American Idol

Kristy Lee Cook could kill the surviving two Beatles with her country rendition of "Eight Days a Week." To make matters even worse, the crafty producers put her right before David Archuleta, who went last.

David Cook, on the other hand, delivered big with what could be the best performance -- a rocked-out version "Eleanor Rigby" -- no guitar this time.

David Archuleta's dad (aka stage dad) was sitting next to "A.I." E.P. Nigel Lythgoe. Nigel took aside David Cook, David Hernandez and Ramiele. It looked like he gave Cook props and constructive criticism to the other two.

Ryan Seacrest grilled Chikezie like a cheeseburger over the TMZ story that Chike-poo worked at LAX as a baggage screener and made the TSA choir. Ryan suggested Chikezie once found a blow-up doll in Simon's bag. Hard to tell if he was kidding.

And David Hernandez ... in his montage video that focused on previous employment, he said he was a pizza guy who got fired. No mention of his pepperoni at his other job.

As we first reported, the finals will be held at the Nokia Theatre in downtown L.A.

The "Idol" rehearsals are on, and we're told the new set is amazing -- but it's got some big problems!

We hear the computers that control the doors to release the contestants at the beginning of the show are not working. Sources say come hell or high water, the contestants are coming out, but it may not be the way they planned.

We're also told there are two gyroscopes on the stage but only one is working. They are re-bolting portions of the set right now because it hasn't totally come together.

And here's the biggest problem. Did you ever buy a sofa that didn't fit in your apartment? We'll that's the problem they're having now, only on a much bigger scale. The set is too big for the small studio, so it has to be wedged in. We're told producers are freaked because even if they get it in they need to get it out for the finals in a three-day period -- the finals are held at the new Nokia Theatre in downtown L.A. That could be a big problemo.

We hear the set is amazing, but will it work tonight?!!!

TMZ has learned Paula Abdul was strolling through Los Angeles International Airport when she recognized Chikizzle while he was singing with the local TSA workers choir. We're told Paula pulled him aside because she remembered him from last season's tryouts (when he didn't make it through to Hollywood) and told him to hit it one more time.

Sources close to the Aussie hunk tell TMZ back in his bachelor days Michael -- seen here in 2005 partying with pals/fans in New Orleans -- used to wow the ladies with his rendition of "Sweet Child o' Mine" at karaoke bars in the Big Easy. We're told when women would come up to Michael to ask if he was single, he would respond with lame one-liners like, "Baby the question is, are you single?"

It's amazing the 29-year-old green card holder ever got married.

The former "Idol" "star" appeared at the Long Island Bat Mitzvah of Rachel Lader. He attempted to sing "Isn't She Lovely" and "You Really Got Me."

The band is located above the stage, towards the back, with a cityscape backdrop behind them. There are two spiral staircases located on each side of the stage that are connected by a walkway that goes over top of the stage. Each staircase has a landing area at the top with an LCD screen -- probably so Ryan can chat it up with the contestants with a Coke logo over his shoulder.

"Idol's" trainwreck du jour Jessica Sierra was in a Florida courtroom this morning trying to stay in rehab in Cali.

Sierra has been in a Golden State rehab since January, but as we previously reported the state sent her back to Florida because proper probation procedure was not followed.

The judge gave Sierra and her attorney until Friday to figure it all out, or else she'll have to find another place to continue her treatment.

The icing on the cake: Michael Johns. Hate to see him go, but damn, just love watching him leave.

Future finalist David Archuleta was seen outside a photo shoot today, adjusting to his newfound fame by snapping pics at our snapping paps.

Michael Johns used to go by the name Michael Lee ... and Lee was one young, hottie of a tennis player.

In 1998, Michael was a student on a tennis scholarship at the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Georgia. According to a program from the school's tennis department, his major was drama!

Lee changed his name to Johns when he moved from Tifton to Atlanta. According to the Tifton Gazette, he was only at ABAC for two quarters before leaving to pursue his music career.

We're told booted "Idol" Asia'h Epperson was torn up and overwhelmed, staying only for a few minutes before bolting. Contestants were most upset about Luke Menard getting the ax because they liked him -- they really, really liked him, although his singing kinda sucked.

Although no underage contestants were spotted Lohaning it up, Danny Noriega and Ramiele Malubay were pretty wrecked over his elimination. The two BFFs were inseparable.

Our spies say although all the contestants were there, there was no sign of Randy, Paula, Simon or Ryan. Contestants, meet pecking order.