American Idol

On her way into Ketchup in West Hollywood, Abdul walked up to a group of five children, and hugged each of them one by one, curiously lingering a bit too long with the kids, the youngest of whom couldn't care less about the "Idol" wackette.

With no Simon, Randy or Seacrest in sight, Abdul's b-day scavenger hunt was an "American Idol" wannabeen fiesta, with Season 6 rejects including Gina Glocksen, LaKisha Jones, Chris Richardson and Hayley Scarnato all taking part in the festivities.

Apparently, Antonella Barba was busy.

The dueling divas took to the airwaves on Tuesday, when Simon called in to KIIS FM's "On Air with Ryan Seacrest," after news hit that Ryan jokingly said the drop in "A.I." ratings this season were all Simon's fault. Sanjaya say what?!

Ryan believes if Simon wants credit for the show's success (which Cowell does claim), he also has to take the blame when it fumbles. Seacrest added, "Plus, there's a little bit of ego that's getting out of control with you." Ya think?

Simon, who is more vocal during the audition episodes, hit back at Ryan by saying, "When I'm allowed more airtime we get 34 million viewers. When I say nothing -- and you're talking -- we get 12 million less."

Simon Cowell embarrasses "American Idol" contestants for a living, but the tables were turned on him this past Saturday. Cowell was the subject of a new British version of the classic TV show "This Is Your Life," and everyone from former school teachers to housecleaners -- along with Simon's ex-girlfriend Sinitta and "X-Factor" co-judge Sharon Osborne -- were on hand to make Simon squirm.

In an exclusive statement to TMZ, Paula Abdul says:

"I am deeply hurt and extremely disappointed that someone has taken a private telephone conversation that I had with my representatives and released it to the media. This is not only illegal but also highly unethical. While I don't feel a need to justify or explain my conversation, even as a public figure I do feel my privacy has been violated and find this action to be unacceptable."

As first reported by Page Six and posted by Perez Hilton, a secretly taped phone conversation was released today -- which featured a sobbing Abdul discussing her former publicist and their strained relationship. Paula, we're told, is now back with her longtime publicist Jeff Ballard.

Unfortunately for her, the "Idol" judge was in London for the past few days and had no clue about the controversy that was swirling around her until she arrived in the States today.

TMZ caught the two "AI" finalists outside the Essex Hotel in New York yesterday, as they returned to their temporary home after separate shopping trips in the city, with Blake sporting a bag full of goodies from the Apple store. Mac daddy!

Also in NYC outside the Essex: Leo DiCaprio -- who signed autographs from the safety of his SUV -- and "CSI: NY" star Gary Sinise.

Back in L.A., outside of Koi, Terrence Howard offered his condolences to rehab resident Lindsay Lohan, telling TMZ "She'll be alright, she's my friend, she just needs to be happier." An inflating Dennis Haskins aka Mr. Belding, was also at the West Hollywood sushi den, while Ludacris, a busted n' weaveless Vivica A. Fox and Seth Green opted for Chinese at Mr. Chow.

According to OnMilwaukee.com, Lyders says she and Hicks are "friends," but won't say anymore. Friends with benefits?!

If the pics are any indication, it looks like Lyders is on more than just soul patrol!

The two made the trek to the 808 after Taylor's "American Idol" season-ending mini-concert on Wednesday and have been spotted getting real lovey dovey all over the beach.

First Heidi and Spencer ... now Taylor and a mystery blonde? Hollywood's hookups; no end to the excitement.

The show ran nine minutes longer than planned, but DVRs cut off at 10:00 PM. Jordin Sparks was crowned the winner at 10:03 PM. Whoops!

"We're sorry that DVR users may have missed the conclusion of the 'American Idol' broadcast," a spokesperson said. "FOX and the producers apologize to those viewers who were inconvenienced." Inconvenienced??

Will Ferrell and company have struck again!

The hysterical video of Sanjaya claiming to be an art student who created "Sanjaya," which showed up in the TMZ mailbox earlier this week, is actually the work of Ferrell's website, FunnyOrDie.com. It really is Sanjaya in the video, and Sanjaya is really Sanjaya -- and not Bill Vendall from the Rhode Island School of Design.

It's good to see Sanjy's sense of humor extends beyond his hair.

The 75-year-old owlish music mogul was tasked with speaking to the huge TV audience about the health of the "A.I" franchise and appeared to go out of his way to avoid mentioning Kelly's new single "Never Again" (which reached the Top 10 for heaven's sake!) or her forthcoming CD, "My December." Yet he somehow managed to find time to plug both Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee's new singles! Clive did briefly allude to two-time Grammy winner Clarkson -- but only to praise the talents of outside songwriters working with "Idols." Ouch!

Sources backstage at the finale report that Sony/BMG execs attempted to apologize to Kelly's team -- but their backtracking on behalf of the man with the golden ears fell on deaf ears. A well-placed source told TMZ, "Clive's actions, both delaying the album, and now this, tell you everything you need to know about how he feels about Kelly." That's no way to treat a 15-million-album-selling lady!

As TMZ reported, the contentious feud erupted between honcho Davis and Kelly after she refused to make the "significant changes" to her new album (for which she wrote or co-wrote every song) -- that Clive demanded.

Artistic integrity - 1, The Man - 0!

TMZ has learned Sanjy, with a blonde male friend along for the ride, hit up the trendy Bel Bambini baby boutique in West Hollywood on Wednesday and spent around $200 on six "Adorable Idol" baby tees. We're told Sanjaya didn't try anything on. He may be skinny, but he's not that skinny!

Sources say Sanjaya wore a black skull and crossbones t-shirt with his hair wrapped up in a red bandana. How butch!

Afterwards, Sanjaya and his bud headed to a Coffee Bean up the street. The rest, as they say, is hairstory!

TMZ has the rundown on last night's eight-hour live broadcast:

The finale rambled on longer than a Paula Abdul interview! Something's broken on Paula -- and it ain't her nose!

The "Golden Idol Awards" -- Um ... No! Making fun of an infantile overweight woman dressed like Big Bird and two peculiarly challenged young men does nothing for "Idol's" industry cred ... who knew minstrel shows were making a primetime comeback? Why do producers want to add a crappy awards show to a crappy award show?

Gladys Knight -- She's gotten rid of the Pips -- and all facial expression! Thankfully, the only thing Botox didn't kill was her voice. Girlfriend needs an eyelash/weave wrangler.

Blake Lewis isn't this season's "American Idol," but that's no reason not to make fun of him -- and Eric Schwartz aka Smooth-E is up to the idol lampooning tricks again!

Remember the Sanjaya Anthem and how Smooth-E captured the essence of little Sanjy? In this new video, E hilariously transforms into the beat-boxing loser. This video has it all, from battling brides to hamster funerals ... even drinking priests.

Somebody needs to give this guy a show. Smooth-E, not Blake.

TMZ cameras caught Phil, Chris, Brandon and Gina as they left their hotel in West Hollywood to head for the Kodak center in Hollywood.

If it's anything like last year's, tonight's big finale should bring the house down with some amazing, fast-paced performances -- and these idols will be singing too.

Our cameras also spotted taffeta-ed Anna pal, Bobby Trendy, who was on his way to the "A.I" finale as well. More video to follow -- stay tuned!

TMZ has learned that Kelly -- and all winners from seasons past, except Fantasia -- will be back performing on the "American Idol" stage for tonight's finale.

Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks are headed to the Kodak Theater, but Fantasia Barrino won't be, since she is headlining Oprah Winfrey's production of "The Color Purple" on Broadway.

Sources tell TMZ Gladys Knight will perform "Midnight Train to Georgia" with the top six female finalists, while Smokey Robinson will join the top six male finalists for a rendition of "Ooh Baby Baby." Most recently booted finalist Melinda Doolittle will sing with brother and sister gospel duo BeBe and CeCe Winans, while the hairiffic Sanjaya duets with Aerosmith's Joe Perry to the Kinks' "You Really Got Me." It's sure to be an unbeweavable night!

Beat-boxing finalist Blake Lewis will show off his mad skillz against rapper Doug E. Fresh, and then duet with fellow finalist and probable winner, Jordin Sparks, to the Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There." Since producers were able to finally get clearance to use Beatles music, a medley of Fab Four hits will be performed as well.

Luckily, we're told no one is expected to be exhumed a la Elvis on tonight's finale!

UPDATE: A well-placed source tells TMZ that anti-establishment rockers Green Day sold out and will be on the "American Idiot" "Idol" finale too!

With her Gap jeans and Sketchers sneakers nowhere to be found, "American Idol's" Jordin Sparks is being tweezed, waxed and flat-ironed into her Badgley Mischka gowns! After all, "American Idols" aren't born -- they're made!!

The high-end designers have outfitted the gorgeous 17-year-old for tonight's finale, making it the first time a world renowned couture house has custom-made ensembles for an "A.I." finale. Good thing Melinda Doolittle was cut -- Badgley Mischka gowns don't come in neckless!

Last night's show also featured Jordin wearing a slimming black and green mini-dress by Poppie Couture (pictured here), which designer/stylist Poppie Harris handbeaded herself. And to think, just last month, Jordin was buying Nicole Miller dresses off the rack at Bloomingdales. Quelle Horreur!