Last night's "American Idol" finale was inspired ... by Kate Gosselin's horrendous multi-level '80s female rapper reverse mullet 'do.



Everyone from Queen Latifah to last year's winner David Cook sported the inexplicable side bang/spiky top shag.

The Kate is the new Rachel.

During a heartfelt speech at the 12th annual Race for Hope event in Washington, D.C. this morning, David Cook announced the passing of his 37-year-old brother Adam.



Adam Cook died yesterday after a long battle with brain cancer.

David Cook's brother Adam has died after a long battle with brain cancer.

According to David's official website, the "American Idol" winner announced his brother's death before the Race for Hope -- a 5k run which benefits brain cancer research -- in Washington, D.C. today.

Adam was 37.

Since when are people fans of verbally abusive stage dads?

The "American Idol" tour rolled through D.C. today and it was actually Jeff Archuleta that signed the most autographs -- besting son David and "Idol" champ David Cook. Some people have strange tastes.

Who's a girl gotta sleep with to get recognized nowadays?? Judging by one photog's reaction to "Idol" never-was Kimberly Caldwell outside Beso, hooking up with David Cook's not helping.

The yentas at "The View" -- on a road trip to Vegas -- muzzled David Archuleta when he started defending his stage-dad from hell -- so they could question Jeff himself from the audience.

For someone with such a big voice, David Cook didn't have jack to say about his meat summit with Kimberly Castoff Caldwell the other night when we asked him about it at JFK yesterday.

In other news, who knew that both "AI" Davids -- Archuleta and Cook -- were both left handed? That's just weird, people.

David Cook asked out former "Idol" star Kimberly Caldwell on live television Wednesday night -- and last night he finally cashed in.

Sorry gals, looks like the only fresh "Idol" meat left is Grade A ... as in Archuleta.

It's a good thing David Archuleta didn't win "Idol" last night -- because how on earth would he have driven this beast!

Ultra Motorcycle Co. of Temecula, Calif. made this custom chopper for "Idol's" winner. Even though David Cook might want to use the vehicle to get as far away from "AI" as possible, he'll have the judges along for the ride -- their mugs are painted all over the back of the bike. (Sorry, but that drawing of Randy? A little pitchy, dog.)

And that itch in his crotch? Could be his predecessors on the "Idol" throne -- that includes Fantasia and Taylor Whatshisname -- are painted right on the gas tank.

The sweet smell of victory -- at the Skybar in Hollywood.