New Season Brings New Controversy and Social Networking for Idol Contestants

The addition of Ellen to the judges panel is not the only change for American Idol this year--for the first time in Idol history contestants are allowed to have profiles on Twitter, Myspace and Facebook. In the previous eight seasons social networking was banned for contestants and any pre-existing profiles were deleted before contestants became part of the show.

Now all of the top 24 Idol contestants have been given profiles on Twitter, Myspace and Facebook. All of their profiles were created by Fox and it is not clear what the exact rules for the profiles will be. If you want to keep up with your favorite contestants online you can find a complete list of all of their online profiles here.

This season may have added online profiles, but it did not loose any of its drama and controversy. Chris Golightly, who called himself an orphan when we were first introduced to him on the show, has been kicked out of the top 24 and replaced by Tim Urban.

“It has been determined that Chris Golightly is ineligible to continue in the competition,” a press release from FOX said. “American Idol contestant Tim Urban has replaced Golightly as part of the Top 24.”

Fox has not given the reason why Golightly was taken out of the competition. Another contestant Michael "Big Mike" Lynch was also reportedly booted from the show in late January because his father broke the show's rules of confidentiality by talking to a Florida newspaper. However last night the top 24 was revealed and Lynch's profile is currently still up on American Idol's website.

And on an unrelated Idol note, last night was the first time in six years that Idol did not have the top ratings for its night, instead NBC's coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics took the top spot.

Ellen DeGeneres Speaks Out on Body Image and 'American Idol'

Ellen DeGeneres is sick and tired of the double standard when it comes to women and body image. The talk show host and “American Idol” judge discusses the issue with Katie Couric on CBS Evening News saying, "It's a double standard because there are men with really beautiful women that don't have great bodies, and yet nobody's saying anything about that. Women [think they] need to keep themselves up to look good for a man or for society. It's not fair."

In the interview with Couric, Ellen says airbrushing is one of the things that really bothers her the most. "Women are looking at bodies like that and going, 'My stomach doesn't look like that. I'm supposed to look like that?! So they starve themselves and they work out like crazy."

Beauty isn't about being stick-skinny, Ellen says it's about being healthy and happy. She adds: "It's not important. We put the wrong emphasis on what beauty is and what health is. Health is being vibrant and having energy and being happy. If you're healthy, it's got nothing to do with how much you weigh."

Ellen tells CBS Evening News that her relationship with wife Portia de Rossi is what keeps her healthy and happy.

It also sounds like Ellen is bringing the same attitude of acceptance and kindness to the “American Idol” set. She says she is finding it difficult to be critical of the contestants. "I'm getting good at delivering bad news, myself, but I'm trying to do it in a tender way. … I hate hurting people's feelings, so that, I think, is the hardest part. I think we have good people … I'm going to fight very, very hard to keep the people that I believe in, so that we have a wide variety … somebody for everybody, I hope."

Drama Between "Idol" Judges Already?

It seems there is already drama stirring up on the set of "American Idol" between Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres. Simon arrived more than 90 minutes late to the first taping of the show, causing Ellen and the other judges to waste their time waiting for the veteran judge.

According to the Sun Times, Ellen was especially irritated due to her very tight schedule. She has already moved had to change her schedule to accommodate “American Idol”, including moving up the taping of her own talk show. With Simon leaving at the end of the season, “Idol” isn’t worried about leaking his bad habits anymore. A source told Pop Eater, "You should expect many more nasty leaks about Simon. The show no longer feels the need to protect him. Simon has been late for years and is baffled that all of a sudden, after he announces he is leaving the show, leaks to the press have started to occur."

Possible replacements for Simon are also beginning to surface. The Sun Times reported that the “Idol” producers want the new judge to have major music industry credibility. Replacements could include Tommy Mottola, Guy Oseary (Madonna’s business partner), and Jimmy Lovine.

Ellen DeGeneres is New American Idol Judge

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres will sit alongside Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell and Kara DioGuardi as the new American Idol judge. Ellen will add in her unique perspectives as the fourth judge when season 9 of American Idol premieres in January.

This announcement from Fox comes about a month after Paula Abdul stated that she will not be returning to the show. DeGeneres will join the judges panel after the already in progress auditions.

"I'm thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol," DeGeneres said. "I've watched since the beginning, and I've always been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I'll save from not having to text my vote."

American Idol executive producer and creator Simon Fuller is excited to have DeGeneres on board. "I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the American Idol family," Fuller said. "Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel. I can't wait for this next season to begin."

Some guest judges for season 9 of American Idol include Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avil Lavigne, Katy Perry, and Shania Twain.

Kelly Clarkson is set to return to American Idol

The 'My Life Would Suck Without You' singer, who won the first series of the US TV talent show in 2002, will appear as a guest judge at an audition next week.

A source said: “Kelly is beyond excited to get back to the show that started it all.”
It is also rumored that Kelly and the other current judges, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi, will be joined by one of the Jonas Brothers.

Now that Paula Abdul is apparently forever off the show there are a number famous celebs who are up to taking her spot such as former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, hip-hop artist Mary J. Blige and 'I Kissed a Girl' singer Katy Perry.

The source added: "At this stage it doesn't look like Paula will be replaced by one person. The celebrity judges are working really well for now."

Other stars linked to the guest judge role include Jennifer Lopez and Shania Twain.

Paula Abdul Is A Hot Commodity

PCM Reported this week that in Paula Abdul's departure from American Idol that both NBC and CBS were interested in Paula. In stand up interviews with Paula by Entertainment TV Paula said she was overwhelmed by the attention of who wanted her and she apparently was not kidding. Paula has added ABC to the list of networks wanting her onboard.

In the case of ABC, they want her for Dancing With The Stars, and if course that is a good fit for Paula as she was a choreographer for music videos before her own singing career took off in the 1980's.

ABC's Entertainment President Steve McPherson has put out there that ABC wants Paula for Dancing with the Stars saying, "We would love to have her on 'Dancing' (with the Stars) whether its as an contestant, or particpant , judge etc...," Continuing her praise, "There's a lot made about who she is."

Even Paula's own Fox rounds out the Network interest as they too want her for So You Think You Can Dance with producer Nigel Lythgoe even if was just as a guest judge. Paula has a lot to think about as she needs to strike while the iron is hot and cash in on her celebrity appeal.

Paula Abdul To Get Her Own Show?

Inside one day - inside hours of Paula Abdul's announcement that she's through on American Idol, giving up what seemed a big pay day and in spite of not earning as much as Simon or Ryan ...her knight in shining armor has arrived in the form of NBC. And if NBC doesn't work out, she has CBS in the wings.

According to Paul Telegdy NBC is interested in Paula and Telegdy is "absolutely" interested showcasing Paula in the NBC lineup. In a quote to the post, "Is it something I have given thought to? Yeah. I think she is a huge talent. America has huge affection for her. I don't have specifics about shows or show ideas."

Telegdy also revealed that he had talked to Paula Abdul prior to her quitting Idol stating she pitched shows "in her wheelhouse," i.e. dancing competitions.

So did Paula have this all planned out in advance? She did walk away from a salary that could drown a horse but in the face of Ryan Seacrest's and Simon Cowells greater income levels, she felt slighted and more deserving of a lesser pay. If she does score a show on NBC, will she reveal her new salary for Seacrest and Cowell to take notice of?

Whatever it is, it better work. Outside of American Idol Paula has come up empty. Her attempt to restart her music career flopped, her 2007 reality show on Bravo was an embarrassment, even her jewelry on Home Shopping Network failed to break out.
Meanwhile the National Enquirer has reported that Abdul has been in secret negotiations for her own talk show with CBS. Quoting an Enquirer source, "Paula's been dreaming about having her own talk show for three years, and she's ready to make it a reality."

If you think about it, day time talk is where Paula may land and should land. Her honest straight talk, and unpredictable nature would be a ratings winner for any broadcaster.

Paula Abdul Quits American Idol ...Via Twitter

You can't do it more publicly than that folks. She didn't issue a press release or go through her agent or handler, nope she used twitter. Of course is wasn't your typical tweet either:

"With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to 'Idol' ...I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent,but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from Day 1 become an international phenomenon ... What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me ... It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month ... I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all."

Before you conspiracy buffs weigh in, it's confirmed. Both Fox, FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment confirmed Paula's announcement.

Sources close Abdul to indicate Paula wanted about $20 million to stay with American Idol. Unable to come to terms Paula rejected a 30% raise which would have resulted in an eight-figure multi-year deal. It's hard to imagine Paula would reject the offer and settle for nothing.

Thus ends the era of the original American Idol judges panel. Worse yet, the show loses it's last bastion of reality as Paula always brought a surprise element to the show which even Simon could not match.

Former American Idol Contestant Found Dead!

Alexis Cohen, better known to American Idol audiences as "Glitter Girl" was found dead in Allentown, PA early this morning. Cohen was 25 years old, and had auditioned for the Fox TV show in 2008 and again in 2009, she was rejected by the judges both times, never earning her golden ticket to Hollywood. Police in Allentown claim her body was discovered in the street by two pedestrians and no immediate cause of death is known at this time. An autopsy is scheduled for this afternoon.

Here is the video from her very colorful exit after her Season 7 audition:

Paula Wants 20 Million - Does Idol Want Paula?

It's not even been two days since Paula Abdul's new agent (David Sonenberg) proclaimed Paula was offended by not being offered a new contract with the next season of Idol just around the bend.

What does he do? Asks for 20 million on behalf of Paula. It's a brazen and brave move to assume the position of power but is it really just bravado?

Sources close to Radar Online report that Idol producers have in fact offered Paula closer to half of what her agents demands. If this is true, then Sonenberg is really just after media attention and trying to drum up sympathy.

The only question there is now is this; do the producers of Idol want Paula back? If not, she's going to have mud on her face (and worse no job) thanks to her new agent. If Idol does want her back, it's just a question of what is she really worth to the show? Perhaps she should stop thinking about Seacreast's payday and concentrate on her own. Someone needs to remind her that we are indeed in a recession and I'd gladly take 10 million for sitting on a panel and judging wanna be pop stars.

Paula Abdul Won't Return to American Idol?

You won't have Paula Abdul to kick around anymore. It appears last year's addition of a new judge Kara may have been the precursor to Abdul's removal. Paula Abdul's manager David Sonenburg confirms, "Very sadly, it does not appear the she's going to be back on Idol."


Didn't the producers of the show just last winter in 2008 insist Paul Abdul isn't going anywhere? Quoting executive producer Ken Warwick, "Paula Abdul isn't going anywhere." He continued, "America loves Paula. She's an integral part of this program, and as far as I'm concerned, I hope she's there until the day it comes off the air."

Speaking on behalf of Abdul, Sonenburg continued, "I find it under these circumstances particularly unusual; I think unnecessarily hurtful. I find it kind of unconscionable and certainly rude and disrespectful that they haven't stepped up and said what they want to do."


This will certainly be media fodder in the days to come and in the run up to Idol's return in its next season. It's already been commented that while Cowell and Seacreast have cashed in with big salary increases (Cowell 100million per year, Seacrest $45 million over three years) Abdul is left in the cold with nothing for her years of hard work in building the show to become the powerhouse it is in making stars of unknowns.

All of this could be a negotiating ploy by Sonenburg whom has only recently as of June 2009 become Abdul's agent. He later indicates, Paula would love to be on the show, but in light of the the upcoming season being just around the corner and no contract offered, she is left to believe she is not returning.

Still, Paula has brought a lot on herself, from alleged improprieties with contestants, alleged drunkenness on on set and interviews and more. In any other job you'd be canned too. Perhaps the show just considered Paula too great a liability at this point and was not about to wait and experience her next level of implosions.

What is next for Paula? She could always take her shot at a comeback. While she can't participate on Idol, there are plenty of realty shows out there for celebrities looking to get back into the limelight.

Kara's Idol Winner Song Cut From Tour

We all know that it can be tough to make it on the American Idol stage, but now it seems that even songs are not safe from being voted off. This year's song written especially for the Idol winner has been removed from the American Idol tour.

The song "No Boundaries" which was written by the newest Idol judge Kara DioGuardi was highly unpopular among fans. So far on tour the song was getting such a poor audience response that winner Kris Allen decided to drop the song from the show and was told to find a new song to replace it.

Each year a song is written before the finale for the top two finalists to sing. The song then becomes the winner's victory song. Victory songs such as Kelly Clarkson's "A Moment Like This" usually go on to be best sellers, but this year's song has proved to be a flop.

There has been no word yet on whether Kara DioGuardi will be returning to Idol next season. Will her failed victory song affect her chances of sticking around?

Ryan Seacrest Gets a Hefty Pay Hike

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest has signed a new deal with the reality show that will make him the richest reality TV host. His three year contract will provide him with a hefty $15 million a year making his three year contract worth $45 million.

Under this new agreement, Seacrest will also be exclusive to CKX, parent of Idol producer 19 Entertainment, in broadcast TV primetime to host “Idol” or any CKX-produced show that might succeed it. He will also continue to be E! Entertainment's main anchor and continue to produce Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

The new deal more than triples Seacrest's previous salary which was formerly about $5 million a year.

Judge Simon Cowell is negotiating his new contract demanding about $100 million a year. American Idol is still working on the contracts for the other judges Randy Jackson, Paula Adbul and Kara DioGuardi.

Allison Iraheta signs record deal

American Idol contestant, Allison Iraheta has signed a record deal with 19 Recordings and Jive Records. "Allison is an incredible young singer. She is without a doubt one of the best teenage singers 'American Idol' has ever discovered,"American Idol creator Simon Fuller said. Allison is very excited about her new record deal. "Getting to record my first album and this whole awesome experience is a dream come true," Allison said.

Allison came in fourth place on this past season of American Idol. In the past she won Quincinera, a Telemundo reality show. She will be on tour this summer with the top 10 American Idol season eight contestants.

Adam Lamber Finally Comes Out of the Closet - Officially

After months of speculation, rumors and suggestive photos, it's finally official: 'American Idol' runner-up Adam Lambert is coming out, telling Rolling Stone magazine that he's gay and proud of it. Even Lambert himself says that his admission probably won't come as a shocker to many. "I'm proud of my sexuality. I embrace it. It's just another part of me," Lambert says.

So why, exactly, did he save the news for a major magazine spread? "I didn't want the Clay Aiken thing and the celebrity-magazine bull----. I need to be able to explain myself in context," Lambert tells Rolling Stone. "Control of this situation" is very important to Lambert.

"I loved it this season when girls went crazy for me. As far as I'm concerned, it's all hot. Just because I'm not sticking it in there doesn't mean that I don't find it beautiful," Lambert (graphically) tells Rolling Stone. Lambert even goes on to share his feelings toward sharing a living space with 'Idol' champion Kris Allen. He says that when the show moved them in together, "I was like, 'Oh, s--t, they put me with the cute guy.' Distracting! He's the one guy that I found attractive in the whole group on the show: nice, nonchalant, pretty and totally my type – except that he has a wife. I mean, he's open-minded and liberal, but he's definitely 100 percent straight."

All of those older photos that hit the Internet purportedly showing Lambert kissing another man and dressed up in drag? Legit, Lambert says. "I've only dressed in drag three or four times – and of course I took pictures, because I looked amazing – but I don't tuck and I don't wear breasts, that's not me. Sucking my boy's face? Yes, that I will own," he joked.

Speaking openly about this subject matter hasn't always come easy for Lambert. He says that during school, he was "so scared" of his sexuality. He never even confirmed the news to his parents, who found out in shocking fashion. Through it all, Lambert says he's "finally checked in to my self-worth for the first time in my life, and the fact that it has coincided with 'Idol' is so sweet." Sure, he still has his self doubts, but, as he put it, "for the most part, when I look in the mirror now, I finally see somebody who can do something cool."

Flawed American Idol votes?

Where you surprised by Kris Allen's American Idol win? The voting for the finale may have been flawed due to arrangements made by AT&T at various Kris Allen watch parties. AT&T representatives reportedly taught Kris Allen fans to power text at the parties. Fox declined to comment on the matter, but an AT&T representative said, "In Arkansas, we were invited to attend the local watch parties organized by the community. A few local employees brought a small number of demo phones with them and provided texting tutorials to those who were interested."

They taught the fans how to power text which allows them to send 10 or more texts at one time which could have affected to voting outcome. American Idol does have certain rules and regulations that can determine the validity of votes. As of right now it is not clear whether or not power texting violates these rules.

Is it really that big of a deal? There have never been any restrictions on the number of times a person can vote for American Idol. Both Kris and Adam will probably have successful music careers regardless of who won.

Kris Allen is your new American Idol

In what may go down as being one of the most surprising upsets in American Idol history, 23-yr old Kris Allen has been crowned this year's American Idol over favored finalist Adam Lambert. Kris has been referred to as a "dark horse" though out much of this season, and it seems that he was able to creep up and win over voters just in time. This was an especially tough year, as both finalists are truly amazing vocalists and performers. In my opinion both are winners and musically will go on to do great things!

Finale highlights included performances with KISS, Cyndi Lauper, Keith Urban, and The Black Eyed Peas.

Kris or Adam? Who Is America's Favorite?

It all comes down to tonight's performances. Kris or Adam. Who will be the next American Idol?

America get your texting thumbs ready because tonight will be a close one. After tonight's anticipated peformances from predicted winner Adam Lambert to the dark horse, Kris Allen, it will be a real nail-biting results show tomorrow night. Adam who has been consistantly good throughout the season has had the judges votes to win the whole contest from the beginning but with Kris Allen sneaking up the past few weeks as one of America's fan favorites, don't mark Adam as a sure bet winner just yet.

Be sure to check in Wednesday night to see who takes the crown....and rumor has it that Britney Spears might just show up too!

Simon Cowell says Adam Lambert will win

Yesterday Simon Cowell told Oprah that he believes Adam Lambert will win this season of American Idol. What was his reason behind this prediction? "He's got swagger," Cowell said. He also expressed this same thing on Ellen DeGeneres' show last week. So in Simon's mind Danny and Kris do not stand a chance. Each of the remaining contestants are very strong, but Adam does seem to have something more that sets him apart.

But the winner is ultimately the result of America's voting, will this prediction of Simon's affect America's voting tonight? American Idol often has unpredictable results and since the judges already used their save Simon can not alter the voting outcome.

David Cook Loses Brother To Tumor

Sad news for 'American Idol' winner David Cook. He told a crowd at the 12th Annual Race for Hope 5K event in Washington, D.C this weekend that his brother Adam died. His brother battled cancer for 11 years. Adam Cook died at 1 a.m. Sunday morning at a hospice in Terre Haute, IN.

"I actually lost my brother yesterday to a brain tumor, and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else right now," the singer said at the fundraiser for brain cancer research. "I lost one today, but I gained 9,000, and I will be here every year that they will have me," he added.

Cook was the honorary chairman for the event, and his team raised more than $97,000.