American Idol

These candid photos were taken at the birthday party of one of her closest friends ... then. TMZ also has the wrongly-canned Idol's elementary school class photo (above). Doolittle attended a Christian school, and we're told that she and her mom were very religious.

The old friend told TMZ that Melinda was as genuine then as she appeared to be on the show. "She is such a sweet girl, we spent most of our time playing double dutch together."

Watch for Melinda's career to surpass this year's actual Idol winner, probably Jordin.

TMZ spotted the zany "American Idol" judge outside of Bella Cucina last night, and despite a nasty trip over her Chihuahua that supposedly left her with a broken nose, bruised arm and a broken toe, Paula didn't look that bad ... for her.

As she left the restaurant, Simon Cowell's whipping girl noticed one photog with tears streaming down his face. While the sobbing shutterbug blamed the waterworks on allergies, the other paps jokingly outed him as a Paula Abdul fan. Oh, the shame!

Wait 'til Simon hears about this! As first reported by "EXTRA," ever loopy "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul broke her nose over the weekend, when she tripped while trying to avoid stepping on her dog -- a large, threatening, fear-instilling chihuahua named Tulip. (We kid, of course.)

Though she wasn't hospitalized, "EXTRA" says Abdul did suffer the nose-mashing fate just days before the live finale of "Idol." There's no indication that she'll be missing the big event, or that she'll have to wear any protective headgear -- to avoid Cowell's no doubt stinging barbs.

When TMZ contacted Abdul's rep, Howard Bragman, about the accident, all he would say is, "I didn't trip her!"

Despite the fact that there are two published birthdates for Melinda, Jeff Jawker of AOL Horoscopes says she's the only contestant with any "positive planetary action" on finale night, May 24. Jawker adds, "She's the astrological choice to win." And the vocal one too!

Unfortunately, for Cancer sign Blake Lewis, his planetary support comes May 26 -- two days too late! Jawker thinks he may have to settle for a record deal without an "Idol" champ moniker. Oh, for the love of Guarini, Bice and McPhee!

Jailbait crooner Jordin Sparks may be just 17, but like Capricorns, "persistence and ability to learn as they go make them powerful finishers." So is there still hope for the mature teen to come out on top? Jawker believes "if sheer planetary force is the key to success," Jordin could snatch the title from Melinda's humble hands. Use it or lose it, sister!

Blake Lewis' hair wasn't the only thing that turned black recently -- so did his toe!

TMZ has learned the "American Idol" be-bopper had to go to the doctor last Thursday to have his toe looked at after a hangnail turned his toe black. Sounds more painful than Sanjaya's singing!

After having his pedi-cured, sources close to Blake say the 25-year-old then boarded a private jet for a visit to his hometown of Bothell, Washington.

Now we know why Blake sometimes seems a little light in his loafers.

After being voted off "American Idol," LaKisha Jones was amazed to find out that some of her biggest fans are -- celebs!

TMZ has learned that LaKisha was in New York this week doing the normal "Idol" rounds of post-loss press, and like a true star, she hit up a swag suite to grab some freebies at the network upfront presentations. Celebrity rule #1: The more you make, the more you take! Sources tell TMZ that during her visit to the gifting gala, KiKi was shocked to find herself inundated with praise from admiring stars like Lindsay Lohan, Kelsey Grammer and cast members from "Grey's Anatomy." We're told the Hollywood crowd gushed that the 27-year-old single mom was their favorite this season. Well, then why didn't ya vote for huh?!

As this was one of her first experiences outside the protective confines of the "Idol" womb, LaKisha couldn't believe the A-list attention she was getting. Tick tock! Enjoy it while you can, girl! Enjoy it while you can!

Now only TMZ can show you exactly what the girls will be wearing tonight!

Not the most fashionable of the bunch, Melinda Doolittle is hoping to pump up the votes in a V neck short (and we mean short) sleeve dress by T-Bags. For the love of Haley Scarnato, unless she's trying to get a leg up on the competition, we hope imagine she'll be wearing this $165 number over pants or leggings.

As arguably the most marketable of the trio, Jordin Sparks will squeeze her curves into a sexy blue Twister halter by LaROK. The $168 slinky frock comes with double straps in the front -- girl needs all the support she can get!

Blake Lewis added blonde skunky streaks to his new brunette 'do this week, and angry "A.I." fans had a lot to do with it!

TMZ has learned that after the be-bopping boob revealed his darker shade last week, fans on blogs and websites (and Rosie on "The View") had nothing but negative things to say, which made Lewis question his decision. Do blondes have more fun? A reader on TMZ left the following comment: "And please tell Blake that going dark didn't work for Ashlee Simpson and it doesn't work for him either!!" Talk about career-enders!

A well-placed source tells TMZ that while Blake wasn't ready to go completely back to his dated frosted fiasco, he did add the blonde highlights as a compromise. A little dab'll do ya! Vote for me!

Regardless of who is crowned -- and thanks to Blake -- Chris Sligh's Shirley Temple curls, Haley's used weave and, of course, Sanjaya, the real winner of this season's "Idol" will be -- hair!

Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson are the latest to wax on Hilton's upcoming trip to jail -- Simon telling cameras they "feel sorry for her" as Randy said the entire situation is "crazy dude, she's a good girl, she'll get it together." Way to go, dawg, with the jailhouse rockin'!

Cowell even said he'd visit the pokey-bound heiress when she gets locked up -- sounds like a great "Inmate Idol" opportunity!

"American Idol" may be able to tell their contestants what they can and can't sing, but they can't censor P!nk!

P!nk's pre-taped performance of her song "Who Knew" is scheduled to air tonight on "Idol" (after being bumped from the "Idol Gives Back" charity episode), but TMZ has learned that the pop star was originally set to sing her current racy hit, "U + Ur Hand."

We're told when the "Idol" powers-that-be realized the song made references to self-love, they asked P!nk to alter the lyrics to make them more appropriate for the "family-friendly" show. You know, like an exhumed Elvis! Well-placed sources tell TMZ that P!nk wasn't willing to compromise her artistic integrity (you go girl!) and agreed to sing her last single, "Who Knew," instead.

If "Idol" really wanted to protect audiences, there's only one person they should have censored -- Sanjaya!

An "Idol" rep had no comment. A call to P!nk's rep was not immediately returned.

"Idol" champ Kelly Clarkson has used her music muscle against her record label head, Clive Davis -- and won!

Well-connected record company sources tell TMZ that Clive likes to exercise "creative control" over artist recordings and wasn't happy at all with Kelly's latest album, "My December." There are unconfirmed reports Clive wanted to shelve the entire album. TMZ has confirmed that the 75-year-old music mogul asked for "significant" changes and wanted to put the brakes on the CD. But Clarkson wasn't having any of it -- especially since she wrote/co-wrote all the tracks on the record.

Sources tell us that Clarkson stood up to him and flat out refused to give in, and in the end she got her way.

One source told TMZ there is "deep tension" between Clarkson and Davis, adding, "She's definitely upset, but she's not a stupid girl."
"My December" drops July 24. Kelly performed one of the album's tracks on "Today" this morning.

"Idol" babes Antonella Barba and Amanda Coluccio first auditioned for the singfest together in August-- and while Antonella made it further up the karaoke ladder than her best gurl -- it's Amanda who's now making her own music.

Barba is still warbling cover versions, but Amanda Coluccio's MySpace music page features an original song by the steamy songstress entitled "Push N Touch." Mmmmm, pushing and touching!

Although the song has clearly been doctored to death in the studio, in comparison to Antonella's musical attempts, it's not that bad.

As of May 29, Season One finalist Tamyra Gray will join the cast of "Rent" (she previously starred in "Bombay Dreams"), and simultaneously, rejoins the club of former "A.I." contestants who have been making ends meet on Broadway. It's not a J.Hud Oscar but it beats the late shift at Applebees!

Other contest losers trading Hollywood dollar bills for Playbills include: Season Two's impeached diva Frenchie Davis, who has been performing in "Rent" off and on for four years, Season Four's creepy crooner Constantine Maroulis, who hammed it up in "The Wedding Singer" last year, and Anthony Federov (memba him?), who just this month joined the revival of long-time hit, "The Fantasticks." While Diana Degarmo, who came in second on Season Three, took a break from her soccer-mom 'do and non-existent record sales to don a beehive in "Hairspray."

Even Fanatasia Barrino, who actually won "Idol" and at one time sold millions of records, has hit the NYC stage. To her defense, Miss B. has been getting rave reviews and selling out the house as Miss Celie in Oprah's production of "The Color Purple."

So while America may have become immune to the McPheever ("Over It," anyone?), you never know, she may just turn up on Broadway -- in "Kats."

TMZ has learned that "Flava of Love" diva New York has attracted a wild-haired suitor for the new season of VH1's "I Love New York" ... and it appears to be exiled "Idol" Sanjaya Malakar! *roaring crowd noise*

Contestants who want to be on the new season are asked to set up a profile and send in a video explaining why they are the man for the job. While we're unable to confirm if the real Sanjaya sent in the video, someone posted a very odd video message on VH1's website ... involving sour candy? Check out the video!

"I Love New York 2 -- You Cast It!" premieres this Thursday at 10:00 PM on VH1. The show will include New York and several other "Flavor of Love" girls speaking their minds.

What a difference a year makes!

Just one year after being crowned "American Idol" in the usual media frenzy, Taylor Hicks performed at The Grove in Anaheim last night -- to little or no hoopla. Taylor who?

While paparazzi and fans staked out the nearby House of Blues to catch Britney's wigged-out mime-a-palooza, TMZ was the lone camera documenting the noticeably tamer crowd at the Hicks show. The Soul Patrol has left the building.

As America nears coronation of a new "Idol," Melinda Doolittle and Jordin Sparks should take heed: Sometimes when you win, you actually lose. Just ask Ruben Studdard.