American Idol

1) Linda Has Just GOTTA KNOW: Why does Paris hate Lindsay?

The spat began back on May 15th when sources say Paris became upset after Lindsay used her name during her 'Just My Luck' publicity campaign -- assuming Paris' name would help promotion. And just two days later, Paris was spotted egging friend Brandon Davis on as he went on ranting about Lindsay. But recently, it seems as if these two drama queens have ironed out their issues and put their problems behind them. For the whole story, check this out.

2) Kristie Has Just GOTTA KNOW: What's going on with Jake Gyllenhaal?

He is currently in production for a film set for release next year called 'Zodiac,' a dramatic thriller based on real-life events in the 1970's. In this flick, investigators and reporters become obsessed with tracking down the San Francisco Bay Area serial killer who terrorized the city and whose identity author Robert Graysmith, played by Gyllenhaal, claims to know. The plot follows Gyllenhall on the trail of the anonymous killer as he strategically releases cryptic messages. Check out a previous TMZ article in which Gyllenhaal's diversity as an actor is examined. Take a look!

3) Stacy Has Just GOTTA KNOW: I haven't heard from Fantasia lately. What's new with her?

America's third 'Idol' Fantasia Barrino is currently in studio preparing for an early fall album release. Since her victory on the show, Fantasia put out her debut album, 'Free Yourself,' featuring the songs 'I Believe,' 'This is Me' and 'Summertime.' And, as announced back in May, Fantasia will be starring in a Lifetime Original Movie as herself. Based on her memoir, 'Life Is Not a Fairy Tale,' the movie will hit the small screen in August. Click here for photos of Fantasia and past Idols.

'Laguna Beach's' Kristin Cavallari followed the latest bob trend and chopped her luscious locks right off!

The blonde bombshell was seen out at the Key Club on Sunset Blvd. earlier this week showing off her new hairdo. Cavallari was at the hip nightclub supporting boyfriend Brody Jenner's performance with his band FACEHUMPER.

Jennifer Love Hewitt is another A-Lister who dared to put scissors to their locks of hair. Although Hewitt's bob didn't last long, the girl next door recently was spotted this week with long flowing extensions after only a short time with short hair. See the photos.

We asked readers what they JUST GOTTA KNOW... and we went looking for the scoop. Check out the answers to your burning questions!

1) Elizabeth has Just GOTTA KNOW: I read in a couple of magazines that Orlando Bloom and Kate Bosworth were engaged. Is that true? I also heard they were getting married in England at the end of the year. Is that true?

Contrary to what you may have read, Orlando Bloom and Kate Bosworth are not engaged-- as of this moment. And, according to Orlando's publicist, there are no immediate plans for a trip down the aisle as of now either. Orlando is, however, preparing for a comeback as Will Turner in the action-packed blockbuster 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.' Now even though the eye-catching stud is taken, take a look at his most recent work!

2) Melanie Has Just GOTTA KNOW: Are there any pictures of baby Suri yet?

Melanie, you, along with us here at TMZ, are anxiously awaiting the pictures of baby Suri! In fact, there is a possible bidding war for who gets the photos first. In the meantime, take a look at what Tom and Katie are doing-- together-- when they're not changing diapers.

3) Linda Has Just GOTTA KNOW: What is going on with Clay Aiken? Where has he been?

Clay Aiken is expected to release a yet-to-be-named album this coming fall. No tour dates have been set yet, but keep logging into TMZ for more info. And as for his latest appearance, see Mr. Aiken's interesting return to 'Idol.'

A source tells TMZ that RCA Music Group, which is home to all the past 'Idol' winners, will sign Katharine McPhee and is close to signing a solo deal with Chris Daughtry. Ace Young is also said to be in talks with the label.

For Cory K. Favreau of Plattsburgh, N.Y., an argument over 'American Idol' with his mom may have gone a little too far.

TMZ obtained the book photo of Favreau, who is facing felony charges for allegedly striking his mother in the head with a sharp object hooked to a bicycle chain.

Apparently the mother and son were discussing 'Idol' -- while drinking, according to court records -- when the mother, Jan M. Chagnon, told Favreau that Katharine McPhee would have a successful career despite losing in the finale to Taylor Hicks. Favreau then allegedly stood up, made a nasty comment to his mom and then struck her with the aforementioned object attached to a bicycle chain.

TMZ met up with an old acquaintance of season five's 'American Idol' Taylor Hicks. Emily Arnold is a close pal from Taylor's college, Auburn University, where the two met.

Arnold tells TMZ that prior to winning 'A.I.', Taylor was no stranger to Hollywood. Once Arnold moved to LA, Taylor would often visit her with one particular goal in mind - shopping his demo! Hicks would "rough it up in dumpy hotels" and drive rental cars around the City of Angles from record company to record company in hopes of being signed. One producer was rumored to be Quincy Jones.

Related links

• Blast from Taylor's past
• Taylor's homecoming
• Taylor's mom speaks
• Hicks reunites with hometown band

TMZ has some of the lowlights.

KATHARINE AND THE LOAF

While other top 12 'Idols' performed with such amazing acts as Live, Al Jarreau and Burt Bacharach, McPhee got stuck with Meat Loaf. It's hard to imagine when producers asked the contestants who their own personal idols were, the words Meat and Loaf were uttered by Katharine.

Meat brought a dirty-old-man combination of Broadway and geriatrics to the performance, while Kat was left to fend for herself as Mr. Loaf and his hankie chased her around the stage.

TONI BRAXTON'S BRAIN FREEZE

The song 'In The Ghetto' was sung at one time by a guy named Elvis Presley. Ms. Braxton should look it up.

Her performance of the song left many viewers wondering if she knew any of the words. At points, when she was supposed to be singing, she would dip her head down, and riff, covering up the lack of lyrics.

Hopefully this wasn't a preview of what fans can expect from the diva when she takes up residency at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas.

Last night's 'American Idol' season finale did more than crown a new winner and attract one of the biggest audiences in TV history. It also produced some of prime time's most awkward moments.

TMZ has some of the lowlights.

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The difference between growing up in a small town or a big city could have a profound effect on who is crowned the winner of 'American Idol.'

When Taylor Hicks visited his hometown of Birmingham, Ala. a few weeks ago, it seemed like everyone in town turned up to cheer on their local hero and 'Idol' favorite.

Related links

• McPhee's pre-'Idol' rehearsal
• Hicks' hometown trip

'American Idol's' Taylor Hicks rocked the judges during Tuesday night's finale and TMZ has the story behind his purple velvet jacket.

The jacket is by Dolce & Gabbana and retails for a whopping $1,648.

Taylor was with his stylist when he purchased the jacket from the trendy LA store Traffic. Sources tell TMZ that the moment Taylor tried the velvet number on, his comment was, "Okay, I feel it!" and instantly bought the jacket!

The white shirt Taylor wore under the jacket was an Ozwald Boateng shirt retailing for $205.

Related links

• Hicks' hometown trip
• Taylor's mom proud of her son

'American Idol's' Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee are on top of the world right now. But they shouldn't get too big for their britches just yet -- they could find themselves peddling CDs on the streets of LA just like one of their predecessors.

As Hicks and McPhee were filming Tuesday night's 'Idol' finale, just a few blocks away, 'Idol''s second-season finalist, Corey Clark, was outside a Coffee Bean on Sunset Boulevard selling his rock CD, titled 'Corey Clark.'

It's looking like Chris Daughtry isn't going to accept the rock band Fuel's offer to become their new lead singer.

The band offered Daughtry the gig 13 days ago after his surprise elimination from 'American Idol.' But TMZ has learned that Fuel isn't expecting a thumbs-up from Daughtry, and has started to look at other options.

Related links

• Major Band to Give Daughtry the Break of a Lifetime
• Secret Terms of 'A.I.' Contracts

Former 'Idol' winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood will perform tonight but, ironically, not on 'American Idol.' Clarkson and Underwood will take the stage at the '41st Academy of Country Music Awards' airing against 'Idol' on CBS.

Related links

• Star Catcher: 'American Idol'
• More 'American Idol' stories

Sources revealed to TMZ details of Wednesday's night 'American Idol' finale.

The show will feature songs by prolific composer Burt Bacharach, with Dionne Warwick performing her 80s hit, 'That's What Friends Are For.'

Related links

• Star Catcher: 'American Idol'
• More 'American Idol' stories

It looked like an 'AmericanI Idol' cast party Friday night at Hollywood hot spot Hyde. Ace Young, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin and Bucky Covington hit up the clubs this past weekend, doing a bit of posing for the cameras and enjoying their new-found fame.

The four 'Idol' castoffs had no trouble getting to the front of the line -- despite being 'Idol' runner-ups. Chris even took the time to sign a few autographs for fans.

Check out this 'American Idol' edition of Star Catcher.

Related links

The margin between being the next 'American Idol' and being forgotten is now more narrow than ever.

Just over 300,000 votes separated Elliott Yamin, who was voted off, and Taylor Hicks in the voting last night. And even as Paula Abdul openly wept for the loss of her favorite 'funky white boy', the message boards were ablaze with talk of next week's vote.

Related links

More 'American Idol' stories