Where to read up on anything related to American Idol.http://www.newser.com/2008 - Newseren-usNewser Feed GeneratorThu, 28 Aug 2008 7:54:38 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/35800/judge-dioguardi-is-just-what-idol-needs.html?refid=rss_all_defaultThe addition of hit songwriter-producer Kara DioGuardi as a fourth judge on American Idol is a much better fix for flagging ratings than simply sending irrelevant judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson packing, writes Andy Dehnart for MSNBC. While guest judges in the past haven't had much effect, DioGuardi will bring youth and relevancy to an aging and increasingly pedestrian panel, he predicts.http://www.newser.com/story/35800/judge-dioguardi-is-just-what-idol-needs.html?refid=rss_all_defaultTue, 26 Aug 2008 2:17:42 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/35747/american-idol-adds-fourth-judge.html?refid=rss_all_defaultAmerican Idol is getting a fourth judge this season, marking what the New York Post calls the biggest change TV’s top show has ever undergone. Songwriter Kara DioGuardi will join Simon, Paula, and Randy, in a move producers say they always intended. All of Idol’ s international counterparts feature four judges. “Having a fourth judge creates a dynamic that benefits both the contestants and viewers,” said the executive producer.http://www.newser.com/story/35747/american-idol-adds-fourth-judge.html?refid=rss_all_defaultMon, 25 Aug 2008 10:38:12 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/33448/idol-also-ran-holds-cancer-fundraiser.html?refid=rss_all_defaultA former American Idol contestant held a sold-out concert in his Indiana hometown last night to help him raise money for his battle against cancer, AP reports. Luke Menard, 29, was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma shortly after he was eliminated from the show in March, after reaching the top 16. “I don’t think I would want to be in any other town in America right now,” said Menard.http://www.newser.com/story/33448/idol-also-ran-holds-cancer-fundraiser.html?refid=rss_all_defaultSun, 27 Jul 2008 14:49:14 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/31180/idols-studdard-says-i-do.html?refid=rss_all_defaultRemember Ruben Studdard? The winner of American Idol ’s second season now has won himself a wife. Studdard, 29, married his girlfriend of 2 years, Surata Zuri McCants, 30, in a lavish ceremony today in Birmingham, Ala., OK! reports.http://www.newser.com/story/31180/idols-studdard-says-i-do.html?refid=rss_all_defaultSat, 28 Jun 2008 17:23:21 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/29734/runner-up-idol-snags-music-deal.html?refid=rss_all_default“American Idol” runner-up David Archuleta has inked a deal with “Idol” creator Simon Fuller’s 19 Recordings/Jive Records, the AP reports. The 17-year-old lost to David Cook, 25, a former Missouri bartender, in an upset in last month's finale. Cook signed with the same label, MTV reports; the two albums should both drop in time for the holiday season, with the first official singles out in the fall.http://www.newser.com/story/29734/runner-up-idol-snags-music-deal.html?refid=rss_all_defaultWed, 11 Jun 2008 8:15:28 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/28110/which-david-is-our-idol.html?refid=rss_all_defaultWe're only hours away from Fox crowning either balladeer (and Simon Cowell fave) David Archuleta, 17, or rocker David Cook, 25, as this season's American Idol. Cook seemed to win last night's live audience, the Kansas City Star reports.http://www.newser.com/story/28110/which-david-is-our-idol.html?refid=rss_all_defaultWed, 21 May 2008 12:38:33 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/28008/numbers-back-american-idol-worship.html?refid=rss_all_defaultAmerican Idol —the highest-rated show of the 21st century—finishes its seventh season tomorrow, moving Portfolio to some Idol chatter: Total number of episodes since its debut in 2002 (as of May 19): 270 Number of seasons ranked the No. 1 show on television: 3 Value of the Idol franchise, per Advertising Age : $2.5 billionhttp://www.newser.com/story/28008/numbers-back-american-idol-worship.html?refid=rss_all_defaultTue, 20 May 2008 12:30:41 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/27517/syeshas-out-idol-down-to-2.html?refid=rss_all_defaultSyesha didn't make the cut. The "American Idol" competition is down to two—David Cook and David Archuleta—after voters knocked out Syesha Mercado tonight, the AP reports. The 21-year-old showed her range in the final show, mixing sultry sounds with pop, but it wasn't enough. Archuleta, 17, took some ribbing from judges for not taking enough chances, while Cook, 25, earned the most praise. The finale is next week.http://www.newser.com/story/27517/syeshas-out-idol-down-to-2.html?refid=rss_all_defaultWed, 14 May 2008 21:00:32 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/27172/underwood-joins-grand-ole-opry.html?refid=rss_all_default"American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood ratcheted up her country cred last night, reports the AP, and can now call herself a Grand Ole Opry cast member. Underwood joined the longest-running radio show, fighting back tears as Garth Brooks handled her induction. "This really seems like a great family to be part of," she said. "I promise I'll do everything I possibly can to not make you regret it."http://www.newser.com/story/27172/underwood-joins-grand-ole-opry.html?refid=rss_all_defaultSun, 11 May 2008 10:22:23 CDT