Idol Shakeup! Ellen and Kara are Out, J.Lo is In!

The last few days have seen some major changes at “American Idol.” Simon Cowell’s departure has been known for awhile now, and numerous celebs have been mentioned as possible replacements. Then Thursday Ellen DeGeneres, who never seemed comfortable in her role as a judge, confirmed the rumors that she would be leaving the show after one season. The TV host Tweeted: “Dim the lights … I’ve voted myself off American Idol. It was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings. I am very grateful for the year I had. I am a huge fan of the show and will continue to be.” While Ellen’s departure seems to have been voluntary, the same can’t be said for Kara DioGuardi—she was unceremoniously given the boot. Although the deal is still in the works, look for singer/actress Jennifer Lopez to join the “Idol’s” panel next season. Still on board is Randy Jackson, and the front-runner for the third judge’s chair is Aerosmith rocker Steven Tyler. The flashy frontman is currently in L.A. meeting with “Idol” producers. Industry insiders expect the new lineup to be in place on Monday, when Fox will present their fall shows to the Television Critics Association’s fall convention. It remains to be seen whether these changes will help the aging show’s faltering ratings.

“Idol” Sends Aaron Back to School

Tween girls wept tonight as “American Idol” sent its youngest contestant home. 17-year-old Aaron Kelly failed to impress judges with his rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon” on a night dedicated to the legendary Frank Sinatra. Viewers weren’t thrilled, either, since they voted him off. That leaves just four potential idols still standing: front-runner Crystal Bowersox, ever-improving Lee Dewyze, heartthrob Casey James and big daddy Michael Lynche. The latter two have been in the bottom two previously, so both have to be considered vulnerable next week, which will pit the final four against cinema-themed songs with help from mentor Jamie Foxx. The catalog these guys have to choose from is cheesier than a large pizza, heavy on bland 80s pop schlock, so I wish them luck. And Crystal—pick “Over the Rainbow.” Only you can handle it!

What Were the “Idol” Voters Thinking?!

After last night, I swear that the majority of this year’s “American Idol” voters are 12- year-old girls. That’s the only explanation for cuddly soul man Michael Lynche having to be rescued from the guillotine by the judges after receiving the fewest votes, while pubescent Aaron Kelly, teen dream Tim Urban and still-searching-for-an-identity Katie Stevens were safe. This decision by the judges could have major effects on the rest of the season. Using the only save so early could mean that promising candidates like Siobhan Magnus will likely go home too soon, while Tim stays way too long because middle school girls with fast-texting thumbs will keep their faves on board. Next week, two contestants will go home—definitely. Unless they pull miraculous performances out of nowhere, it should be Aaron and Andrew. Of course, Crystal Bowersox is almost certain to take the whole thing at the end, because she’s the only one with a real sense of who she is, plus charisma to burn. But if the hippie chick should have a bad week, there’s nothing the judges can do to keep her.

Kara’s Second Helping Of Bikini Beauty

“American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi surprised us with a peek at her well-toned bod in a bikini during the finale last season. Now the almost-40 songwriter shows more in Women’s Health magazine. Kara says her secrets to keeping fit are exercise, a healthy diet and lots of water. Whatever she’s doing, it’s working!

Paula Abdul Plans Return To TV

Fans of Paula Abdul are still lamenting her absence from this season of “American Idol,” but the former judge may be back on television as soon as this summer! Sources have confirmed to EW’s TV correspondent Michael Ausiello that Abdul will be headlining a new version of “Star Search” for ABC. The original “Star Search” aired in the 80s, hosted by the late Ed McMahon. Obviously, ABC is looking for it’s own version of the hugely popular “American Idol,” and hopes Paula can bring some of that magic to the show.

American Idol Bikini Girl

  Here are some photos of bikini girl from “American Idol” to check out. If you did not watch the last season of Idol then you will not have a clue who she is, but neither will 23% of the people that did watch the show, so don’t feel too bad. For those that watched, recall that Simon Cowell actually gave Katrina Darrell (that is her real name by the way) the go-ahead simply because she was dressed in a bikini. And before you ask, the answer is no. Bikini girl could not carry a tune in a bucket. In fact, the only thing she could carry were her breast implants in a bikini. And on that note, here are some additional photos of Katrina Darrell to scope out.

Katharine McPhee Does OK!

Here is Katharine McPhee in a recent OK! magazine photoshoot. We know some people tune out American Idol (yeah, right) and may not really know who Katharine is, but that shouldn’t stop you from appreciating her beauty. We know that she is married to that old man, but if Katharine McPhee wants someone her own age, we’d be more than happy to lend a hand! She’ll never be a runner-up in our book!

David Archuleta Rocks “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”!!!

I turned on “American Idol” this evening and they are really building up the whole David Cook Versus David Archuleta battle! They even started the show with each of them coming out in boxing gloves. And although the two singers were very gracious towards one another, tonight’s show really is the brawl for it all! David Cook did a great job on his opening song, but David Archuleta absolutely blew his version of ”Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” out of the box (to quote Randy Jackson)! And I’m so overwhelmed by Archuleta that I can not for the life of me remember what Cook sang for his opening song. And Simon Cowell really said it best, “Round one goes to David Archuleta.”

Kelly Clarkson Leaving KOI Restaurant

Damn I can’t believe we haven’t seen or heard much from Kelly Clarkson since mid last year sometime. At least we know that she’s still alive. These pictures show the American Idol star leaving KOI restaurant. Hopefully Kelly won’t wait so long to go out now…that or we’ll do a better job finding more on her!

Miley Cyrus Is Giving

Here’s a few pictures of Miley Cyrus at the “Idol Gives Back” fundraising special. 

Kady Malloy Picked to Win American Idol

  If you caught last night’s “American Idol,” you saw the talented Kady Malloy. Well, word on the street is that Kady is the frontrunner for “Idol” to date after her Dallas audition. Kady, 18, is a vocal impersonator who wowed the judges with her rendition of Britney Spears. After doing a few impressions, Kady sang for the panel, prompting Simon Cowell to say that she was “the best contestant this year thus far.”

Renaldo Lapuz Pimps His Song “Forever” on American Idol

  “American Idol” is off to a shaky start this year. I know the first several episodes usually feature talentless, shameless fools making jackasses out of themselves and thier families (that btw, think they are really good) on national television, but they really scraped up the bottom of the barrel this time. I love it! Tuesday night’s episode of “Idol” brought pyscho-stalker Paul Marturano out of hiding, and we were all disturbed by that performance. But not to be outdone, on Wednesday’s show Renaldo LaPuz entered the audition room cloaked in white and silver, looking a bit like an adolescent seal caught in an environmental disaster involving aluminum foil and fluffy stuff. And in a uniquely passive-aggressive way, the Simon, Randy, and Paula proceeded to snub the dude. And rightly so. In an effort to create a little tension-relieving comedy, the judges rammed headlong into LaPuz’s act, accompanying his wretched rendition of “We’re Brothers Forever,” a song he had personally written. Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul joined him on stage for over six minutes and it really did go on…. forever! Simon Cowell even said, I have a strange feeling that song is going to be a hit. Yeah, it was so bad that Renaldo could be the next William Hung.

Kristy Lee Cook Shines on American Idol

  Kristy Lee Cook really impressed judges and viewers last night on the premiere of “American Idol” season 7. The 23-year-old’s audition and interview is being called the highlight of last night’s show. Kristy’s performance of Amazing Grace received good reviews from Paula Abdul who said she loved the tone and control of her voice. The typically harsh Simon Cowell also said he loved her voice but told her she needed “10 to 20 percent more confidence.” Bonus Kristy Lee Cook Info: The Oregon native revealed her love for horses and her hobbies that include martial arts, horse training, and cage fighting. Kristy said she sold her barrel horse to pay her way to the auditions.

American Idol Contestants Revealed!

  “American Idol” Spoiler: In posts on IdolForums.com, someone using the name “JoesPlace” has listed the names, ages, home cities and MySpace pages of contestants that actually make it to Hollywood next year. Once they get to H-town, judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will cut the top 50 down to the top 24. And it appears that the “American Idol” contestant list may be legitimate based on information contained within the MySpace pages of the alleged “Idol” contenders. According to “JoesPlace,” the list began back in late October and found the contestants “through media and word of mouth.” He asks that: “…if you know any of these contestants or can add any info, just message me. You will remain completely anonymous. Nothing will be posted that you don’t want. I would appreciate any hints, spoilers, news or info. No info is too small. … Anything is helpful.”

American Idol Possibly Welcoming a New Judge

Mover over Randy, Simon, and Paula and make room for a new face possibly joining the “American Idol” judges.  Our friends over at Geno’s World are telling us that Gioia Bruno is fighting hard to get herself a seat as a judge on the popular television show. You may remember Gioia as the solo artist and former member of the group Expose’.  If not don’t feel too bad, I didn’t remember her either. Photo courtesy: gioiabruno.com

Shyamali Malakar To Pose Nude – Sanjaya Says No

We all remember the 'dynamic duo' from American Idol, Sanjaya Malakar and his sister Shyamali.  How could we forget right? Well it seems there is some news floating around the internet that Shyamali has been offered to pose nude for a magazine spread.  I'm not sure what magazine this could be – Playboy? – but we can definitely understand why they'd want a chance to feature her. Her jiggly appearence on Idol, cheering her brother, really got her noticed. Sorry to say to all you hoping to see more of Shyamali, Sanjaya says "She was never the type to flaunt it.". I know it's disappointing, but here's some news to brighten your day for sure!  Sanjaya is still planning to continue rockin' it – "My first objective is to legitimize my music…". Feel better already aren't ya!

Paula Abdul Breaks Her Nose

In an effort to avoid stepping on her Chihuahua Tulip, Paula Abdul ends up tripping and breaking her nose instead.  Her rep David Brokaw tells PEOPLE. "She went to the doctor and she did break her nose, but she's moving on and doing great" Brokaw says. "She looks terrific. If you didn't know she broke her nose, you'd never guess anything happened to her." Now people are going to be pay more attention to her nose than actually listening to the last 2 singers left on American Idol tonight.

Jordin Sparks Pictures

More on Jordin Sparks

Haley Scarnato Hottest Idol Contestant

I only caught parts of American Idol last night, but after watching the wrap-up clips at the end, I am disappointed that I missed Haley Scarnato. She did a good job singing, but more importantly, she was looking damn good. Haley hails from San Antonio, Texas, and has been a wedding-band singer since she was 15 years old. Check out Haley’s performance from a past episode (or her audition) until the latest one is uploaded.

Sanjaya Will Haunt You Forever

  Just when we thought we were rid of Sanjaya Malakar, it looks as if he is back in the news again!  This past Saturday night he attended the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C.. Teri Hatcher and a couple politicians were present at the dinner, all eagerly waiting to meet the American Idol reject. Does Sanjaya deserve to be in the spotlight still?  You tell me, everyone knows my opinion of him already.  (Loser)