American Idol

The top 20 'American Idol' hopefuls for season 12 have been chosen and will compete for America's votes next week, with 10 male contestants battling it out for the final five spots on Thursday night.

What happens in Vegas isn't staying in Vegas, especially during the third round of Sudden Death eliminations on Season 12 of 'American Idol.' That's because of the 10 females who performed last night (Feb. 27), only five made it to the next round, while five were sent home, hence that whole not everything (or everyone) stays in Sin City stuff. So who is stays and who goes?

In perhaps an effort to refresh the show, 'American Idol' has not only installed a new panel of judges, but producers have tinkered with the formula and added a 'Sudden Death' round where the contestants perform for a limited number of slots.

Sheryl Phillips, the mother of 'American Idol' season 11 winner Phillip Phillips, who scored one of the biggest hits in the show's history with 'Home,' was arrested for DUI on Thursday, Feb. 14.

On tonight's (Jan. 31) episode of Season 12 of 'American Idol,' the show hit Oklahoma City in Oklahoma, the home state and former stompin' grounds of Carrie Underwood, one of the biggest Idols in the show's history. Here's how things shook out in OKC, where puppets, an instance of forgotten lyrics to the national anthem and an inspirational kid with cystic fibrosis left their mark.

Zoanette Johnson was a confident, room-filling diva who wore a color-blocked outfit and sang the national anthem on tonight's (Jan. 31) Oklahoma City edition of the 'American Idol' auditions. She forgot the words. She messed up the melody, but at least she didn't lip-sync a la Beyonce. We'd have rather watched Bey fake it than hear Zoanette live, but she still got a pass to the next round because

Kayden Stephenson, 16, looks like your typical teenage boy. Cute, blonde hair, a billion dollar smile. The Tulsa-based teen auditioned on tonight's (Jan. 31) episode of 'American Idol' in Oklahoma City, revealing that he has been singing since he was four and that this is his dream. Standard 'Idol' stuff, right? Not even close, since he suffers from cystic fibrosis.

Nate Tao delivered an effortlessly beautiful rendition of Stevie Wonder's 'For Once in My Life' on tonight's (Jan. 31) audition episode of 'American Idol,' which took place in Oklahoma City. Tao, who is from Virginia, was unique not just because of his melodious voice, but because he is the son of two deaf parents. So he communicates with his hands as effectively as he does his voice.

On 'American Idol,' the gimmicks don't always work. Texas beauty Halie Hilburn learned that lesson on tonight's (Jan. 31) audition episode, which took place in Oklahoma City. Hilburn is a ventriloquist and she took the stage with Oscar, her hand puppet. He held her back, since they dueted and she yodeled on '(I Want to Be) A Cowboy's Sweetheart.' She was inches from dismissal when she ditched Osca

Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson is the richest 'American Idol' alum, according to Forbes, which places her yearly earnings at $8 million.

By now, you've probably heard about the seriously scandalous story of nine former 'American Idol' contestants suing the show because they believe it's a racist attempt at a ratings boost. Well, some other former 'Idol,' four as a matter of fact, recently came out to defend the show that projected them into the limelight, claiming that it's not the least bit racist.

Nicki Minaj took over 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' last night (Jan. 25), not in the Matt Damon way, but in the simultaneous musical guest and major interview guest way. Not only was the Harajuku Barbie supremely entertaining, but she also revealed just how the 'American Idol' panel works together. Hint: She doesn't think Mariah Carey is a big fan of hers.

Nine former 'American Idol' contestants are suing the singing competition, claiming that they were forced off the show in a racist attempt to boost ratings.

Isabel Gonzalez just about charmed the pants off of the ‘American Idol’ judges during Wednesday night's audition episode (Jan. 23). At only 16, she has a rich and powerful voice is undeniably easy on the ears. Where on earth did this talented singer come from?

On tonight's (Jan. 24) audition episode of 'American Idol,' Season 12 headed to judge Randy Jackon's hometown of Baton Rouge, La. The "dawg" looked extra beautiful on camera, with Mariah Carey doing his makeup. On this ep, we met an injured beauty queen with a belter's lungs and a singing doctor with a butter smooth voice. There was more good than bad, including an awkward teen who uses

Here's something you don't see (or hear) every day during the 'American Idol' audition phase: a singing doctor! Dr. Calvin Peters, who is in his third year of residency, specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation of spine, brain, burn and muscular injuries, showed us that he is a man of many amazing talents at tonight's (Jan. 24) Baton Rouge, La. audition.