The live shows on American Idol haven't even kicked off yet and already there is drama. Simon Cowell addressed reports of arguments between he and Ellen DeGeneres, who he'd like to replace him next season and how much he really misses Paula Abdul.
1. Who does he think is going to win? Cowell is all for a woman being crowned the next Idol this season. "We've had a few years now of guys winning the show and I would say there is definitely a better chance of a girl winning the show this year, certainly than last year," he says. "I'd love to find a Taylor Swift, somebody who's relevant rather than just a contest winner."
Idol source: Contestant was dropped because of past record deal
2. It seemed difficult to...read more
Next stop on the American Idol audition circuit: Chicago. Even though the Windy City provided this season's largest crowd of hopefuls (12,000) only a lucky 13 made it through to Hollywood. On hand to offer some advice (and some much-needed life to the rotating guest judge's chair) was country-pop diva Shania Twain. Her comments were thoughtful, but the fact that she spoke up at all was a vast improvement from the previous two installments. So who impressed the panel? Below, we offer our take on the evening's highs and lows...read more