American Idol

Katharine McPhee traded the "American Idol" stage for the fashion runway at Dina Bar-El's show on Tuesday during LA Fashion Week.

McPhee dazzled the crowd as she pranced down the catwalk with Bar-El at her side, while her rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" played in the background during the finale of the show.

The McPheever was in top form after a tumultuous summer which saw the songbird fracture her foot, suffer from bouts of bronchitis and laryngitis and reveal she was once bulimic.

Kat glowed in a beige gown which featured a beaded halter empire waist and floating chiffon bottom.

McPhee and Bar-El have been friends ever since the designer created gowns for the budding popstar during "American Idol."

When not channeling her inner supermodel, Katharine has been busy recording her debut album which is due out in November 28.

Taylor Hicks may be an "American Idol," but, apparently, Paula Abdul is Nevada's!

The former Laker Girl, choreographer and "A.I." judge has been named the Nevada Ballet Theater's 2007 "Woman of the Year."

The illustrious award honors luminaries of the stage and screen who have a special connection to dance and musical theater. Bickering with Simon Cowell is a plus.

Past "Woman of the Year' recipients include Megawatt A-list Hollywood super-duper stars like Rita Rudner, Chita Rivera and Carol Channing.

A rep for the Theater said Paula's "warm personality and talent have touched every aspect of the arts and entertainment world. Paula exemplifies the qualities we look for in an honoree."

We couldn't agree more. I mean, who doesn't admire glazed looks, incoherent outbursts and canoodling with contestants?!

Ms. Abdul, and all her fabulous womanhood, will be feted at the Ballet's annual Black and White Ball on January 27 at the Wynn Las Vegas.

Our new favorite train wreck, Chyna Doll, has officially joined Tara Reid and Brandon Davis in the I-can't-get-into-Hyde club.

After leaving Shag, another club in Hollywood, the wrestler-turned-Playboy model-turned-walking disaster showed up at trendy Hyde with porn star Mary Carey and their entourage, expecting to waltz right in. The group had no reservation, of course, and was quickly denied admittance.

Stuck behind the velvet rope, Carey tried to make friends with "American Idol" contestant Chris Daughtry, who told the wild bunch, "wish I could help you, sorry," before sliding in with all his friends.

Last night the victims of the wrath of Simon Cowell came out to celebrate the show that changed their lives forever and promote a new "Idol"-based project at the exclusive Spyder Club in Hollywood. Fremantle Media, the company behind "A. I.", has just announced the creation of a new show called, "American Idol Rewind" which gives viewers a never-before-seen look into "American Idol."

Cameras rolled as the former cast-offs rolled in to the party, which featured a live performance from Justin Guarini. The poofy haired singer serenaded the crowd with a few cuts from his soon-to-be-released album, "Stranger Things Have Happened."

So if you're anything like us and crave those pop-culture flashbacks, check out "American Idol Rewind" which airs in syndication starting September 30.

Leave it to Simon Cowell to put down a guy on Paxil.

When commenting on Clay Aiken's recent admittance that he takes the anti-depressant to deal with the fame that came with "American Idol," Cowell definitely didn't hold back.

"Oh give me a break. Let me have a choice, I'm going to work in a coal mine for 14 hours a day or I'm going to be a runner-up on 'American Idol.' Give me a break, idiot."

And while judge Paula Abdul and celebrity guest judge Olivia Newton-John both stuck up for the season two runner-up, Cowell kept the insults rolling.

"They're not working for a living, they're becoming famous ... no one's put a gun to their head ... Clay, whatever he may have said, would not swap what he's got now for what he had three years ago."

Way to be sympathetic Simon!

Clearly, "American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino didn't write an entire book without some help. Now her ghostwriter wants some credit.

According to Radar Magazine, Kim Green, the ghostwriter for Barrino's memoir "Life is Not a Fairy Tale" is fuming over the lack of recognition she's received for a book that made the New York Times' best-seller list.

Green claims she was paid $45,000 for a book which sold more than 48,000 copies and has received no credit, even though it was obviously not written by the "Idol" winner.

The breaking point for Green was when she received no compensation for the Lifetime film based on the book she had written. She tells Radar, "Nobody even called me to say 'Do you have any insights? Do you want to tell us some anecdotes?'" adding, "I found it to be so appalling that nobody thought, 'Oh, we should call Kim Green.'"

This new controversy comes just a day after Barrino's father, Joseph, filed a $10 million libel suit against the book's publishers, Simon & Shuster, for printing "false, exaggerated, sensational, intentional and malicious untruths." In a strange twist, the lawsuit also alleges Barrino's grandmother Addie Collins, not Green, was the ghostwriter for the book.

When asked, point blank, by Diane Sawyer whether he was going to come out in the interview, Aiken gave an odd shrieky cackle, then said that he wouldn't address the speculation. And, with some nervousness, he called the speculation into his sexuality "invasive" and "rude." Finally, when asked by Diane Sawyer if it was "misleading" for him to talk about liking women in interviews just after his run on "American Idol," Aiken responded by saying he was "naive."

Aiken also said that he isn't unduly curious about other celebrities' (or people's) lives -- except for the "whole Jen and Angelina" thing.

eBay is auctioning off an all inclusive trip for two to meet the "American Idol" judge in all her incoherent glory.

The VIP package includes first class airfare to Los Angeles, transportation via limousine, accommodations at the 5-star Peninsula Hotel, two $1000 Am Ex gift cards and tickets to a live taping of "American Idol" followed by a meet and greet with the pint size TV personality.

Bids are starting at $25,000 with all proceeds going towards The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. The auction ends September 24.

But be forewarned, the winner will be required to sign a waiver "absolving all parties of liability for potential injuries, loss or harm which may be incurred."

We've always thought Paula was a little bit scary, but apparently she's even more dangerous than we ever imagined!

On Wednesday, Aiken spoke to "Good Morning America's" Diane Sawyer about how he suffered from panic attacks after appearing on "American Idol" in 2003. Clay believes the fact that he was bullied as a child, coupled with the death of his father, helped to exacerbate the problem.

Aiken admits to taking Paxil for the panic attacks, but isn't worried about getting addicted to the depression and anxiety medication. Clay also reveals he has no desire for therapy. "Everybody I know in LA goes to see somebody. And I don't want to do that."

While Clay will discuss the rampant rumors about his sexuality with Sawyer on Thursday, in an interview with People magazine, Aiken says "What do you say (to that question)? ... It's like when I was 8. I remember something would get broken in the house, and Mom and Dad would call me in and say, 'Did you do this?' Well, it didn't matter what I said. The only thing they would believe was yes. ... People are going to believe what they want."

While Clay may not be out, his new CD "A Thousand Different Ways" is.

The on-again-off-again pair enjoyed their time together at the swanky Locanda Veneta Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills on Friday night.

Ryan and Shana dated for several months back in 2004 and have been seen together randomly since then. Is the flame burning once again? You be the judge.

The showbiz king is a busy man these days. Between hosting gigs with E! News, running LA's highly rated morning show on KIIS FM and hosting the upcoming season of "American Idol," when does this guy have time to date??

TMZ has learned "American Idol" Season Two finalist Corey Clark has been arrested in Yuma, Arizona. According to police, Corey Delaney Clark, 26, was arrested on July 23 for violating a court order and trespassing at his father-in-law's residence. The court order was issued as a result of a previous domestic violence incident. Yuma County Sheriff's brought Clark to jail, where he spent 24 hours in the slammer before being released on bond.

TMZ spoke with Capt. Eben Bratcher of the Yuma Sheriff's Department who confirmed, "Mr. Clark was charged with two misdemeanors, one for criminal trespassing and the other for violating a court order. Mr. Clark missed his court hearing and a warrant for his arrest could be coming"

Appearing on "American Idol" can lead to great success and even Grammy Awards or... not!

For every Kelly Clarkson there are record store bargain bins littered with the failed careers of the reality show's contestants.

Former "Idol" non-winner Constantine Maroulis may not exactly be slinging hash at Applebee's yet, but the once buzzed about rocker is slowly watching his career hit the Guarini zone.

Although he has landed a role in the Broadway musical "The Wedding Singer", Maroulis is also still making ends meet by performing in local food festivals. Ay-yi-yi!

The Brooklyn native is scheduled to perform at the Greek Food Festival of Dallas at the end of the month. And for a whopping $10 admission price, hungry fans get entrance to the festival, lunch and Constantine's performance.

Not even Paula Abdul can find something hopeful to say to Constantine about that.

Bo Bice shot to stardom singing other people's tune's on "American Idol," but apparently fans have had enough.

TMZ has obtained a petition begging Bice's record label to green light more music written by the "American Idol" runner-up himself. The petition, which speaks directly to RCA chief Clive Davis, scoffs at the fact that his first album is written almost exclusively by other people, including the smash hit "Real Thing." Bice did pen three songs on the album.

The petition reads:

To: Mr. Clive Davis of RCA records

Bo Bice's first CD was made up of songs almost exclusively written by other artists and songwriters. When the CD was released, many of Bo's fans found they preferred his original songs, and would like RCA to support his aspiration to become an original recording artist.

We, the undersigned, want Bo Bice's original music to make up the majority of songs on his next CD.

Sincerely,
The Undersigned

At this point, the petition has over 1400 signatures and can be viewed and signed by online vote at www.jointhepetition.com.

Puck. Omarosa. LC. If you're a fan of reality TV then you probably recognize those one name monikers and the "characters" that go with them.

With every passing day there seem to be more and more reality shows filled with an endless pool of wannabe stars clamoring for fame. While most will be forgotten faster than you can say Darva Conger, a rare few have managed to eek out legit careers. And by legit we mean more than just appearing on more reality shows.

TMZ reveals which reality stars have beaten the odds and gone on to become real stars.

Kelly Clarkson

At first, things didn't seem to look too good for America's first "Idol" winner. Shortly after obtaining the now illustrious crown, Kelly Clarkson co-starred in the 2003 film "From Justin to Kelly" with "Idol" loser Justin Guarini - may he rest in peace. The film turned out to be a flop of epic proportions. But the talented singer endured long enough to obtain new management and release the 2004 multi-platinum album "Breakaway," which featured 5 hit singles including the monster track "Since U Been Gone." While past "Idol" winners (and Clay Aiken) have gone on to earn platinum-selling albums, Clarkson is the only "Idol" to receive the biggest musical career legitimizer there is -- two Grammy awards. We'd like to see Simon Cowell badmouth that!

Johnny Knoxville

Not even Paris Hilton could have imagined that videotaping yourself getting kicked in the groin or barbecuing your steak-covered body on a grill could lead to a legitimate acting career. Well, that's exactly what happened to Johnny Knoxville after his MTV stunt show, and it's big screen version, "Jackass" became a huge hit. Soon Knoxville's fearless attitude and rockstar looks had the studios knocking down his doors. Johnny has gone on to star in over ten films including last summer's hit "The Dukes of Hazzard." While Knoxville hasn't abandoned his reality show roots, "Jackass: Number Two" comes out this month, nothing says you've arrived quite like being linked to your on screen co-star (Jessica Simpson).

Jacinda Barrett

Another MTV alum who's caught Hollywood's eye is former London "Real World" roommate Jacinda Barrett. Since appearing on the reality show in '95, the former model has been steadily building a solid resume. She's co-starred with A-listers like Anthony Hopkins and Nicole Kidman in "The Human Stain", and with Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant In "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason." This summer she starred in the remake of "Poseidon" and will next be seen with Zach Braff in "The Last Kiss" and with "Napoleon Dynamite's" Jon Heder in "School For Scoundrels." We think it's safe to say you won't be seeing Jacinda on a "Real World/Road Rules Challenge" in the near future.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck

Elisabeth Hasselbeck's experience roughing it in the wilds of "Survivor:The Australian Outback" was nothing compared to her mornings spent sparring with the other ladies on "The View." After her jungle days ended, Ms. Lizzie hosted E!'s "The Look for Less." That led to the high profile gig on "The View" and, eventually, to becoming Barbara Walters' conservative crybaby. And now that Meredith Vieira and Star Jones have left the show, Hasselbeck has firmly cemented her place at the gabfest's table. But with outspoken talkshow vet Rosie O'Donnell joining the morning show on September 5, all eyes will be on Elisabeth to see if she holds her own or crashes and burns under Rosie's reign. Regardless, as far as her career goes, and at least for now, it appears the tribe has spoken.

Jennifer Hudson

What's the latest on Halle Berry?

Bill, you can breathe easier now, for we have your Halle Berry scoop. Her love life is sailing along as smooth as anyone could dream of. She and loverboy Gabriel Aubry have been seen all over town buying art and visiting pet stores, and they've even been spotted observing the construction of their Hollywood Hills home together!

Halle's professional life is still in full swing as well. The Oscar winner just finished filming a movie with Bruce Willis called "Perfect Stranger," where her character goes undercover to solve a murder, and somehow gets caught up in the world of obsessive online love. Now, she's in the middle of shooting another flick called "Things We Lost," along with Benecio Del Toro and David Duchovny. Both movies are slated for a 2007 release.

To see more of Halle, go on and click here!

What's the name of Chris Daughtry's new band?

Crystal, it's not Fuel, that's for sure. However, he is working on putting together a new band aptly named, "Daughtry." Chris plans on doing the writing for his songs and working alongside distinguished producer Howard Benson (Hoobastank, Papa Roach). His first single is scheduled for radio at the end of September. Though the site is not yet functioning, fans will be able to visit www.DaughtryOfficial.com for the latest on one of America's favorite "Idol's."

For more on "American Idol," take a look at this.

TMZ has already reported that Taylor Hicks, Bucky Covington and Elliott Yamin skipped out on their "Idol" tour after-party, full of autograph signing and kodak moments with the kiddies, to obtain some serious music industry cred by playing at the notorious Hollywood rock club Viper Room.

Well here's what went down inside. Taylor jammed with the Little Memphis Blues Orchestra, along with members of his own band.

Hicks sang, played harmonica and drank shots on stage in front of a sold-out crowd that wasn't interested in hearing any pop music covers or standards. Amen!

Elliott and Bucky also got in on the action to the delight of the packed house which included tons of screaming fans, but unlike their earlier gig at Staples Center, none of the 12-year-old variety.

Bucky hung with his wife Crystal, while Elliott was joined by his gorgeous model girlfriend, Jamie.

As far as Taylor, when he wasn't on stage or fending off members of his Soul Patrol, he would retreat to the confines of the closed-off VIP room.