Oct 6 - By Associated Press
"Idol Gives Back" is back.

Oct 6 - By Linda Holmes, msnbc.com - Only on msnbc.com
The film noir has the femme fatale; the modern romantic comedy has the sardonic best friend. For every genre there is at least one stock character, and for reality-competition shows with judging panels, it is the Mean British Person. And the reason is simple: Simon Cowell, who turns 50 on Oct. 7.

Sep 10 - By Lynn Elber, AP Television Writer
Ellen DeGeneres is known for being nice. But the new "American Idol" judge said she's ready to be honest with the show's contestants, good or bad.

Sep 9 - By Craig Berman, msnbc.com - Only on msnbc.com
Ellen DeGeneres changes that dynamic of "American Idol" because she doesn't have music expertise. She's simply a big fan of the show. And judging from the initial comments from both DeGeneres and Fox, that’s why she was hired.

Sep 9 - By Derrik J. Lang, AP Entertainment Writer
Ellen DeGeneres is dancing her way into the fourth judge's seat on "American Idol."

Aug 18 - By Lynn Elber, AP Television Writer
Shania (shuh-NY'-uh) Twain is joining the ranks of "American Idol" guest judges.

Aug 12 - By Craig Berman, msnbc.com - Only on msnbc.com
Paula's particular blend of sympathy and loopiness is irreplaceable, but there are still a number of women who could fill her soundbite quota. Posh Spice would love the job, but what about Lil Kim or Queen Latifah?

Aug 6 - By Charles Pulliam, Associated Press Writer
There was no Paula, but there was a Posh.
Aug 6 - By Associated Press
Paula Abdul isn't feeling the love from late-night comedy fans.

Aug 6 - By Associated Press
Victoria Beckham will be a guest judge on "American Idol."

Aug 6 - By Marc Hirsh, msnbc.com - Only on msnbc.com
With the chemistry of the "American Idol" judges' table dramatically altered, now is as good a time as any for the show's remaining stars to reflect and make some much-needed changes.

Aug 5 - By Erin Carlson, AP Entertainment Writer
Since announcing her exit from "American Idol," Paula Abdul has been in high demand.

Aug 5 - By Andy Dehnart, msnbc.com - Only on msnbc.com
For all her faults, it's difficult to envision "American Idol" without Paula Abdul in the chair next to Simon Cowell. By Andy Dehnart

Aug 4 - By Lynn Elber, AP Television Writer
If Paula Abdul's abrupt Twitter announcement that she's quitting "American Idol" is a contract negotiating ploy, it's a spectacular one.

Aug 3 - By Associated Press
The Fox network says Kara DioGuardi (KA'-ruh dee-oh-GWAHR'-dee) will be back for her second round as a judge on "American Idol."

Jun 22 - By Lynn Elber, AP Television Writer
In a small, unadorned studio far removed from cameras, spotlights and songs ending with an instant review, the top 10 "American Idol" finalists are getting ready for a nationwide tour.

Jun 18 - By Jonathan Landrum Jr., Associated Press Writer
When "American Idol" searches for talent, the hit TV show certainly doesn't have a problem finding any in Atlanta.

Jun 14 - By Russell Contreras, Associated Press Writer
Thousands of "American Idol" hopefuls made it through the rain — and the cold — hoping to find their singing respected by the judges as Season Nine auditions kicked off near Boston.

May 28 - By Associated Press
An Australian woman was sentenced to more than two years in prison on Friday for stalking "American Idol" contestant Diana DeGarmo over the Internet from the opposite side of the world.

May 27 - By Lynn Elber, AP Television Writer
A few overeager AT&T employees brought demo phones to "American Idol" viewing parties in Arkansas and helped fans text their votes, but their actions did not affect the outcome between native son Kris Allen and Adam Lambert, the company said Wednesday.
May 22 - By Associated Press
When it comes to Adam Lambert, the theater's loss will be music's gain.
May 21 - By Associated Press
Nielsen ratings give "American Idol" a huge win as Kris Allen beat Adam Lambert to become the show's singing champ.

May 21 - By Andy Dehnart, msnbc.com - Only on msnbc.com
Watching the “American Idol” finale, all 127 minutes of fluff-packed filler, a casual viewer might be forgiven for assuming Ryan Seacrest announced the winner first, instead of in the last few minutes.

May 20 - By Derrik J. Lang, AP Entertainment Writer
A look at the winners of Fox's "American Idol" and what they've been up to since taking home the prize:

May 20 - By Craig Berman, msnbc.com - Only on msnbc.com
Every year sees “American Idol” hopefuls mimic what worked the previous year, and what led David Cook to victory in season seven was tweaking the arrangements to fit his own style rather than doing a glorified karaoke routine each week. That carried over to season eight, and both finalists succeeded putting their own spin on songs. Having Kris Allen ignore the disco theme and sing “She Works Hard for the Money” as an acoustic guitar solo was a lot better than if he had shown up in John Travolta's white suit and tried to strut.