With American Idol’s ninth season starting up January 12th, 2009 and Idol alums dropping albums left and right, the show has constantly been on the tip of everyone’s tongues.  Both Adam Lambert and Kris Allen had new releases within the past few weeks, and Allison Iraheta’s album hits stores tomorrow.

Idol fever don’t quit!  We’re curious if you’ve caught it…

Thanks for voting!

While I was busy gushing over how awesome Ellen DeGeneres was dancing on her show earlier this week with the So You Think You Can Dance crew, the lady was out getting herself a new job!

Fox announced this morning that the Ellen DeGeneres Show host/comedienne extraordinaire would be replacing Paula Abdul as American Idol’s fourth judge.  Ellen will be joining the ranks of Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi on the show’s ninth season, set to kick off January 2010.

Here’s what Ellen had to say about her new stint:

“I’m thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol. I’ve watched since the beginning, and I’ve always been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I’ll save from not having to text my vote.”

LOL!  Love her!

I think Ellen will be a fantastic addition to the show.  She’s clearly been added as the “nice one” amongst the sassy existing trio, and I think that’s a good thing.  Paula was nice and enthusiastic, but let’s face it, that babe is crazy and out of touch.  Ellen’s not only nice and enthusiastic, but funny, reasonable, and a true fan of the show and the music.  And it doesn’t hurt that she’s in touch with Top 40 radio.

Congrats, Ellen!  Can’t wait to hear some anti-Simon zingers.

As you’ve probably already heard, Paul Abdul will be leaving American Idol.  She announced her departure abruptly on Twitter earlier this week.

So what’s Fox gonna do?  Turns out they won’t be reverting back to the three-judge system (namely, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DiGuardi).  Instead, execs have announced they are looking for a replacement and, in the meantime, will be featuring a different female performer guest judge each week to fill the spot.

Victoria Beckham and Katy Perry are already booked, with more to be announced shortly. American Idol starts shooting audition episodes this week in Denver.

Who do you think should be the next American Idol lady judge?  We need someone seasoned, an industry veteran - and slightly crazy and out of touch.

Hmmm… Whitney Houston?  One of the En Vogue babes?  Is Sinead O’Connor TOO crazy?  Can’t wait to find out who they go for.

[Source: The Live Feed]

If you’ve been watching this here space over the past few months, you know I was uncharacteristically stoked on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

One of the most intriguing things about the show was the relationship between American Idol reject Sanjaya Malakar and minor Hills character Holly Montag, a.k.a Sanjolly.  It wasn’t clear whether the relationship was romantic, or just a case of the BFFs.  Though Holly denies any hanky panky, rumor has it that things are getting serious, and that she is currently en route to Kauai to meet Sanjaya’s family.

Are they or aren’t they?  To be honest, it doesn’t really matter to me, I’m just in it for the Speidi soundbites.  Here’s what Holly Montag’s brother-in-law Spencer Pratt has to say about the whole thing:

“I’ve actually been praying nonstop that they get married, and I can actually have a brother-in-law named Sanjaya, and I can go to India and hang out. Speidi and Sanjolly are going to Bollywood!”

Love that guy!  Can’t wait to see Heidi totally disrespecting Indian culture by wearing her sari like a bikini.

[Source: Reality TV Magazine]

Thanks to a recent tweet by American Idol Season 8 contestant & oil-rigger o’ love, Michael Sarver, you can now officially follow Adam Lambert on Twitter (@TheRealGlambert). Adam himself confirmed it at today’s Comcast chat, so it’s 2 legit 2 quit, hey heyyy! Let’s hope he uses it to make witty, snarky comments and to send pics of his fabulous self.

The Top 10 are currently rehearsing for the American Idol Concert Tour which starts July 5th in Portland, Oregon. Stalk follow the guys on Twitter for the latest updates and pics from the road (@DannyGokey, @MattGiraudOfficial @AnoopDoggDesai @MichaelSarver1 @IdolScott, @TheRealGlambert). Hopefully the dudes can influence the ladies (Lil Rounds, Allison Iraheta, Megan Joy) and Idol winner Kris Allen to join, too. God bless the Internets.

*Happy Dance*

Earlier this week, we learned that American Idol winner Kris Allen and (now officially gay) runner-up Adam Lambert have signed record deals with 19 Recordings. Kris is with 19/Jive and Adam with 19/RCA.

But it’s no secret that Fourth Place’s awkward-but-amazing rocker teen Allison Iraheta was the contestant keeping my lighter aflame all season, so I’m stoked that 19 has officially announced that Allison is signed too - with Jive Records! Her debut album is expected to have a fall ‘09 release. Holla at that.

Ahhhh, after an oft-infuriating season of Idol, all is right in the world again. Kris, Adam and Allison were the rightful Idol contestants to be in the Final 3 and at least the record label agrees!

Hm, speaking of third-place-finisher/blood-curdling screamer Danny Gokey, surely someone soooo beloved by the Idol judges has a record deal as well? A spokesperson at 19 responds, “There’s nothing to report just yet.”

Aw, snap!

Great news to start your weekend, folks: QUWEEN IS BACK!

Last we saw her, Quween was advertising her services on Funny or Die, with an endorsement from Katharine McPhee. Staying true to her word, Quween continues to protect all our favorite celebs - er, favorite American Idol runners-up - from the evil paparazzi.

Here she is, helping American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert escape the flashing bulbs:

Kinda choppy, but you get the picture.  There ain’t nobody better than Quween at saving the day; Glambert made it to his car safe and sound.

President Obama should hire her.  Secret Service men got nothin’ on the Quween of the Scene.

[Source: Dlisted]

Over here at Square Eyes Headquarters, we’ve been crackin’ up somethin’ awful at the latest Funny or Die video featuring American Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee.  We love it!

Now, if you’re like me (read: out of touch), you’ll need to do some background viewing before moving on to the Funny or Die clip.  Watch this video of our girl Katharine escaping from the paparazzi - I promise you, it’s totally worth it.

Highly recommended, but not absolutely required viewing:

Whoa!  Who the eff is that woman?

Well, I’m glad you asked, because that’s exactly what the Funny or Die video seeks to explain.  Feast your eyes on QUWEEN:

BRILLS!  I really love when she says she’ll put her boot in that bee’s ayyyysss.

Apparently, Quween is a homeless woman known to paparazzi as “Queen of the Scene” on account of she hangs around Beverly Hills and gets all up in their business.  She’s well-equipped to protect celebs from those wicked paps, clocks, AND the alphabet!  Hire her if you’re famous!

We love Quween!

Whoa!  Just when you thought it was over… another American Idol conspiracy theory emerges!

The New York Times (seriously!) reports that AT&T, one of American Idol’s biggest sponsors, may have had something to do with Kris Allen’s victory over Adam Lambert last week.

Currently, AT&T’s mobile phone network is the only one that can be used to cast American Idol votes via text message.  During this year’s competition, AT&T provided phones and free texting services at parties organized by Kris Allen fans in Arkansas after American Idol’s final performance episode.  Also included were instructions on how to send 10 or more text messages at the press of a single button, which violates the American Idol voting rules.

No similar efforts were put forth by AT&T representatives with regards to Adam Lambert fans.

So what do you think, gang?  Is it an AT&T/Allen conspiracy?

Definitely unfair if true, yes - but the word on the street is, Allen won by such a large margin that he would’ve triumphed over Lambert with or without AT&T’s supposed boost.

Either way, bad AT&T!  Bad!  Bad phone company!

I’m sticking with T-Mobs, folks.

Sad that American Idol is over?  Bummed about your decreasing daily dose of Adam Lambert?  Well, wipe away those tears for the moment, Lamfans, we’ve got a clip to tide you over for the time being:

Voila!  Vintage Lambert!  Antique Adam!

That’s the American Idol fan favorite singing Boyz II Men’s “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” at his Mount Carmel High School graduation.  Class of ‘00, bitches!

Lolz, I love how unimpressed the audience members are in their caps ‘n gowns.  Don’t they know they’re witnessing history in the making?!?!?!

[Source: Perez]