When Katy Perry serves as a guest judge on American Idol, she could turn out to be an ally for Simon Cowell.  Apparently, the singer feels that it’s more important to be honest with contestants than to spare their feelings. 

She said: "I might become a little bit of a buddy with Simon because whenever I watch that show, as much as he’s an asshole, he’s a very truthful, honest a**hole. I don’t want to break their hearts, but how many of us know that one person that has been trying and trying, and doing karaoke and little gigs here and there at, like, an open mic. And nobody has told them they can’t sing in pitch—for, like, 15 years," Perry said. "You’re like, ‘Somebody needs to say something’ and unfortunately, I might be that gal to tell you the truth."

Katy will be sitting in on the panel during the Los Angeles auditions.  Check out the video of her talking about it below (she also touches briefly on the death of DJ AM):

So let’s just get this out of the way – I think “No Boundaries” could be the worst song an American Idol winner has had to record as their first single.  It was co-written by Kara DioGuardi and, while I like a lot of the songs she has written, I’m just not feeling this one.  It’s cheesy and pageanty in my opinion but I know that some people really like the song so I’m so sorry if I’ve offended you!

Anyway, a recording of Kara singing the song has popped up on YouTube and I think it speaks volumes about how insecure she is about criticism.  Her very memorable showdown with Bikini Girl last season was the first sign and now it just seems like she’s determined to prove that this song really is good.  I almost think it’s insulting to have this floating around since it almost feels like there’s a suggestion that Kris Allen didn’t do a good enough job.  Maybe I’m just being overly sensitive but that’s what I got from it.

Either way, if you haven’t heard it, check it out and tell me what you think.  I think that Kara definitely has a great voice and it does give the song a slightly different feel.  While I do think it might be a little better than Kris’ version, it’s only by a marginal amount – I still don’t like this song.

Former American Idol finalist, Kellie Pickler, was on the Today show where she talked about touring with her best friend, Taylor Swift, and how they wrote her hit single “Best Days of Your Life” on the tour bus after Kellie started ranting and venting about guy trouble.

Kellie also discussed her charitable work with Soles for Souls which is an organization that provides shoes to children in need.  She explained that it was something that was important to her since so many diseases begin with our feet and that those who don’t have footwear can cut themselves and bacteria can enter the body and turn into something dangerous.  The Today show donated a bunch of shoes from Payless Shoe Source and Kellie seemed very pleased.

She looked really beautiful and it’s amazing to see how much she’s matured since she was on Idol.  Watch the interview – she’s adorable!

First of all, what do you think of Katharine McPhee’s new look?  Is she rockin’ the blonde hair or not?  You tell me!  I kinda like it but I also don’t want her to go too far reinventing herself, you know?  I have to say that it reminds me a little bit of what Geena Davis looked like in The Long Kiss Goodnight.  Anyone else seeing that?

Anyway, I spotted this video and thought I’d share.  She talked a bit about how her upcoming album Unbroken is different from her first one (Katharine McPhee).  Let me just say really quickly that I know she’s distanced herself from singles like “Over It” and it didn’t do as well on the charts as she had hoped but I really liked it.  I still listen to it all the time on my iPod on the treadmill but I think it was under-promoted and should have been released in the summer instead of the winter but what do I know?

Kat said that she wanted a more “lush, full sound” with organic instruments and a lot of strings.  She feels like she’s grown a lot since her first release which makes a big difference. 

She also revealed that she’s not particularly ready to have children, she hopes that Paula Abdul finds happiness (and would be willing to be a guest judge), she would love to collaborate with Michael Bublé and Kings of Leon. 

It’s cute little interview so if you’re a Kat fan, it’s totally worth checking out!

Danyl Johnson tried out for The X Factor in London recently and the judges were so impressed with him that Simon Cowell actually said that it was the best first audition he’s ever seen.  Of course, I had to find out what all the fuss was about and I have to say that I was impressed.  The thing is that Danyl is a good singer but it wasn’t so much about his vocals as it was about his overall performance, which was great.  Before you judge it, think about this for a second – this is an audition. 

I almost started to compare it to some of the American Idol performances but that wouldn’t be fair since, by the time they make it to the stage, the Idol contestants have been working with show coaches for weeks.  So, all that considered, I would have to agree that Danyl’s delivery of “With a Little Help From My Friends” is probably the best first audition I’ve ever seen as well.  Decide for yourself.

David Archuleta recently performed in Omaha, Nebraska and I spotted these great pictures for you Archie fans!  I haven’t been lucky enough to see him live in concert since the only events I’ve attended were for the press and he wasn’t performing but it looks like he’s really opened up on stage.  Truly, I believe that if he had possessed this kind of stage presence, he really might have won.  No disrespect to David Cook, of course, because we love him too, right?

Image: INF

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Michael Johns has become a good friend of Paula Abdul’s since his time on American Idol and he’s weighed in on her departure from the show.  According to E! Online, Johns said: "She’s not asking for what [Ryan] Seacrest is getting paid.  She’s asking for $20 million over three years, so I think she totally deserves that money. She’s a huge reason people tune in to the show…I think Fox should pull their finger out and pay her what she deserves."

Apparently, she confided all of this to Johns who seems more than happy to spill the beans.  If what he says is true, then I’d have to agree with him – I think $20 million over three years is fair for Paula.

He continued by saying:  "We talk all the time.  She was a bit upset. She just doesn’t understand why Fox made the decision they made—especially when a lot of people got upgrades in money. But she said, ‘Look I’m not going to budge on this. I really think that’s my worth.’ "

He also shared some insight on who could be a good replacement for his dear friend, Paula.  "I think Chelsea Handler would be pretty funny," he said. "Chelsea would be my first pick."

I don’t know if Chelsea would be a good fit for the show.  Yes, she’s smart and funny and very entertaining but I don’t know if she could say anything truly positive.  Besides, what does she really know about the music industry? 

Also, I know this has nothing to do with Paula’s contract negotiations but what do you think of the judges becoming friends with former contestants?  I guess there’s nothing in their contracts that prevents that but I do think it’s a little strange, especially if she’s going to confide information about her dealings with the show with these former Idol contenders.  How do you feel about it?

image © FOX BROADCASTING CR: Ray Mickshaw / FOX

I saw on Fans of David and Demi Lovato’s MySpace profile that three Demi/David Archuleta shows have been rescheduled due to “scheduling conflicts.”  If you’ve got a ticket, it will be honored but if you can’t make it on the new date, you can get a refund (until September 30, 2009) from wherever you bought it.  Here’s the list of rescheduled shows:

Original Dates:

• August 22         Atlantic City, NJ           Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort
• August 23         Providence, RI             Dunkin’ Donuts Center
• August 24         Manchester, NH           Verizon Wireless

Rescheduled Dates:

• October 29      Manchester, NH          Verizon Wireless
• October 30      Providence, RI            Dunkin’ Donuts Center
• November 1     Atlantic City, NJ          Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort (4pm)

Sad that you won’t get to see Archie next week?  No worries!  Here’s a nice video blog to tide you over!  First of all, it’s great to see him talking after having some throat problems recently which was only made worse by suffering from serious allergies.  He said that he appreciates his voice so much more now since he knows what it’s like to not be able to talk!  He mentioned the fact that his buddy, Ashley, has been with him for the most recent tour dates and that it’s been great to have someone from home out there with him.  Anyway, the vlog is full of adorable banter so if you’re an Archie fan, check it out!

Have you heard Jason Castro’s new single “Let’s Just Fall In Love”?  I saw it on YouTube and thought it might be great to share! 

I think that the song is adorable and unusual and everything that you might expect from someone like Jason, who co-wrote the track.

The song is from Jason’s debut album (is there a title yet?  I haven’t found one but would love to know what it is if you already know!) which is supposed to be coming out sometime in November 2009. 

While there aren’t too many details available, you can still pre-order it!  You should check out his online store (http://jasoncastro.hasawebstore.com/) since there are some deluxe packages that you can buy that include voicemail messages, meet ‘n’ greet info and more.

In the meantime, you can check out his song and let me know what you think.  I love it!

image: Jason Castro Web Store

So far, we know that Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige and now Shania Twain have been tapped as guest judges on American Idol and my first question is – what do you think?  I have to say that I don’t really understand why they need the guest judges at all.

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Michael Becker / FOX

Here’s the thing – American Idol started as a three-judge show and now, since Paula Abdul quit, it’s back to being a three-judge show.  If they weren’t willing to fight to keep Paula, why do they need to find a stand-in?  Is it because they are worried that a panel comprised of Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi is going to be dull?  If they aren’t, they should be because I’m not particularly excited by it.

People love Paula Abdul, especially those who are auditioning.  There have been times when she has swayed the vote and given someone a chance when Simon was too harsh.  She was weird and quirky but usually polite about having the occasional laugh and I will miss her.

Victoria Beckham has some experience.  Yes, she was part of the huge group, the Spice Girls, but that certainly doesn’t make her qualified to judge others.  She was the worst singer in the group (sorry) and the worst dancer.  I know she’s been able to generate a lot of buzz for herself but I do believe that a good part of that is due to the fact that she married one of the world’s most popular (and attractive!) soccer/football players, David Beckham.

Mary J. Blige is an amazing artist.  She brings a soul and depth to her music that I really admire.  She did struggle, however, with live performances until very recently but I can’t tear Mary down.  She’s got some real experience in the business (not gimmicky like Victoria) and I think that she’s kind-hearted but honest enough to do a good job.  I still don’t see the necessity of bringing her on.

Now let’s get to Shania Twain.  I live in Canada and I love her but why in the world was she chosen?  I’m sure that there are far better choices out there.  She’s not all that relevant right now and I’m not even sure that half of the viewers will have even heard of her.  Yes, I know she has some big hits and yes I realize that she has a lot of fans but is she a superstar?  No.

I’m not saying you need to be a superstar to be a judge either but I’m just asking why guest judges are being added at all if we’re not talking about huge household names.  Would I tune in to see Kanye West deliver some tough love?  Absolutely.  Heck, I’d even listen to feedback from Lady GaGa – um, okay I take that back.  It would be interesting and it would bring in some ratings, for sure, but I can’t go there.

So, tell me what you think!  Do you see the importance of guest judges?  Don’t hate on me if you do, I’m just voicing my opinion and I’d love to hear yours.