Just as his last character, Borat, took advantage of the trusting nature of Americans, Sacha Baron Cohen’s “Brüno” successfully duped American Idol judge, Paula Abdul.

Brüno is a very openly gay Austrian TV reporter who, according to Page Six, approached Paula Abdul and told her that she was very popular in his country and got her to agree to do an interview.  "Paula was totally fooled. She bought into his character and to this day isn’t aware she was fooled," an insider said.

She’s not the first recognizable name to be taken in my by the character.  Texas Republican, Ron Paul, admitted to being tricked and even said that he “should have punched Brüno.”

The film Brüno hits theaters on July 10, 2009.  Will you go to see it?

image: Universal Pictures

American Idol winner, Carrie Underwood, has been named to People’s 2009 “Most Beautiful” list and it’s not hard to see why.

The modest beauty from Checotah, Oklahoma said that she doesn’t enjoy big events until after they are done: "I feel more beautiful when I see the pictures after. I’m like, ‘I wish I had felt like I looked like that when I was actually there.’"  That’s better than me!  I feel great at events or parties and then I see the pictures later and think “ugh, that’s what I looked like?”  

Carrie is in good company on the “Most Beautiful” list.  She joins First Lady Michelle Obama, Halle Berry, Robert Pattinson (Twilight), Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire) and more.  The special issue, featuring 100 famous faces, will hit newsstands tomorrow!

image: Newscom

Once the competition gets to the Top 5, American Idol gets pretty intense.  Assumedly, contestants make it that far because they have a big enough fan base so, no matter who goes home, a lot of people are going to be very sad. 

Last night, Matt Giraud was sent home and I actually was pretty okay with that.  What shocked me, however, was the fact that Adam Lambert was in the bottom two.  I still can’t wrap my head around that one and it’s one of those situations where I have a hard time believing America’s votes counted. 

On American Idol Extra last night, music director, Rickey Minor, shared his theory on why Matt was eliminated: "I think he thought himself out of the competition.  He over-thought what he was going to do, how he was going to hold his hand, how he was going to sing. When you do that, it’s not a natural thing.  As in basketball, you’ve got to let your shot come to you.  Don’t force it. If the ball doesn’t go in the basket, it’s still no points, so what’s the point of doing the razzle-dazzle? If you feel it, if you feel an opening, take it. But I think Matt didn’t feel it, and it was more calculated than it needed to be."

I can see what Minor meant.  Matt did sometimes seem mechanical, except when he was at the piano.  He didn’t just let the performance roll, he had too much control (although, I would have liked him better if he had actually had *more* control over his runs but that’s another issue).

There are a good number of post-elimination interviews with Matt floating around the internet but here’s one (check out some more on MJs Big Blog):

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta / FOX

The results show started with this week’s Ford commercial, we saw the group number (a medley of songs from the Rat Pack era) and then we saw footage of a food fight that erupted at the American Idol mansion while they celebrated Allison Iraheta’s birthday.Natalie Cole and Taylor Hicks performed.  It was a pretty good performance from Taylor and I hope that it gets the word out about his new music and gives his sales a nice boost.

Jamie Foxx also sang his new song “Blame It” but I don’t know if it counts as singing if your voice is so digitized.  I’m so tired of hearing songs like that on the radio now.  When it first came out, it was cool but now it just takes all the talent out of the singing.

After 47 million votes, Matt Giraud, was eliminated from the show, just a couple weeks after being kept in the competition by the judges’ save.

What do you think of this one?  I’m pretty happy.  I think America got it right.

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta / FOX

American Idol season 5 winner, Taylor Hicks, will join the legendary Natalie Cole and Idol’s music director, Rickey Minor, on American Idol Extra tomorrow night.

Of course, host Jillian Reynolds, will also talk to tonight’s eliminated contestant.  I wonder who it’s going to be (my money is on Matt Giraud but I’m afraid that Kris Allen could be at risk as well!). 

Have you ever watched American Idol Extra?  If not, you might be interested to know that former finalist, Ace Young, is a co-host and Constantine Maroulis periodically checks in as a special field correspondent.

I plan to set my DVR to record it tomorrow because I’d love to hear what Taylor has to say about what he’s been up to.  I loved his newest album The Distance.

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Michael Becker / FOX

For “Rat Pack Week” the mentor was Jamie Foxx.  They chose him because he has transcended the barriers in the industry by going from a television star, to winning an Academy Award (Ray) and a successful musician.

Kris Allen was the first to perform, singing “The Way You Look Tonight.”  I thought it was a great performance and Jamie Foxx had some great things to say about him.

Allison Iraheta sang “Someone To Watch Over Me” and I thought it was a very good performance even though judge, Simon Cowell, worried that her lack of confidence would land her in trouble.

Matt Giraud chose “My Funny Valentine” and I think he deserves recognition for picking a tough song but I still didn’t love it.  The judges were split on this performance and it should be surprising that Randy and Kara ended up on the same time again.

Danny Gokey took “Come Rain or Come Shine” to church last night after starting the performance relatively slowly.  I liked it and the judges did too.  Simon even said it was outstanding.

Adam Lambert wrapped up the show with “Feeling Good” and from his entrance on a red, glowing staircase to his final crazy note, he was sheer genius.

If I had to pick a bottom three from this list, it would be Matt Giraud, Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen (only because you need to have three).  I really would like to see Matt go home but we’ll see how America votes!

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Michael Becker / FOX

Adam Lambert chose to sing The Muse version of “Feeling Good.”  Mentor, Jamie Foxx, said that Adam is going to “knock everybody’s head off” with the performance.

I loved Adam’s entrance.  He emerged at the top of a red staircase wearing a white suit, looking heavenly.  The song was well-done but that ending was OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!!  He took that song straight to Adam Town with that one!

Randy said it was a little too theatrical for him but it was another good performance.  Kara said that her mouth drops open every time he performs.  He’s confusing, shocking and sleazy all at the same time.  Paula said that words cannot describe him and that he makes her feel better than good.  Simon said that he gets the feeling that Adam wants to win and entertain.  He also said it was the best entrance Adam has made this year.

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta / FOX

Danny Gokey sang “Come Rain or Come Shine” and mentor, Jamie Foxx, said he was watching Danny so closely that he might have creeped him out.  He said that he got right up in Danny’s face and that’s when he sang his best (it was hilarious).

I loved the horns that Danny had with him and he looked really great!  How many glasses does this man own?  I liked the simplicity of his delivery but I really enjoyed the energy he put into the end of the performance.  I felt like he built up to a strong finish.

Randy said that Danny was the only performer of the night who could have an album out from that era and still win.  Kara said that Danny has Rat Pack swagger and that it was the most creative he’s ever been with a melody.  Paula said it was a stellar performance.  Simon said that it felt like Danny came out to prove a point, it was the best he’s done in week and that it was outstanding.

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta / FOX

Matt Giraud chose to sing “My Funny Valentine” and mentor, Jamie Foxx, had no suggestions initially but then called him back into the room later and advised him to change the key.  It’s probably good advice because Matt has picked the wrong key in the past (in my opinion).

It seemed that Matt changed the key but appeared uncomfortable with it.  It was a good tip but Matt did not embrace and run with it.  Maybe he could have taken it up a quarter note?  I’m not sure.  It was weird.  Then again, he does deserve credit for picking a song as difficult as this one.

Randy said it was one of the hardest songs to sing and was a bit pitchy.  He said that it didn’t all quite come together.  Kara said that the competition is so stiff and didn’t feel that Matt was emotionally committed to it.  Paula said that she loved what he did with the song and the fact that he took the advice.  She said she felt an emotional connection (meow).  Simon disagreed with Randy (I guess Kara doesn’t count) and said that it was the most believable performance of the night and said Matt was absolutely brilliant.

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta / FOX

Allison Iraheta celebrated her 17th birthday yesterday (good for her!).  Mentor, Jamie Foxx, said that Allison’s rehearsals were innocent and incredible.

I like the dress that Allison picked tonight a lot more than some of the things she has worn in recent weeks.  She also, of course, sounded pretty great singing “Someone to Watch Over Me” which is one of my favorite songs from that era.  I’m happy she picked it because it ended up working for her.

Randy said he thought the genre was going to be tough for her but she said that Allison came out looking line Brittany Murphy and sounding like Pink with more octaves.  Kara said that Allison is not some one-trick pony and she thinks it was enough to get her to the finals.  Paula said that she delivered and innocent performance that was both alluring and tender.  Simon said that he thought it was a great performance but doesn’t feel that Allison believes she can win and added that he has a horrible feeling that she could be in trouble as a result.

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta / FOX