American Idol

Our camera spotted Cowell leaving the posh Ivy restaurant yesterday afternoon with girlfriend Terri Seymour. The idol judge had no love for a paparazzo who tried to give him a hat from his agency -- "I am not going to wear a hat!"

But when Simon spotted our cameraman, he turned that frown upsidedown. "I like TMZ.com," he cooed in his British accent.

Does that mean we're on to Hollywood?

Before he wowed Simon, Paula and Randy during last night's "American Idol," Thomas Daniels took his fair share of punishment from real judges over several criminal charges, including drunk driving.

TMZ has unearthed legal documents which reveal that in 2004, Daniels was convicted of DUI in Clackamas, Oregon. The 21-year-old, who was the first wannabe to get the green light from the "AI" crew on last night's show, pled guilty and was sentenced to a one-year alcohol diversion program and a $680 fine. Daniels also attended eight AA meetings and saw a counselor once a week for two months. After the completing his DUI sentence, the incident was wiped from Daniels' record.

TMZ spoke exclusively with Daniels who said, in reference to his DUI, "I was young and dumb and drinking and driving."

In December 2005, Daniels was arrested again; this time for hit and run. He failed to appear in court for the arraignment, so Daniels was rearrested. TMZ could not find the disposition of the hit and run. Daniels called the incident "another young and dumb situation."

When asked if he disclosed his criminal past to "American Idol" producers, Daniels had no comment.

Last week, the "Idol" judge appeared on FOX stations to promote the show, and there was enough slurring, giggling, and wackiness to satisfy affiliates from Alabama to Washington; a condition Paula described as being in her "own little world." Then, last night on the season premiere of "Idol," we noticed that there was plenty of attention paid to Paula and her liquid consumption, and in one exchange with her colleagues, she conspicuously weaved to and fro.

So, was Paula in her own, booze-soaked "little world" again? You decide.

Diana Ross told David Letterman that she is going to be on "American Idol" this season.

During a taping of "The Late Show" this afternoon, the legendary singer told Dave, "I'm going to do the 'American Idol,' as a mentor. And then I'll leave from there and I'll go on tour, March and April."

"Idol" producers were not immediately available for comment. The show premieres tonight at 8PM ET/PT on Fox.

At times I've made fun of the show as a glorified karaoke contest and lamented the lack of media coverage for musicians who actually write and perform their own songs, touring the country and making it big "the old fashioned" way. But, love it or hate it, you simply cannot deny - at least from a commercial/pop music perspective - the tremendous success born from the show. Even through her "technical difficulties" the other day, Paula Abdul made at least one salient point: The show has churned out performers who've moved units in a record industry that as a whole during the same time period has struggled.

A calm and collected Abdul told Ellen DeGeneres that there were "two cities in my ear...I'm answering Birmingham answers but it's airing in Seattle's morning show, so it looked like I was just in my own little world." Her constant slurring and giggles were apparently meant for Alabama and not Washington.

Abdul went on to say that the only reason so much attention came of it was because she's on a #1 show, adding that she "takes my being a role model very seriously." Role model? Sounds like she's drifted back into her "own little world" again!

Clay Aiken's diva-like behavior has got one former fan pissed off. The former "American Idol" star is being accused of booting a 15-year-old boy off of a concert line-up simply because he wasn't festive enough.

Joshua Willard won a North Carolina singing competition, which gave him the chance to perform with the Greensboro Symphony during Clay Aiken's Holiday concert on Saturday. Willard told TMZ he rehearsed his song, Stevie Wonder's "Superstition," and had just finished a soundcheck when managers of the Symphony told him the devastating news that Aiken's camp had decided that he would not be allowed to perform because he was not singing a Christmas song. Bah humbug!

Curiously, other singers who did have holiday songs prepared were also not allowed to sing. Instead, Willard was only allowed to lead a 30-second group singalong. Lisa Crawford, CEO of the Greensboro Symphony, told TMZ that the children were never promised they could sing with Clay; "It was his tour and show. We were just hired to play."

During his concert, Willard says Aiken "was trying to be more of a comedian than a singer," -- and an unfunny one at that. Aiken made multiple references to his controversial appearance on "Live with Regis and Kelly," where he attempted to put his hand over Ripa's mouth. Willard says Aiken was rude to audience members and told several people to sit down and cover their mouth. Clay even showed a raunchier side by pretending he had flatulence every time feedback came through the speakers. Talk about making a stink!

An hour after the show, Willard got to meet Clay, but says that Miss Thing was "snotty" and acted like he was too good for his little fans. The former Claymates were even told not to take individual pictures with Aiken, only group shots. Willard is devastated and says that due to Aiken's behavior, he now "could care less of Clay." Joshua hopes to tryout for the next season of "American Idol," to show the world what a down to earth Idol is really like.

Calls to Clay's rep were not immediately returned.

TMZ has exclusively obtained a script and production schedule for the new season of "American Idol." Season 6 contestants who make it to Hollywood will be put into singing groups and judged on their performances.

Contestants for the new season were asked to perform various musical numbers, including songs by the Bee Gees, Beach Boys, The Supremes and The Four Tops. Wannabe Idols are tossed into a film-style schedule, starting their day at 6:30 AM and wrapping at 5:30 PM. It's hard work being a wannabe.

One of the songs they are judged on is California Dreamin' ... which seems an appropriate song for an American Idol hopeful!

"American Idol" returns to television on Jan. 16

Now pictures are surfacing from B.R. (that's "Before Rehab" for you folks outside the Thirty Mile Zone), and Tara looks like she loves the nightlife. Check out this pic taken Sept. 1 of this year, where Tara does her best Tara Reid impression in Manhattan, with "American Idol" reject Constantine Maroulis and "Six Degrees" star Jay Hernandez.

Dreams really do come true. If you can meet their price, you can party with your favorite "American Idol."

According to the New York Post, the going rate for the reality show's castoffs, finalists and winners ranges from pocket change to big bucks. It all depends on whether you want them to sing their little hearts out or just show up and pretend they care.

So who makes the most? Ruben Studdard gets anywhere from $30K-$75K for three songs; Taylor Hicks sells his soul for $150K; and Kelly Clarkson is worth $300K. Meanwhile, a lowly castoff like Kimberly Caldwell -- wait, who? -- only charges $2,000.

There'll be no swanky swag at the Oscars or Golden Globes, courtesy of altruistic Edward Norton. The awards have scrapped giving out gift bags -- which are usually worth up to $100K -- because the actor complained so much, and the IRS got wind of the extent of the freebies. Norton tells New York magazine: "Picking through $35,000 gift baskets is disgusting and shameful. My suggestion was to have the Academy commit to [charitable] contributions in the name of the winners." Yeah, right. Look for Ed sitting alone during this year's festivities.

How does he do it? Howard Stern had Martha Stewart talking dirty during his show last week. The usually stuffy domestic diva told Stern she owns a $1,200 vibrator, which she called "a very good tool," reports the New York Post. She also dished on her short-lived relationships with New York mayor Michael Bloomberg and actor Anthony Hopkins. "I couldn't get past the Lechter thing," she said. "Do you want someone eating your brain while you are sitting in your beautiful dining room in Maine?" Fair enough.

Steven Spielberg is jumping on the reality TV bandwagon. The Oscar-winning director is developing a show about the fashion world featuring supermodel Christy Turlington ... PEOPLE reports "Apprentice" winner Bill Rancic and E! News' Giuliana DePandi are engaged. The couple met when she interviewed him on E! two years ago ... Michael Jackson is charging Japanese fans $3,500 a pop to shake his hand and snap a photo. The "Premium VIP Party" takes place March 8.

Unlike most of today's artists, who rarely produce a track alone, Katharine is giving us 100 percent McPhee; there are no collaborations. Distancing herself from her giggly American Idol image may be just what the highly-tressed songstress needs to make her career soar. It worked for Kelly Clarkson!

The sultry siren's album is set to drop January 30.

Who cares if Jennifer Hudson didn't win "American Idol"? With her performance as Effie White in "Dreamgirls," the big-voiced diva is getting enough critical acclaim to send her Grammy-winning co-star, the fabulous Beyoncé, over the edge with envy.

The film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical was supposed to be Beyoncé's star vehicle, but it's Hudson who's getting the Oscar buzz. Oh no she dit-n't!

Entertainment Weekly believes Jennifer's a shoo-in for a Best Supporting Actress nod, and New York Times reporter David Carr flat out says that Hudson "steals the show." Even Oprah called up the songstress and told her it was a "transcendent performance." If you thought Beyoncé was angry before -- somebody better ring the alarm!

See for yourself as a star is born; "Dreamgirls", with Jennifer Hudson, opens December 15.

At last night's Country Music Awards, the "American Idol" warbler took home Female Vocalist of the Year -- and nobody was apparently more shocked than fellow nominee Faith Hill, who was shown waiting backstage when the announcement was made; looking angry and yelling "WHAT?!" into the camera before storming off!

Her manager claims she was just joking around. In a statement, Miss Hill tells TMZ, "The idea that I would act disrespectful towards a fellow musician is unimaginable to me. For this to become a focus of attention given the talent gathered is utterly ridiculous. Carrie is a talented and deserving Female Vocalist of The Year." Ain't she country?!

A warning to every other show on television: "American Idol" is coming back to rule the airwaves.

The FOX singfest starts its sixth season on January 16 and 17 at 8PM ET/PT, with two hours each night. After that, the show will air Tuesday nights at 8PM ET/PT and Wednesday nights at 9PM ET/PT. Set your Tivos!

The first three weeks will feature audition cities Los Angeles, San Antonio, Birmingham, Memphis, Minneapolis, New York City and Seattle. Aussie canary Olivia Newton John, singer/songwriter Carol Bayer Sager and yodeller Jewel will appear as guest judges during the audition rounds. The semifinal rounds will air February 6-7 and 13-14.

Taylor Hicks was crowned "American Idol" last season. Previous winners were Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia and Carrie Underwood.

Simon Cowell and his cronies at "American Idol" are already promising some really, really terrible contestants this year – and there's one audition spot that was especially unbearable.

"Seattle is going to be known for something other than coffee this year. They had the worst bunch of miserable singers that I've ever met in my life. It was two days of total misery," says Cowell to USA Today. "And the weather was bad, as well." But it wasn't just Seattle, according to executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, who says we can look forward in January to "some of the worst (singers) we've ever had." Otherwise, Cowell says that so far this year, the women and the younger singers are the standouts. The series begins its seemingly inexorable run again on Jan. 16

A British adoption authority says that Madonna's adoption of the Malawian David could be "disastrous" for the over 4,000 children living in Britain in desperate need of adoption every year, as potential parents flock to foreign countries to find their little bundle of joy. David Holmes, the chief executive of the British Association on Adoption and Fostering, tells the UK's Independent that the public's perception of adoption and related issues has been "distorted" by the Material Mom's recent actions.

Meanwhile, religion-wise, Madonna's got everyone confused. First, she can't stop talking about Kabbalah and slaps one of those red bracelets on her adopted baby's wrist. Then, she tells everyone from Meredith Vieira to the BBC that she believes in Jesus. So, Madge, which is it? Whichever it is, as MSNBC points out, Madonna intends to raise baby David in her own way. "I believe in Jesus and I study Kabbalah, so I don't see why he can't too," said Madonna several times last week.

It's very very niiiiiice for Borat this morning, as the wacky Kazakh reporter (aka Sacha Baron Cohen) took in a stunning $26.4 million over the weekend after opening in only 837 theaters across the country, averaging $31,511 per theater. By contrast, the second-place finisher, Tim Allen's "The Santa Clause 3," raked in $20 million, though it opened on 3,458 cinemas, for an average of $5,784 per theater. "Borat's" huge success – as evidenced in Manhattan, for instance, by long lines even for Sunday's late show – calls into some question the strategy of its studio, Fox, in giving it such a limited release. DreamWorks' "Flushed Away," came in third place with $19.1 million. In any case, looks like Borat will not be "execute in his home country."

Foxy Brown's definitely had a tough year – temporary hearing loss, convicted of assaulting a manicurist, book deal nixed – and now, she might be dropped from her record label altogether. As Page Six reports, her "comeback" album was meant to be released in December, but Foxy's boss, Jay-Z, is "furious at Foxy's lack of productivity," according to a source. And as a result, the rap mogul hasn't been returning her calls or taking meetings with the troubled Brown, leading insiders to speculate that he's going to drop her altogether. Friends say that everything with the album is "fine."

Rapper-loudmouth Eminem scolded Mariah Carey for denying that they ever had a relationship, reports MSNBC, even though he claims they went out for several months. He also called her a "diva" on his Sirius radio channel ... Tom Ford tells Page Six that he's quite happy to go sans underwear, whenever, though his mom wishes he'd stop telling people that ... After a tepid debut last week, Fox has decided to move "The O.C." back to Wednesdays and away from the "Grey's" - "CSI" fray.

The November issue of Details magazine features the latest edition of their wildly popular quiz, which this month asks if a face in a particular picture is an "Idol" contestant giving it their all on the concert stage or a porn star giving, or taking as the case may be, their X-rated all on the set.

See if you can tell if a particular contorted facial expression is showcasing Kelly Clarkson's vocal talents or an adult film star's oral expertise.

Check out Details.com to find out the answers to who is hitting the high notes.