal (Roger) and
Anthony Rapp (Mark) will re-create their roles on Broadway July 30-Sept. 9. Pascal and Rapp also re-created their roles in the 2005 movie version of the musical, which has book, music and lyrics by he late Jonathan Larson.

Rent plays at the Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41 Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at 8 PM, Saturday at 2 PM & 8 PM, and Sunday at 2 PM & 7 PM. Tickets, priced $45-$100, can be purchased by calling TicketMaster at (212) 307-4100. A limited number of $20 tickets are available day of performance at the box office.

'American Idol' Axes Two More Finalists

'American Idol' Axes a Pair of Contestants, Leaving Four Singers to Vie for the TitleRight, American Idol contestant Phil Stacey sings "Blaze of Glory" by Bon Jovi on American Idol, May 1, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. Left, American Idol Chris Richardson sings "Wanted: Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi after being eliminated from the competition on American Idol, May 2, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

With no one ousted at the end of last week's charity-focused show, "American Idol" gave the heave-ho to two contestants Wednesday night Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson.

The viewer vote tally from last week was added to this week's, with more than 135 million phone and text-message ballots cast in all. Stacey, 29, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Chris Richardson, 22, of Chesapeake, Va., drew the fewest votes. With their departure, the number of finalists is down to four. The winner will be chosen May 23.

Randy Jackson said on Tuesday's program that Stacey's take on Bon Jovi's "Blaze Of Glory" was his "best performance ever." Stacey a "good man," said host Ryan Seacrest performed that song one last time on Wednesday, as LaKisha Jones and other finalists wiped away tears.

Richardson, a Justin Timberlake lookalike, hugged "best friend" and finalist Blake Lewis when Seacrest announced he was going home.

"Thank you to everybody for keeping me in this long," said Richardson, before giving a farewell performance of "Wanted Dead Or Alive" again, by Bon Jovi.

And the final four are drumroll, please Jones, Lewis, Jordin Sparks and Melinda Doolittle.

Wednesday's program also featured performances by Robin Thicke and Bon Jovi, the multiplatinum band whose shaggy-haired lead singer was this week's guest coach.

In its sixth season, "American Idol" continues to rule the ratings. It has attracted 26 million to 37 million viewers per telecast this season.

AMERICAN IDOL FINALIST ARRESTED

TAMPA, Fla. - Former "American Idol" finalist Jessica Sierra was arrested early Sunday on felony battery charges for allegedly hitting a man on the head with a heavy glass at a cafe, police said.


Sierra, 21, was booked in the Hillsborough County Jail on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. She was also charged with possession of cocaine and introduction of contraband into a correctional facility after officers found a small amount of the drug while searching her, police spokeswoman Andrea Davis said.

Sierra was released Sunday afternoon on $11,500 bail. There was no immediate indication if she had a lawyer.

The victim suffered a cut over his eye, but the spokeswoman gave no further information.

Sierra, of Tampa, was one of the hit show's top 10 contestants in 2005.

'American Idol' Fans Deliver World Record-Breaking Vote and Overwhelming Public Donations

'American Idol' Fans Deliver World Record-Breaking Vote and Overwhelming Public Donations for 'Idol Gives Back' Charity Telecasts on April 24 and April 25?? Telescope and FOX Announce New World Record for Television Telephone Vote; More Than 70 Million Toll-Free and Text Votes Cast, and More Than $60 Million Raised to Date

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LOS ANGELES, BUSINESS WIRE -- Telescope, the leader in participation media solutions, today announced a world record-setting event for television telephone voting for AMERICAN IDOL's 'Idol Gives Back' two-night special charity telecast on FOX April 24th and 25th. The April 24th performance telecast included more than 70 million toll-free and AT&T SMS votes cast for the six remaining 'Idol' performers. The previous world record was for the season 3 finale, which garnered 65.4 million votes cast for the 'Idol' finalists, meaning that AMERICAN IDOL smashed its own previous record by almost 5 million votes. The show also accumulated more than $60 million in donations from both corporate sponsors and viewers.
On Wednesday night, for the two-hour results show spectacular, more than 13,000 live call-center agents, across 31 separate call centers, were involved in 'Idol Gives Back' and a mass scale online donation system was set in place for the event. Telescope managed the sourcing and implementation of the technology systems required to process the donations from members of the public for the show, commencing the build-out in late-February with FOX and 'Idol' producing partners FremantleMedia North America, 19 Entertainment, as well as Charity Projects Entertainment Fund.
More than 30 million viewers tune in to AMERICAN IDOL each week to vote for their favorite contestants by dialing into the toll-free telephone numbers or texting in on their AT&T phones. Working with the show since its programming debut in 2002, Telescope has successfully managed 'Idol' voting for six straight seasons. Last season, Telescope announced nearly 580 million combined toll-free telephone and mobile text votes

"With the new world record-breaking vote volume and incredible generosity of the donating American public for 'Idol Gives Back,' participation media has come of age. 'Idol Gives Back' engaged the television audience beyond our most optimistic expectations," said Sandy Bennett, general manager of Telescope. "We, at Telescope, have worked for six seasons to ensure that the AMERICAN IDOL voting systems are capable of achieving mass scale while maintaining accuracy and integrity, and 'Idol Gives Back' demonstrates clearly the improvements and developments that we and our technology partners have put in place to extend the interactive capabilities for the FOX television audience."
Ellen DeGeneres hosted the show's live companion event via satellite from downtown Los Angeles' Walt Disney Concert Hall. The star-studded evening saw appearances and performances from stars ranging from Earth Wind & Fire and Il Divo to Kellie Clarkson, Celine Dion, Rascall Flats, Annie Lennox, Seal and Bono.
The more than 70 million calls and text messages that came in for 'Idol Gives Back' will be added to next Tuesday's tallies, said host Ryan Seacrest. Melinda Doolittle, LaKisha Jones, Blake Lewis, Chris Richardson, Jordin Sparks and Phil Stacey all return for the May 2nd telecast.
Telescope will keep donation lines open until the end of May.