I know this is kind of old news, in a way, but there are a few new things I’ve discovered which shed light on Britney, her performance at the VMA’s, and her life in general, that I thought might help piece together the puzzle.

Before the VMA’s, Britney Spears and Criss Angel were seen everywhere together.  Eating cozy meals, coming out of restaurants, driving in cars, going into hotel rooms, staying in hotel rooms…and staying…and staying….well, you get the idea.  The air was rife with rumors of Criss and Britney, sittin’ in a tree…or maybe that was just the stench of Paris Hilton for Men and Curious.  Then, suddenly, the night of the performance, he was nowhere to be found, and hasn’t been seen with the Britster since.  Well, Criss decided to clear the air about Britney, himself, and that disastrous VMA performance:

“We were supposed to do a creation of stuff that we worked on and it took a lot of dedication and work to do the things that we wanted to do,” Criss, on the set of his new NBC series Phenomenon, recalls exclusively to OK! about Britney’s planned VMA performance. “Unfortunately for me, she didn’t really want to put forth that type of effort.”

Criss, who has also been romantically linked to stars Cameron Diaz and Minnie Driver tells OK! that he just wanted what was best for Britney. “Basically I said, ‘Don’t worry about me. Do what you want to do. This is a big opportunity for you to do the VMAs, so if you don’t feel it, go with something else.’ And she chose to go with something else.”

As for reports that their backstage differences had ruined their friendship, Criss tells OK!, “We’re still friends and everything’s cool.”

Which is of course why he hasn’t been seen with Britney since.

But in doing some digging for this post, I found a few tidbits about Brit’s weekend in Vegas that surprised me.  They came from Robin Leach’s Vegas Luxe Life website, and shed some interesting light on Brit and her lifestyle.

But wait, there’s more…

TMZ is reporting that not only will each of the previous year’s winners of American Idol (minus Fantasia) be performing, but a whole host of celebrities will be performing as well - which may include punk-rockers Green Day.

Here’s who scheduled to be there: Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks. Gladys Knight is set to perform “Midnight Train To Georgia” with the final six female contestants (oh great more Haley “lotta legs” Scarnato, *burp*) and Smokey Robinson will be performing his smooth classic “Ohh, Baby, Baby” with the final six male contestants. Melinda, who was voted off last week will perform with BeBe and Cece Winans, and Sangina will rock out with Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry, reviving his “electric” performance of the “Girl You Really Got Me Now” by the Kinks. Blake will be rocking the microphone up against Doug E. Fresh (Will Smith’s old partner, oops that was DJ Jazzy Jeff, what do I know I was like ten!) and a duet with Jordin on the Beatles, “I Saw Her Standing There.” Why? Who the hell knows.

And then, the weirdos at TMZ quipped something about Green Day being sell-outs, and a highly placed source telling them that they will be performing on the show. Er, just because they are appearing on the biggest show among all the major networks hardly make them sell-outs. They are like 40 years-old for crissakes, I think they are allowed to do some major appearances at this stage in their careers. Who writes for TMZ anyway? Total doofuses.

Everyone is expecting Jordin to win. Most likely, but really, I don’t care. I stopped caring about four weeks ago.

Tonight is the beginning of the American Idol Finale Week and the final two contestants, Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks, will be facing off against one another to win the 2007 American Idol title.

Oh, and AI judge Paula Abdul broke a fall over the weekend with her face, as she tried to avoid stepping on her pet chihuahua Tulip. Abdul spoke to TV’s Extra about the incident, which ended up tearing cartilage in her nose and fracturing her toe:

”I took a nasty fall … trying not to hurt my dog. I bruised myself on my arm … my chest, my waist all the way down to my hip. All from my little chubby Tulip.”

Not very graceful for a former Laker’s girl and professional dancer, but then again this Paula Abdul we’re talking about here, she’s well known for wandering around half-tilted and full-loaded — on joy.

The good news: tonight when she’s slurring her speech and acting weird, we’ll know that she has a reason for popping prescription meds.

I joke…I love Paula. She’s the sweetest!!! And proof that being mentally incapacitated doesn’t have to keep you from living a full life!

American Idol contestant Melinda Doolittle was delivered a shocking blow last night when she was sent home leaving the final two, Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks, to battle it out next Tuesday for American Idol’s final’s week.

As is typical, the show dragged out revealing the results as long as possible, but the first contestant to receive relief was the bubbly Jordin Sparks who continues to be lovable and sweet. This left us with Blake and Melinda, and I doubt few watching could have expected the outcome to favor Blake Lewis who has seen his fair share of close calls this season. Melinda Doolittle hasn’t been in the bottom three once this season and judge Simon Cowell called her the “most consistent contestant” in the group. True dat!

But, alas Melinda’s wild ride came to an end last night. Fellow contestants Blake and Jordin seemed quit stricken with the news, shedding several tears during her goodbye montage. Melinda, with all the graciousness and professionalism we’ve come to expect shed barely a tear, smiled throughout and cheered on her friends who remained while closing the show with her strong voice intact performing once again “I’m A WOMAN.”

Worry not about Melinda. She will get a recording contract and likely be a huge hit.

So that leaves us with beat-boxer Blake and cute-as-button Jordin. My bets are with Jordin, but I wouldn’t be shocked one bit if Blake wins. The guy is stealthy.

Last night’s American Idol show was a great watch. The final six contestants Phil Stacey, Lakisha Jones, Melinda Doolittle, Chris Richardson, Blake Edwards and Jordin Sparks teamed up with legendary rock back Bon Jovi.

Let me set the record straight here. I am old. I grew up in the 80’s. I listened to Depeche Mode, The Smiths, New Order, OMD and XTC and all that other awesome new wave band shizzle. I did NOT listen to Journey, Foreigner, Whitesnake or Bon Jovi. Why, because I thought that music was for mullets - and mullets are unacceptable.

So, that said, last night was really cool. Jon Bon Jovi was very personable and down to earth. I didn’t “hate” him prior to the show, I just didn’t care, but now, I kind of like him.

Plus, he gave great advice: “Own the song.”Which is what each of them either did, or tried to do.

The smooth-headed military contingent Phil Stacey showed his strong vocal range by singing a Bon Jovi song he claims to have practiced in front of the mirror thousands of times in his youth: “Blaze of Glory” from Young Guns. That was a silly movie with both Kiefer Sutherland and Emilio Estevez, but I digress. Phil, as I have said all along, has gotten by on two things: his vocal chops (he’s just a really good singer) and his “aw shucks” likability. I would love to see him stay, but since two have to go, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s one of them - he just doesn’t fit the mold, despite being a great singer.

Jordin Sparks didn’t spark last night performing BJ’s uber-hit “Livin On A Prayer.” She tried, so gets credit for that. But that song is a raucous belter written for a male lead singer. The notes were totally out of her range. I am afraid her inability to meet the vocal range will be her undoing, but she’s still a great kid and really great performer. Bye-bye sweet Jordin, we’ll miss you!

Lakisha Jones just hit it out of the park with a soulful rendition of a lesser-known BJ song “This Ain’t A Love Song.” It was a tremendous song choice as it played well to her lower range, which is bluesy and raw. She really committed to that performance and it made me genuinely see her as a real artist who could sell a lot of records if given the right image and opportunity. Plus, Simon kissed her full on the lips and that was SOMETHING to see. Get a damn room next time. Lakisha’s going nowhere.

Blake Edwards. I just can’t even describe how talented this guy is. I thought for sure his one trick beat-box pony show was a gimmick that would get old fast when the show first started. I mean I like beat-boxing as much as the next person, but ya know, there’s a time and a place for everything. After backing off from his beat-boxing ability for several weeks, he brought his unique ability to blend contemporary elements to older style songs. He did the classic BJ hit “You Give Love A Bad Name” a treatment that could have been developed by the Chemical Brothers, Timbaland or the Neptunes. If he doesn’t win this year, he has a second career in production and remixes. The guy just has a magical ear.

Chris Richardson - I like Chris’ blue eyes. He’s a more handsome Justin Timberlake, but he’s getting old. Despite showing a bit of grit in his voice performing the BJ’s anthemic, “Wanted Dead Or Alive” he didn’t deliver it to me. I felt like he was relying too heavily on his good looks and JT comparisons, and something else insidious was showing through. A little bit of cockiness. Ewww… I do not like the cocky. Confident, yes. Secure, absolutely. Cocky? Get the F out! Maybe Chris will go instead of Phil. That would be ok with me.

And bringing up the rear, Melinda Doolittle. Yes, she is technically the most talented performer and she’s sweet, but I wasn’t all that blown away by her performance of BJ’s more recent hit “Have A Nice Day.” It was good, it was really good considering she’s no rocker (which she admitted readily) but it wasn’t great. That said, she seems to have stopped the mugging false humility shtick on camera, so that was refreshing. She’s staying, but I am not rooting for her at this stage.

I have grown to really like Blake and Lakisha. They are bold and have something unique to offer. Tune in for results tonight and to watch Bon Jovi do what old rockers do: go down in a blaze of glory.

Oh and I forgot, The Prez and His Missus gave a shout out to those who helped to raise over $70 million for charities sponsored by American Idol Gives Back. We gave $50, so I guess in reality they were thanking me and my family. I feel really special. Really.

If a cheap a** bastard like me can donate $50 dollars — a mere drop in the bucket in an ocean of tears for those in desperate need of help, then you can too. Do it, or I will hunt you down and kick your a**!

Go here to donate. DO IT. DO IT NOW!

Tonight’s results show, beginning at 8:00pm EST, will feature performances by not only the contestants, but they will be joined by a host of stars, most stunningly, the legendary U2 frontman and recently knighted humanitarian, Bono.

Not surprisingly, Bono’s global efforts to fight AIDS and poverty make him a perfect spokesperson to help publicize the hugely successful Fox shows philanthropic efforts aptly title American Idol Gives Back.

Bono will be meeting with the final six contestants to discuss the organization he works with One.org and their efforts in Africa to bring awareness to the deadly disease AIDS and how it has devastated that continent. The contestants will also be performing a song that Bono and Dave Stewart wrote called “American Prayer” about the AIDS epidemic.

Also appearing on the epic 2-hour special with Bono is a veritable dream team of stars, including Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani, Earth, Wind &Fire, Il Divo, Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Josh Groban with the African Children’s Choir, Jack Black, Helen Mirren, Rascal Flatts, Quincy Jones, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox.

Viewers will be able to phone in contributions to toll-free pledge lines during the show and proceeds will go to various charitable organizations being represented by the “Idol Gives Back” cause.

Ryan Seacrest also announced that something shocking would be happening on the show tonight also in the closing of last night’s performances.

I wonder if Paula’s going to string a sentence together? Or Ryan’s going to make out with Simon? Or Randy’s going to lay off the donuts? Whatever it is, I will be tuning in to see Bono and the host of cool stars talk about something more important than themselves.

For a change.

Update: Ellen Degeneres will also be adding hosting duties to the special.  Coolness!

The reign of the Desi-Queen ended last night, and America’s beloved Sanjaya Malakar was finally sent on his way - and Simon Cowell couldn’t have been more giddy.  I think I saw Simon’s heart shrink two sizes last night at the very notion the kid who almost ruined American Idol was going home.  Really, you’d think a man his age could show a little more maturity.

The bottom three was kind of a shock, but it’s merely a testament to how closely matched the talent gets at this stage of the competition.  In reality, had Sanjaya remained, it would have been an injustice to the other two in the bottom three: Lakisha Jones and Blake Lewis - but I wouldn’t have cried.  Don’t worry though girls, you can be guaranteed that a mediocre talent like Sanjaya will being polished and marketed for your consumption.  At least he has charisma, unlike most artists nowadays.

This season has plenty of talent, all kinds of stars, tons of controversy - but something is missing.  I just don’t feel like rooting for anyone. I ‘d finally come to accept Sanjaya at this stage, had he stayed it would have been ok with me - not right - but ok.  I feel very: *shrug* eh, who cares.

Maybe it’s the songs. 

Country music is not my favorite.  I am beyond insulting the genre anymore, because really, it’s not country.  I don’t know what it is, but I can’t make myself respect it.  All musical genres have been forced into the middle.  Homogenized beyond their original appeal.  Even my beloved punk have been consumed and barfed up and marketed as Avril Lavigne.  The ‘new’ new wave of Brit invasion is welcomed, but even they are don’t have what it takes to keep up. 

My pals at Get Your OJ and Confessions of A Fan Boy are trying to bring back the music, but their cries are being drowned out by the corporate whitewash of the music industry and of course, shows like American Idol. 

Cliched as it may be, music really is being controlled and ruined by men in suits - and 12-year-old girls who weep for the next Franki Valli.

Oh well, who cares.  It’s just one more joy within me that’s died, big deal.

After last night’s Final 8 show, featuring mentoring by actress/dancer/singer Jennifer Lopez, one thing became crystal clear to me: Haley Scarnato needs to go.

She’s out of her league.  Even a league that features the much maligned Sanjaya Malakar, who has some how managed to rise to the occasion and do what we thought was impossible: greatly improve.

Haley who has admitted her strategy on the show is to show as much skin as she can get away with, should have chosen a different strategy, like perhaps, sing as best as she can get away with.  I have her number, and so apparently, does Simon Cowell. 

In the last two weeks Simon has insulted Haley by way of complimenting her - in physical appearances only - and while she gets what he’s saying, she continues with her charade, while rolling her eyes at him.  She’s not being smart.

Whereas, Sanjaya took a negative and choose instead to “wow” the public with his tenaciousness and his charisma.  Is he the greatest singer?  Heaven’s no.  He’s not even close.  Blake Lewis is WAY better and even Phil Stacey has more range and ability.  But this show isn’t just about singing, it’s about the whole package. 

While I doubt Sanjaya will win the contest, he is going to parlay his bit of talent and determination in whatever way he can.  And that my friends, is a magical thing to see.  He’s only 17 and yet he’s smart enough to grasp what’s going on.  It’s an inspiration.  A fruity, weird and uncomfortable inspiration, but an inspiration none the less.

And Haley, your one trick pony show needs to take on down the road.  Maybe you and that other flesh-seller Antonella Barba can team up for a Playboy two-fer.

Or at least that’s my prediction, and I’d be willing to bet on it.

With Tony Bennett coaching the Idol contestants this week, this gave the controversial Sanjaya Malakar the opportunity to show off his retro-flair and show off he did. Sporting a slicked back hair-do, Malakar did a relatively good version of Fred Astaire’s “Cheek to Cheek” including hamming it up for the cameras by crooning to his fan-base, a twelve-year old girl in the crowd, and twirling AI judge Paula Abdul around like some-kind of sassy Desi-Astaire.

In fact, Sanjaya would have had to have come out on stage and punch a cripple, strangle a box of playful kittens, and thrown rotten eggs at confused Alzheimer patients in order to get himself voted off this week.

Sanjaya vowed his objective for the week was to “show America I can sing,” which in essence means he wanted to shake the notion he’s some kind of flukey phenomenon. So while he may not be the strongest singer in the group, he’s got a little something-something going on and even Randy noted that he’s become a “real performer.”

Maybe I will start a new trend and continuously eat ho-hos until Sanjaya is finally voted off in a fit of overwhelming concern for my increasingly bloated frame. Help me America - I can’t eat this truck load of ho-hos forever.

Or can I?

I predict that Phil “Nosferatu” Stacey will go home, although I think that hosebag Haley Scarnato deserves it more. Phil actually sounded great, despite what the judges said, and all Haley has going for her, is her innate ability to show off a lot of T & A.