American Idol

Fox's phenomenally successful contest crushed the Olympics in head-to-head competition on Tuesday night, 27 million viewers to 16.1 million, according to Nielsen Media Research.

The Olympics recovered a bit after "Idol" went off the air, but its overall audience of 18.6 million was the least-watched winter Olympics telecast since Nagano's closing ceremonies in 1998, Nielsen said.

Since its opening on Friday, the Turin games have been running well below the 2002 Salt Lake City games in viewership interest. Much of that was expected, but Tuesday's ratings was the first alarming sign for NBC that increased TV competition has taken a toll.

"The competition from 'Idol' is heavier than the Olympics has ever seen," said NBC Sports spokeswoman Alana Russo.

Kenneth Maccarone doesn't go down without a fight. On 'American Idol,' Ken stood up to Simon after giving his best rendition of Cher's 'Believe.' The bitter Brit told him his future was in women's clothing.

Ken didn't make it to Hollywood, but he did make it to TMZ. Ken does the chorus to four more Cher songs for us, and throws in a couple of other favorites. His grand finale -- what else? 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow.'

Clarkson won two Grammys on Wednesday night in Los Angeles: best pop vocal album for "Breakaway" and female pop vocal performance for "Since U Been Gone."

Accepting those awards, the 23-year-old Clarkson thanked everyone from the musicians who performed on her album to radio itself. "American Idol," however, went unmentioned.

Backstage at the Staples Center, she defended the omission: "I did thank the fans, and that's 'American Idol.'"

That the prestigious Recording Academy would honor a former reality TV contestant surprised many, but also excited her fans.

"I think it's amazing. It validates the show," said "Idol" judge Randy Jackson during a party afterward. "I'm really happy for her. I think she's really over the moon because I think she thought she'd never win it."

Ironically, "American Idol" still got the best of Clarkson in a way. The Fox show ran Wednesday evening opposite CBS' Grammys broadcast.

Nearly twice as many people watched "American Idol" than the Grammy Awards Wednesday when the two music programs went head-to-head in prime time, according to preliminary estimates by Nielsen Media Research.

The "Idol" audience on Fox was 28.3 million while the Grammy Awards were being watched by 15.1 million people from 8 to 9 p.m. EST, Nielsen said.

Within that hour, featured performers on "music's biggest night" included Madonna, John Legend, Coldplay and U2. The Irish rockers were the big Grammy winners, earning album of the year and song of the year for "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own."

TMZ has learned 'American Idol' contestant Tatiana Ward, who is on her way to Hollywood after last night's audition, got into legal trouble on her way out of Macy's.

According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Ward was cited for shoplifting $24 in merchandise from the Macy's Department Store in Montgomery County, PA. The incident occurred on March 22, 2002.

Ward pled guilty to retail theft and was fined $135. View court records

Ward was also cited for carrying false ID. TMZ has learned she had a false New Jersey driver's license. Ward pled not guilty but Judge David Keightly begged to differ, fining her $187.50 for that offense. View court records

TMZ spoke with Judge Keightly today who is far from "Simon-esque." Judge Keightly said, "She's a very good singer and I hope she does well in the competition."

The Olympics, which open Friday from Turin, Italy on NBC, is a TV event that traditionally flattens opponents for the network that spent millions of dollars for the right to broadcast it. Other networks can either try to attract viewers not interested in ice dancing or give way and essentially close up shop.

But judging by its startling staying power, "American Idol" may steal the spotlight from the skiers and skaters.

"The Olympics aren't as daunting as people think they are," said Preston Beckman, Fox's executive vice president for strategic program planning and strategy.

Spoken like someone with Simon Cowell on his side.

Each of the six audition episodes of "American Idol" that have aired in the past three weeks has drawn more than 30 million viewers, and two hit the 35 million mark, according to Nielsen Media Research. Even Fox thought interest in "Idol" would start to wane in its fifth season, but it's picked up even more momentum.

Thompson was arrested and convicted of criminal trespass in 1998, and she tells TMZ it was "racial."

The incident occurred on Easter Sunday at the Golden Coral Restaurant in Eden, North Carolina. Thompson tells TMZ a waitress she knew seated her.

Thompson says another waitress came up to her and said the table was reserved for someone else and that she had to vacate. Thompson says her waitress friend seated her at another table, but five minutes later the manager came up and accused her of copping "an attitude" with the other waitress and asked her to leave. Thompson refused, and the police were called.

It would appear that every other man who takes the stage is sexually ambiguous. Is that just the luck of the draw or have producers intentionally set their sights on easy prey for judge Simon Cowell and company?

Simon has been widely criticized-- as a result of a TMZ article last week-- that chronicled a pattern of derisive, anti-gay comments. But the fact is, what Simon says doesn't automatically hit the air waves.

"It's easy enough for producers to take it (the offensive comments) out," says veteran TV producer Stu Billett. The initial audition shows, Billett notes, are not live and heavily edited.

Even if the producers like the fact that Simon tells one contestant to "shave off your beard and wear a dress" or bluntly questions the gender of another contestant, there's another critical layer before the comment makes air. "FOX looks at the show before it airs," Billett says. "It would be very easy for FOX to tell producers to take it out," he adds, "but they didn't." Quite the opposite, FOX has showcased some of Simon's outrageous comments in its promos for the show. It would seem, FOX has made a calculated decision that offensive comments about gender and sexual-orientation are low risk.

Effeminate male contestants often sing at their own peril. "I don't mean this disrespectfully... shave off your beard and wear a dress," scowling judge Simon Cowell told rejected 'Idol' wannabe Charles Berry. Fellow judge Randy Jackson had this pointed question for Zachary Travis, another reject: "Are you a girl?"

'Idol' has not exactly adopted the 'Seinfeld' mantra: "Not that there's anything wrong with it." 'American Idol' host Ryan Seacrest and Cowell have frequently traded on-air insults, each implying the other is gay.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has issues with 'American Idol's' tone. A GLAAD spokesperson told TMZ: "GLAAD is reaching out to the show's producers to discuss our concerns - and the concerns of community members and allies - who have contacted us about this matter."

Jim Verraros, a gay finalist from 'American Idol's' first season, feels the tone comes from the top. Verraros tells TMZ, "I honestly think that if I had come out [as gay] while I was on the show, FOX would've edited it out."

The criticism of 'American Idol' and FOX is countered with powerful evidence that the program actually showcases gay performers. Indeed, one finalist, widely rumored to be gay, went very far in one of the competitions.

Cowell tells 'EXTRA,' "I like them, we put them through. This might be history, nothing surprises me on the show. It happens." On whether or not the twins should be able to compete in the next round, he says, "It depends on what they've done. If it's serious, it's a problem. It happens every year. FOX will take a view on it."

Daniel Young is being held without bond in Tampa, Florida.

Police say Young left Sierra about 40 voice mail messages in four months. He said he loves her and is willing to go to jail for her.

Police say Young also sent Sierra a necklace and a bracelet and dozens of long-stemmed roses after watching her on "American Idol" last season.

He's 59, she's 20.

Terrell Brittenum, 28, has been in jail since Jan. 10 on an outstanding warrant for charges related to the illegal purchase of a car in Rockdale County, Ga., east of Atlanta.

He and his brother, Derrell, are accused of using another man's identity to buy a 2005 Dodge Magnum in June.

Derrell was expected to turn himself in on the same charges of forgery, theft by deception and financial identity fraud, The Commercial Appeal newspaper reported.

The brothers auditioned together in September for the hit TV show 'American Idol' and impressed the show's prickly judges to continue to the next round. Segments of the show have already been recorded and will air during the next few weeks.

Fox Broadcasting Co. refused to discuss the Brittenums or their status on the show.

"American Idol Rewind" will premiere this fall with the first season of "American Idol" and will offer a "streamlined, enhanced program" with unseen footage and behind-the-scenes information, according to its producers and syndicator.

The recycled version was announced Thursday by FremantleMedia North America, which produces "American Idol" with 19 Entertainment, and Tribune Entertainment.

The reruns will give viewers their first chance to "track each winner throughout the season, from beginning to final performance," Simon Fuller, creator of "American Idol," said in a statement.

"American Idol Rewind" has been cleared by Tribune and Sinclair stations representing more than half the country and nine of the top 10 media markets, according to Dick Askin, president and chief executive officer of Tribune Entertainment.

The original Fox series is holding strong in its fifth season, with the Wednesday debut episode ranking as the most-watched "Idol" season opener yet. Past winners include recording successes Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

But what about the finalists who didn't make it to the top two spots?

amyra Gray: An early favorite in the first season, Gray's chances of winning were shattered when she gave a rare substandard performance in one episode, which led to her elimination. Since 'Idol,' she's done TV ('Boston Public'), Broadway ('Bombay Dreams') and released her 2004 debut album, 'The Dreamer' (on 19/Universal Records), which was a modest hit.

Ryan Starr: She auditioned for 'American Idol' under her real name, Tiffany Montgomery, but by the time she made it to the semi-finals in season one, she had changed her name to Ryan Starr. Since the show, Starr has been into stark "reality" more than singing. She appeared on VH1's 'The Surreal Life' and Bravo's 'Battle of the Network Reality Stars.' As for that debut album that Starr has been talking about for years? It has yet to be released.

A spokesman for Clarkson insisted it's nothing personal, but the stance prompted a public scolding from 'American Idol' judge Simon Cowell.

"I think that by ignoring the show you're ignoring the audience who put you there," Cowell said Tuesday.

Clarkson has become a major star in the past year, with her hit 'Since U Been Gone' earning both massive sales and critical respect, particularly from a rock community that has looked upon 'American Idol' contestants warily. Her album "Breakaway" earned a Grammy nomination for best pop vocal album.

Yet it may have cost her a good relationship with the nation's most popular talent show.

'American Idol' must obtain permission from owners of song licenses before the music can be used on the show. While many love the exposure, some artists -- the Beatles, for one -- like to rigidly control use of their music.