American Idol
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The party is over for American Idol's rock 'n roll nurse.

Following a version of "Back in the U.S.S.R." that was more loud than melodious, Amanda Overmyer was sent home last night. She was accompanied in the final two by Kristy Lee Cook.

We were big fans of Overmyer's when she first auditioned, and she may still have a future in the business. But as contestants were whittled away, it became apparent that Amanda's vocal talents just didn't match up.

Where to next? Amanda Overmyer isn't certain.

Aside from heavy favorite David Archuleta, not a single American Idol finalist earned praise from all three judges last night.

Archuleta, however, bounced back from forgetting the lyrics to his Beatles song last week by belting out a rendition of "The Long and Winding Road" that was called a "master class" by Simon Cowell. Dude brought the hotness, praised Randy Jackson!

As for the rest of the Idols, only David Cook and Carly Smithson could muster any sort of positive reaction from the panel.

Who was your favorite performer of the night? Who should be sent home?

Kristy Lee Cook might not be old enough to be classified as a "cougar" just yet. But, based on the photo below, the American Idol finalist already has been one:

For classic pics of  Kristy, visit TMZ now.

Our thanks to People magazine for the following American Idol report from Tuesday night.

Celebrities Sighted
Actor Taye Diggs, looking dashing in a black fedora, cruised into the crowd, finding one fan so excited, Corey the warm-up guy had to calm her down. Kim Kardashian, who also showed up with a girlfriend, fixed her makeup during the breaks.

Also in the crowd: Grey's Anatomy writer-creator Shonda Rhimes and returning American Idol fan, Camryn Manheim.

Welcome, Judges
Randy Jackson entered first, through the back of the stage rather than stage left and cruised right through the new mosh pit. Then it was Mr. Cool in his bright white shirt, Simon Cowell, who entered from his usual spot, off to the side. Next Ryan Seacrest came in, as always, wearing a nice suit and a smile. Corey led the chant "Paula! Paula!" as the Paula Abdul made her way in and greeted the men with kisses.

Already Giving Back
Gift certificates for 10 free digital downloads from iPod and iTunes were handed out to everyone in the bleachers and a couple lucky fans got a copy of Chicken Soup for the Idol Soul.

Saying Goodbye
At the end of the night, when all the Idols stand on stage and say goodbye to the audience, it was Australian Michael Johns who shouted out, quite sincerely, a roaring "Thank you!" to the crowd to close out the show.

The American Idol finalists performed for the first time last night. And surprised abounded!

Brooke White and David Cook continued to impress judges, but David Archuleta actually forgot lyrics and had his performance referred to as a "mess" by Simon Cowell.

Here are a few thumbnails from the evening. Click on them now to see enlarged versions...

On yesterday's broadcast of The View, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul were asked directly about the gay stripper past of David Hernandez. Neither American Idol judge seemed fazed by the controvery.

"It's a singing competition," said Jackson. "If you look at the entertainment business, there's a lot of stars in a lot of different scenarios."

David Hernandez is the topic of an American Idol scandal during season seven.

The View co-host Joy Behar compared Hernandez's situation to that of second-season Idol semifinalist Frenchie Davis, whose past did make a difference when she was disqualified over nude pictures she posed for at the age of 18, in which she simulated masturbation for a kiddie-porn website.

"It was a little bit different," Abdul replied, with Jackson adding: "I think the circumstances were quite a bit different."

With Simon Cowell not participating in the interview, Abdul made some jokes at his expense.

"Simon represents the ugliness and harsh reality of how hard it is to make it in the business," said Abdul. "He would poop in his own pants if he had to face himself."

Well, okay then. We're gonna leave that image alone.

We didn't see this photo coming.

A series of American Idol finalists - Ramiele Malubay, Jason Castro, Carly Smithon and Michael Johns being the most prominent - attended the movie premiere of Horton Hears a Who over the weekend.

Seen here, they actually posed with star Jim Carrey and his girlfriend Jenny McCarthy:

At the TV Guide party celebrating the top 12 American Idol finalists last week, series alum Kimberly Caldwell got a chance to speak with season seven favorite David Archuleta.

Considering how adorable this 17-year singer is, it's not difficult to imagine what Caldwell must have been thinking during the interview:

We've already shown you a photo of David Hernandez shirtless.

But now fellow American Idol finalist, Jason Castro, is proving that you needn't work at a gay bar in order to take your top off. Check it out:

Don't worry, fellas, we're trying to find a picture of Kristy Lee Cook shirtless. No luck so far.

On Wednesday's episode of American Idol, the women took the stage to sing 1980s hits.

Three of them â€" Asia'h Epperson (eliminated last night), Carly Smithson and Syesha Mercado â€" sported pants or shorts with a high waist, a trend that we've seen on celebrities such as Jessica Simpson, Fergie, Ashley Tisdale, Mischa Barton and many others in 2008.

So, let us know: Who wore it best on the American Idol stage?