After Season 7's first week, we rank singers going to Hollywood, then it's your chance to vote for No. 1

  After Season 7's first week of auditions, here's how we size up the contestants advancing to Hollywood. Check out our rankings, then cast a vote for the singer that's No. 1 in your book

  In our season premiere, Michael Slezak and Kristen Baldwin ponder 2008's kinder, gentler Simon Cowell

  Yesterday, my colleague Shirley Halperin wrote a PopWatch item asking how professional is too professional when it comes to American Idol contestants (a topic also debated on the special-effects-laden season premiere of Idolatry); one reason for the hullabaloo is rumored...

  Former 'N Syncer JC Chasez knows a thing or two about dance moves (he rocked the "Bye Bye Bye" routine back in the boy-band day), and now he'll be joining Randy Jackson at the judging table for MTV's newest reality...

  The judges may be letting some weak singers through because of their sad stories or winning personalities

  The TiVo's barely gone cold on the second episode of American Idol, and already, a scandal? OK, it's not quite on the level of Corey Clark producing Paula's receipts from Fred Segal, but for the die-hard Idolizers out there, this...

  The seventh season kicks off with the right ratio of triumph to train wreck

  Just in time for the new season of Idol, here comes Chris Daughtry to bite the hand that fed him. He tells Rolling Stone he thinks the show is in a slump, and judging by the ratings for last night's...

  'Tis the season for American Idol pundits (myself included) and fans (yes, you!) to come out of the woodwork and tell the show's producers how to improve a ratings juggernaut that crushes everything in its path. You know they love...

  I know you probably laughed (or maybe cried) (or shook your head incredulously) when you heard the news that Paula Abdul would be singing at this year's Super Bowl. But on the other hand, you probably haven't watched the video...

  Can this guy not sing or what?! And get ready for Idolatry on Friday, January 18! You know you'll be on the Internet anyway. It's like all you ever do.

  So just how long does Simon Cowell plan to be a fixture on American Idol? The surly judge addressed his future with the show on a conference call today, telling reporters he finds the audition process to be "absolute torture,"...

  Another Idol label deal bites the dust. Hollywood Insider has learned that Katharine McPhee is the latest former contestant to part ways with her record company. Like season 2 winner Ruben Studdard and season 5 champ Taylor Hicks, who were...