Poll: Pick American Idol's top 12th-place finisher
These are the finalists we barely get to know. They get one song on the big stage, then they go home. They don't make the tour. And this Wednesday, another person will join their ranks. But before that happens, give us your choice for the best American Idol 12th-place finisher of all time.
Carrie Underwood gets early raves for her 'Play On' tour
Carrie Underwood launched her Play On Tour Thursday with a sold-out show at the Sovereign Center in Reading, Penn. "Underwood sang ... Just a Dream, while on a rope swing," wrote Jon Fassnacht of the Reading Eagle. "I Told You So was a virtual duet with Randy Travis at the Grand Old Opry. Change featured a dress that included its own light show."
Which 'American Idol' contestant has the biggest Stones?
American Idol's Top 12 contestants will sing the songs of the Rolling Stones Tuesday. Also, Idol is posting iTunes playlists of some of the songs that the contestants will have to choose from -- one of this season's more positive developments, I think.
Your Random Weekend Memo
I saw USA TODAY photographer Dan MacMedan's picture of Crystal Bowersox and Michael Lynche over at our Day in Celebrities photo gallery, and I just had to share it with you here.
Todrick Hall: Gunning for 'Glee'
Todrick Hall may have to lower his sights a little, now that he won't be your next American Idol, but he's not lowering them far. "I'm making it my job now to be my personal campaign manager to get myself a role on Glee," Todrick told reporters Friday.
Katelyn Epperly: Pulling for Crystal Bowersox
None of the American Idol women will have to change rooms as a result of last night's eliminations: Katelyn Epperly and Lilly Scott were roommates. "It was kinda ironic we both got eliminated the same day," Katelyn told reporters during a Friday afternoon conference call.
Alex Lambert: 'I probably won't be able to look at a banana the same'
Alex Lambert knows Ellen DeGeneres extended metaphor about him and bananas was done for entertainment value, but he says he actually could see the underlying truth made sense to him. "I guess I probably won't be able to look at a banana the same," he says.
Lilly Scott wanted to get 'Nude' on 'American Idol'
"My voting demographic was probably more of the underground scene who probably doesn't even own a TV," Lilly Scott told reporters Friday. "And if they do, they're probably out riding their bike. Or doing something more productive than watching TV, let alone American Idol."
Michael Orland, Debra Byrd talk Season 9 singers
Michael Orland, American Idol's associate music director, told USA TODAY's Bill Keveney that this year's Top 12 has less experience than some recent ones, which is one reason not to make a judgment too quickly about the group. "The last couple of years, with David Cook and David Archuleta, and then last year with Adam (Lambert), Kris (Allen) and Alison (Iraheta), those two years were filled with people coming in going, 'Hey, here's what I want to do. Here's the part of the song I want to do. Here's how I
