Jennifer Lorez as New Judges American Idol

Jennifer Lorez as new judges American Idol with Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson

Ellen Joins Idol

It's Ellen! Degeneres announced her new gig yesterday during a taping of her talk show. The funny lady is a long-time fan of American Idol. She'll bring a fresh perspective to the judge's table since she doesn't have a background in the music industry. She's just a everyday music-lover! And she'll bring a consumer's opinion to the show.

*Getty Images

Just in time for the start of American Idol tonight, Kelly Clarkson has a new single from her upcoming album All I Ever Wanted called "My Life Would Suck Without You." It's pretty good! Oh how I've missed the season one winner! What do you think?

Quote Of The Day

"As far as people thinking I'm pretty or something, I don't know. It's amazing what a haircut and forgetting to shave will do." - David Cook on his newfound popularity.

- Erin Dustin

Cook Takes The Title

Last night's Idol proved victorious for David Cook as he was given the title of this year's American Idol. What a voice and what a season he had! Props to David Archie as well, what a competitor and what a voice, I'm sure he'll go far. I was on the edge of my seat last night, I literally didn't know which David, I mean which way it would go. I would have been happy either way, but I think David C. deserved it a little more. I can't wait to see what kind of record he'll come out with! Congrats!



- Erin Dustin

Idol Goes Big And Gives Back

Although Wednesday's American Idol won't be saying goodbye to another contestant, (the results will be shown Thursday night) they will be airing their Idol Gives Back show for the second year in a row. The fundraiser will be raising money for both U.S. and international charities and will feature big stars like Brad Pitt, Hollywood it-couple David and Victoria Beckham, Miley Cyrus, and former Idol winners Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks. I recommend having a box of kleenex handy as the show will also include heartfelt stories informing people firsthand on how this special will be making a difference in the lives of many.  

Randy Jackson goes from judge to performer.

Former Idol winner and country superstar Carrie Underwood shares a laugh with Teri Hatcher.

Brad Pitt shows his giving heart and waves to his adoring, not to mention screaming, fans.

Fergie, in skin-tight leather pants, cartwheeled across the stage during her performance, squashing all pregnancy rumors.

Celine Dion visits a South African orphanage.

Teen idol Miley Cyrus visits with a young girl in Kentucky, showing her support to the charity organization Save the Children. 

Paula Abdul puts a smile on a young boy's face as she spends time at Goshen Elementary School in California.

Girl-next-door actress Reese Witherspoon reads to a class at New Orleans CDF Freedom School.

No stranger to charity work, U2 frontman Bono visits with a volunteer in Tanzania.

- Erin Dustin

 

Winners of the Week

Two very big shows had two very big episodes this week.

Not only did Project Runway reveal its winning designer on Wednesday, but just last night American Idol's top 12 was decided.

Christian Siriano proved that "fierceness" was just what Heidi Klum was looking for as he (emotionally) took the title of best designer of the hit-show's fourth season. Siriano, from Annapolis, MD and the youngest contestant to ever win, achieved another difficult task as well...he made the one and only Posh smile. Victoria Beckham, who joined Klum, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia on the judging panel for the final runway show, admitted that Siriano's collection was something that she would wear and in her own words said, "It was major."

Click here to check out Siriano's "fierce" collection.

In-between all those nail-biting commercial breaks, Ryan Seacrest finally revealed which singers will compete next week in American Idol's top 12 last night. Although it was sad to see the four contestants leave, it will be exciting to see how the top 12 will perform as the stakes get higher.

Idol's Top 12:

Michael Johns
Seyesha Mercado
David Archuleta (!)
Carly Smithson
David Cook
Ramiele Malubay
Jason Castro
Kristy Lee Cook
David Hernandez
Brooke White (!)
Chikezie
Amanda Overmyer

- Erin Dustin

Vote For Luke!

An avid American Idol fan?
Watching the top 8 male singers perform tonight?
Voting for Luke Menard until the very last second the phone lines are open?

If you answered yes to these three questions (which you should have) then you rock, and if not, you at least MUST MUST vote for the adorable and talented Orlando Bloom look-alike Luke Menard and help him successfully make it into Idol's top 12!

Here's a video of Luke singing Queen's "Killer Queen," during last week's '70s theme.



I wonder what he'll sing tonight?

Tune in and VOTE FOR LUKE!

- Erin Dustin