Lauren Graham, of Gilmore Girls fame, was on the Ellen show this morning when a funny thing happened – the conversation, naturally, turned to American Idol (since Ellen is such a fan) and Lauren talked about meeting some past contestants.  The reason that was so funny was that Lauren couldn’t remember any of their names!  Watch the funny interview here:

American Idol season 6 finalist, Lakisha Jones (or “Kiki”) will be marrying her fiancé, Larry Davis, this coming weekend in Beverly Hills.  I know it’s probably not going to be some $30 million wedding but, having seen Lakisha’s vivacious personality on the show, it’s probably going to be lavish (in her way) all the same. 

Her rumored guests include former Idol hopefuls, Melinda Doolittle and Gina Glocksen, singer Chaka Khan and a performance by the legendary gospel singer, BeBe Winans.

I wish Lakisha and Larry all the best and hope that their wedding day is everything they want it to be!

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Photo by Derek Steele/BuzzFoto.com

American Idol judge, Simon Cowell, and host, Ryan Seacrest, were spotted having lunch at the Ivy in Beverly Hills yesterday.  It almost looks like Simon is reaching back to grab Ryan’s hand, doesn’t it?

I have to say that I really dislike Simon’s shoes (boots?) but I like what Ryan is wearing.  I’m hoping they grabbed a bite to eat while they brainstormed on how to make the show more interesting this year…

American Idol season 7 finalist, Michael Johns, is hoping to release his album in February 2009 but we’ve got a glimpse of what the songs may sound like.  The song he sings in this clip is called “Fool’s Gold” (he co-wrote it and MJs Big Blog says it was on an earlier album) and I think when it’s finished it could sound really good.  I love hearing him performing stuff that is suited to his style and voice.  I wish he had been able to just let loose on Idol but I understand that it’s really not always possible with the theme weeks.

Check it out, tell me what you think

American Idol superstar, Jennifer Hudson, was on The View today and, of course, the women peppered her with questions about her recent engagement and upcoming wedding, her invitation to sing the national anthem at the Democratic National Convention, her debut album and how her life has changed since being on Idol.

I have to admit that Barbara Walters gets under my skin usually and this morning was no exception.  They way she was talking about Jennifer’s voice and how people have wondered if making an album is a mistake just rubbed me the wrong way.  She seemed to pessimistic.  Did you get that too?

Jennifer also performed her debut single “Spotlight.”  It’s not my favorite song ever, nor do I think it does a particularly good job of showcasing her talents but it’s not bad and she did a good job singing it live.  Check it out:

American Idol judge, Simon Cowell, has confirmed that Britney Spears will make an appearance on the X-Factor where she will perform her new single “Womanizer.”  Naturally, he had some choice words for the occasion.  In addition to saying that the show is the highest rated in England (can he ever go five minutes without tooting his own horn?!) he said that he was thrilled about the appearance and that he considers her a hugely talented person. 

He added (since he also can’t go five minutes without mentioning something controversial):  “The fact that she goes a bit crazy occasionally makes her more interesting. And now she has her career back on track. Fantastic. I’m thrilled.  And, if she wants to shave her head before she comes on the show, she’s welcome to. I don’t care.”

I’m not a huge fan of the song and I don’t think it will be too challenging to sing live (do these people ever get embarrassed about their mediocre songs when they go on talent shows – I wonder?).  Have a listen:

American Idol season 5 runner-up, Katharine McPhee, was spotted celebrating a friend’s birthday in West Hollywood outside of the restaurant Sur.  She seemed surprised and a little taken aback to be confronted with paparazzi and she even said that she lives in the Valley so that she can avoid that kind of thing.

One weird moment was when the paps were asking her about whether she likes Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.  What’s that all about?  Are they alluding to that weirdness with PETA saying the frozen treat makers should use human milk instead of cow’s milk?  I notice they zoomed in on Kat’s chest so maybe?

Wow.  I normally like the Australian Idol contestants much better than I like the Top 10 on American Idol but this was just not a good week for me.  There were a lot of shaky vocals and lackluster performances but, fortunately, there was so good stuff too.  To see a full recap and all of the videos, visit Oz Music Scene! 

In the meantime, here’s Roshani Priddis (who, again, impressed me) with “Heading in the Right Direction.” 

Interestingly, on this past season of American Idol, runner-up, David Archuleta, chose to sing “You’re the Voice” and was criticized by the selection and judge, Simon Cowell, even showed disbelief that the young singer had chosen the song for himself.  I knew the song well and couldn’t understand what the big deal was but I guess it’s not too popular in the States.  This week, Thanh Bui also sang that song.  Listen to both and tell me which one you like best!

Thanh Bui

David Archuleta

American Idol season 7 runner-up, David Archuleta, did his first-ever photoshoot for an album cover and I imagine it had to be a crazy experience for this kid from Murray, Utah.  He seems like one of the most genuine, down-to-earth people and to be posing in Brooklyn might have even been a bit of a challenge for him. 

Well, it looks like they got some good shots of him (I love that funky piano!).  Anyway, enjoy this cute little video:

Former American Idol contestants have been showing the love for Clay Aiken, who came out as gay earlier this week.  One of the supporters, Carmen Rasmusen, kind of surprised me since I know she is very religious but she was very careful to not imply that she necessarily agreed with homosexuality.  If you remember, Carmen was on the show during the same season as Clay (season 2).  Here’s what she said:  “This news does not change my opinion of him or my friendship with him.  I’m surprised, I guess because he kept it quiet for so long!”  The singer, who is pregnant with her first child, added: “As I’m also going to be a mom, I know how parenthood completely changes your perspective. I think it’s great that he’s raising his son with a mother involved, and that he understands the importance of being up front and honest with his child.”

I could not agree more.  I feel like he had to do this to live a complete life.  Surely, his son would have to know someday and then what?  Little Parker would have been expected to keep that kind of secret?  I’m so happy it’s out and that that weight is off of them both!

Some other former Idol hopefuls weighed in:

Rickey Smith – “He has to do what makes him happy. I’m just glad he’s doing what makes him feel comfortable and confident.”

Vanessa Olivarez – Said that Clay “never ever” talked about his personal life and added “I have good gaydar – Claydar! – and it definitely wasn’t the shocker of the year!  Clay is religious, and I think it’s great that he’s showing you can be religious and be gay. People will see that you’re not going to burn in hell if you’re gay.”

Clay, himself, is so overwhelmed by all of the support that he claims to be “speechless.”  On his website he wrote: “We’ll ‘talk’ more later but, suffice it to say, for the first time in recent memory, I am speechless. I’m so proud to know and love all of you.  My family is so much larger than Parker, Jaymes, mom, Brett, etc. It extends to each of you. And I couldn’t be more blessed.”

I know some of the Claymates have really grappled with the news but I’m so happy that the majority of you seem to be fine with it.  I’m really happy for him.

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