"I don't have an interesting back story if I get picked," said Stephens, a technical recruiter from Plano. Those who advanced Monday must still pass another audition in front of show executives before getting the chance to sing in front of judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson for the taped portions of the show.

A leaked audio tape in which Paula Abdul can be heard sobbing and bad-mouthing a former spokesman has made its way to the Internet.

On Tuesday, judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson made their choice clear. Diplomatic Paula Abdul kept her counsel as usual, praising both singers.

Will viewers on "American Idol" be paying attention to Blake and Jordin's singing tonight? Or, will all the attention be on Paula Abdul 's broken nose?

Simon Cowell said on Tuesday's show that Edwards' rendition of Dusty Springfield's "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" lacked the edginess and youthful energy that she brought to her previous performances. Paula Abdul echoed that sentiment, telling Edwards she should have "more fun" onstage.

The show's tense final moments belonged to Malakar and Head, who were waiting to find out who would take the competition's 12th spot -- and who would go home. Judge Paula Abdul was stunned to hear that Malakar, who is not exactly a judge favorite, was staying.

This could open up the path for her big record deal and big break. " The series has rarely managed a quiet year, with past issues ranging from voter complaints over overloaded phone systems to a contestant's allegation of an affair with judge Paula Abdul , which she denied.

Another surprise: The early elimination of the talented Tabaldo, 22, who gave a rousing rendition of Nina Simone's "Feeling Good. " Paula Abdul couldn't hide her disappointment.

We didn't cover her weekend birthday bash in Las Vegas. During "blackout week," the AP didn't mention Hilton's second birthday party at a Beverly Hills restaurant, at which a drunken friend reportedly was ejected by security after insulting Paula Abdul and Courtney Love.

" "I wasn't expecting this at all -- and nobody was," Rhodes said later. Things were better for curly-haired jokester Chris Sligh, who succeeded in winning over Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul even though he wasn't one of the strongest singers.

"You could lie in a bath with your mouth open and you couldn't sing," Cowell told one woman who insisted that a drink of water would smooth her delivery. A few promising singers made it through the gauntlet of Cowell and fellow judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul , including Jordin Sparks, 16, the daughter of former NFL player Phillippi Sparks, and a brother and sister who dabbled in a bit of teenage sibling rivalry.

Little said DeGeneres accepted the delivery on the show and presented Alexis with a check for $3,500. The show is also to feature behind-the-scenes footage from the Golden Globes, "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks and "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul .

. the queen of catastrophic kitsch," and "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul as "a fallen fashion idol.

There were geeky contestants warbling cheesy ballads, dramatic divas over-singing their way through a song, and it's panel for judging talent included Paula Abdul . Enough said.

The pop singer who starred with John Travolta in the movie "Grease" and whose hits include "I Honestly Love You" helped out with the third Los Angeles round of auditions. She joined show judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul and host Ryan Seacrest.

Tears streamed from "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul 's eyes when the result was announced. The audience stood and clapped, paying their respects.

His rendition of "Suspicious Minds" drew strong reviews from judges. Paula Abdul said, "See you in the finals.

Is Paula Abdul being odd? Or is she just a misunderstood talent? Depends who you ask.

"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest says he and judge Paula Abdul aren't speaking to one another, but Abdul calls reports of a feud "ridiculous."

Host Ryan Seacrest said on Thursday's telecast that the show received more than 42 million votes from its viewers. The 24 contestants who made it to the elimination rounds were picked by Judges Cowell, Jackson and Paula Abdul from casting calls across the country.

Television's top-rated show tallied viewers' votes and scratched off the bottom two of each sex -- Becky O'Donohue, Stevie Scott, Bobby Bennett and Patrick Hall. Judge Paula Abdul 's eyes brimmed with tears when O'Donohue, 25, got the cut after receiving the lowest number of votes.