‘Idol’ Chatter: May 18, 2006

So, listen up all my “Idol Chatter” readers: Let me just say for the record to all those outraged e-mailers, who now have it in for Billy Bush… “Access Hollywood” has no inside information about the voting results. Billy has apologized that voicing his opinion on Elliott’s demise confused some viewers. For you non-TV folks let me clarify something a little further. Our show tapes between 12:30pm and 1:30pm on the West Coast. That means by the time we are done its only 4:30pm on the East Coast. The “American Idol” results show airs live at 9pm eastern. So, we would have no way of knowing the winner beforehand. While it’s true that sometimes we are privileged to some inside information from various sources within Idol, the voting is a different story. It’s under lock and key until show time. Only a few producers know the results. The judges don’t even know the results. Ryan Seacrest is told when he gets to the studio for rehearsal because he obviously has to deliver the bad news. Last week, he told Nancy O’Dell how hard he tries to treat each of the remaining Idols equally when he gives the results, so as not to tip them off. I also have yet another fire to put out.Yesterday, I mentioned that a friend of Katharine McPhee’s told us that George Clooney had offered her a role in an upcoming movie. According to Clooney’s publicist this is not true. I do find it a little puzzling why her friend would offer up such juicy information. So, I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt and say that he clearly heard that from someone within in Kat’s camp. For all we know, it could be Katherine herself who told him. So, I’m sure he went into it was the purest intentions. Even if it’s not true, I have no doubt that Katharine will be getting movie offers of some sort. I do have some inside information I want to share with you all. I’m a little hesitant considering the firestorm Billy’s Elliot comment made. So, take this for what its worth and don’t shoot the messenger. Just know that being on “American Idol” can definitely change people. Imagine you are just a regular person living your life and all of a sudden you are plucked out of obscurity and having people dressing you up, doing your hair and makeup and millions of people adoring you. That type of experience can change anyone. I’ve seen it happen every single season. We interview the Top 12 idol hopefuls and by the end of the season, most of them come out completely different people. So, it doesn’t surprise me to hear that the writers of the song, which both idols will perform on the finale, (the one that gets recorded as a single) quit. A source tells me that they felt that Taylor’s ego had gotten out of control and he was too difficult to handle. In his defense, Taylor is clearly a bit eccentric. So, maybe he was just misunderstood. Or maybe he was just standing up for what he believes in. Let’s consider that these singers are sometimes forced to produce a record in a style that doesn’t suit them. Was “Inside Your Heaven” really true to what Carrie Underwood is? Listen to the difference between that song and “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and I think you will see what I mean. Don’t forget that Kelly Clarkson sued to get out of her “Idol” contract so she could record a sophomore album that was more to what she wanted it to be. Two Grammys later, I’d say that was a smart bet. It was announced yesterday that Carrie Underwood will perform at this year’s “American Idol” finale performing her new single, “Don’t Forget to Remember Me.” Carrie really seems to be shining in the country world. The night before the finale she will be performing at the Academy of Country Music Awards as well. This summer she will be touring with Kenny Chesney. In country, it does not get much bigger than Kenny. Between her “American Idol” fan base and piggybacking off Kenny’s fans at his already mainly sold out concerts, I’d say she has a bright future there. I ran into Constantine Maroulis last night at a party in NYC celebrating Maxim magazine’s hot 100 list. No past American Idols on the list. Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia and Carrie didn’t make the cut. Hey there is always next year. Constantine is pretty convinced this will be a boy’s year and thinks Taylor will pull off the win. I broke the news about Elliott’s fate last night to John Stamos who was glad because he is an eager Katharine fan. That’s what I love about this show. Even Hollywood stars are caught up in the drama! Be sure and check out “Access Hollywood” tonight to find out why Kellie Pickler cut off her golden locks! She’ll be on our stage. There will be no “Idol Chatter” tomorrow since Elliott will not be doing press interviews. Unfortunately, the third runner up always gets shafted when it comes to national press because of the upcoming finale. I’m sure we will see him on the red carpet Wednesday night, though. Tickets for the “Pop Tarts presents American Idols Live Tour” go on sale Saturday, May 20th. The tour kicks off July 6th in Manchester, New Hampshire and runs through September 2nd with over 40 stops all over the country. The Top 10 finalists will be performing. So, that means no Melissa McGhee and no Kevin Covais. Sorry Chicken Little. “American Idol’s” compilation CD will be available on May 23rd.