Have you seen any of the new ads for the 8th season of American Idol?  They feature last year’s winner, David Cook, and it shows him enjoying fame today and then rewinds to the moment he walked through the door to audition for the show.  Very sweet!

Okay, I was surprised when I found out that Justin Guarini was at the IKEA Thanksgiving Day Parade (since I didn’t realize that there was even such a thing!) but then I found out that American Idol finalist, Syesha Mercado, was also there!  She sang “One Rock and Roll Too Many” and she looked super cute in her cap and coat. 

American Idol season one runner-up, Justin Guarini, took part in the IKEA Thanksgiving Day Parade.  Am I the only person who is shocked that IKEA even has a parade?  When did that happen?  I don’t even think they celebrate Thanksgiving in Sweden but I digress…

David Archuleta appeared on yesterday’s annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.  It’s always nice to see your favorites in the parade but, of course, you aren’t tuning in to see their performance since everyone has to lip-sync.  Still, he was convincing and he looked so cute with his red little nose (it must have been cold!) and hat/scarf.  Check it out:

American Idol season 7 finalist, Michael Johns, was spotted on the red carpet at the premiere for the new movie Australia.  The film stars Michael’s fellow Aussie’s, Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman and was directed by Baz Luhrmann.  I have zero intention of seeing this film since I really hated Moulin Rouge (Luhrmann directed and Kidman also starred in that).  Anyone going to see it?

Anyway, Michael looked really good (didn’t he?!) and I’m glad he got out to support his fellow countrymen. 

Even though Clay Aiken was supposed to be on stage performing in Spamalot, he had his understudy cover for him while he went over to pay Rosie O’Donnell a visit during her live variety show, Rosie Live!  What a sweetie!  The two had some mutual appreciation while they pointed out their similarities.  Of course, they couldn’t resist a little gay humor… Watch it here:

Who doesn’t love the Jonas Brothers?  Um… okay, I don’t actually like them very much (I don’t hate them, I just don’t love them) but I’m guessing American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks, is just like any other teen girl since she was spotted at the book launch for Burning Up: On Tour with the Jonas Brothers. 

What do you think of the outfit?  It seems like she’s been wearing similar dresses lately.  Almost empire-waisted, knee-length, bust-hugging but not hip-hugging frocks.  Have you noticed?  It even reminds me of that yellow thing she wore to the American Music Awards

American Idol star, Clay Aiken, looked dapper at the 2008 Rosie’s Gala.  The event raises money for Rosie’s For All Kids Foundation so I’m not surprised to see Clay in attendance with all of the charity work he does throughout the year. 

This year, the gala included a tribute to the magnificent Chita Rivera and featured some Broadway’s finest (Bebe Neuwirth, Christine Ebersole, the new Broadway cast of West Side Story and more!) and "Rosie’s Broadway Kids." 

Sounds like it was a lot of fun!  I hope Clay had a good time!

When American Idol winner, David Cook, returned to the Nokie Theatre the other night for the American Music Awards pre-show, it seemed to bring back memories (the Idol finale moved from the Kodak Theatre to the Nokia Theatre last year). 

David told Entertainment Weekly: "I actually get panic attacks whenever I’m in a five-mile radius of this place.  It’s home to one of the most nerve-wracking moments in my life…. I’m presenting, so I do have to walk on that stage. We’ll see how it goes. If I have a freak-out or something, it’ll make for good TV, I suppose."

I’m happy things went smoothly during his appearance and that he didn’t freak out, though, I have to admit – it would have made for great TV! 

See more pictures of David at the American Music Awards after the jump!

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American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks, feels that the "role model" tag was thrust on her after winning the popular singing competition.  During her time on the show, it became known that the young singer has a strong opinion about sex before marriage (she’s choosing to wait) and she started to be considered an example for teens. 

She told PopTarts:  "The role model tag has definitely been thrust on me and that’s something I don’t take lightly.  That really motivated me. Being a role model is fun but I find it difficult.  I have to constantly watch myself, watch my mouth and who I hang out with."

Jordin recently reaffirmed her commitment after British host, Russell Brand, publicly teased the JONAS Brothers for wearing purity rings at the 2008 MTV Video Awards.  When she took to the stage as a presenter later in the evening, she said: “I just have one thing to say about promise rings. It’s not bad to wear a promise ring, because not everybody – guy or girl – wants to be a slut.”  Ouch!