American Idol Top 24 Announced

"Will Jennifer find the strength to go on?" Ryan Seacrest asked at the start of Thursday's two-hour American Idol.

Wednesday night, you'll recall, ended with a sobbing Jennifer Lopez listing to the side, like a leaking ship sinking into a sea of tears, giving bad news to Chris Medina.

Within two minutes, Ryan answered as we expected he would: "Jennifer knows the show must go on."
Not only that, she looked fabulous. The hair! The luster!

And off we went as the judges rounded out the top 24 roster, 12 guys and 12 girls, teasing (or more likely torturing) each singer with feints and sighs before finally delivering a verdict.

"You're mean," said Laina Alaina, who looked as if she were about to drop dead before getting good news.

Here are some of the dramatic highlights of the episode:

Goodbye to Jacee: The one big twist came at the end of the night, when poor little Jacee Badeaux – I guess there's really no need to describe him that way – was sent home, along with Colton Dixon. The last male spot went to the very nice, very talented Brett Loewenstern. He also happened to be the most deserving, but ruling against Jacee somehow feels like ruling against a puppy, or baseball cards in the spokes of a shiny new bike, or the American flag.

Country showdown: Scotty McCreery, who sang a great, old-fashioned cover of "Long Black Train" for the judges, made it through. They loved his classic country voice, of course, but also his decency – he's still apologizing for not sticking up for Jacee in the group round. But John Wayne Schulz and his big black hat hit the trail. Not too surprising, considering how he's barely been on camera since his audition. You had to keep an eye out for him from week to week.

Worst birthday ever: The last female spot came down to Thia Megia, who so far seems pretty much perfect, and Jessica Cunningham, who's auditioned seven times before. And Jessica was rejected once again – on her 25th birthday, unfortunately. She (jokingly?) made a rude gesture to the cameras. But she could have meant it and you wouldn't have blamed her.

Mr. Sunshine: Given good news, Jacob Lusk, the nightingale with the lungs of steel, stood up and let whoop with a high note, then hopped, danced, ran and whooped some more. He must have been especially stoked that Randy Jackson called his Hollywood-week version of "God Bless the Child," the "single best performance ever on Idol." If he actually wins, he'll spontaneously combust.

In general, the night's other winners were the obvious ones, and included Stefano Langone, James Durbin ("I don't think you'll ever be selling pizza," Steven Tyler told him.), Jordan Dorsey, Julie Zorrilla, Lauren Turner, and Casey Abrams ("I don't think we've ever seen a musician as talented as yourself," Randy said. "It's like three people in one"), who was so excited he accidentally knocked his chair off the stage. Also vying for your votes: Tim Halperin, Tatynisa Wilson, Robbie Rosen, Rachel Zevita, Pia Toscano, Paul McDonald, Naima Adedapo, Kendra Chantelle, Karen Rodriguez, Jovany Barreto, Haley Reinhart, Clint Jun Gamboa and Ashthon Jones.

Regis Philbin Replacement: Who Will Fill His Seat?

Who will fill Regis Philbin’s seat on ABC’s Live! with Regis & Kelly?

Here are 10 names making the industry rounds as potential pairings for Kelly Ripa. Some of these celebrities been previously reported and others are new. At least a couple, we’re told, are non-starters. ABC, unfortunately, has no comment. Here’s what we think:

– Ryan Seacrest: You can’t have a major talk show vacancy without his name coming up. He could clearly handle the job. The trick (as is the case with several names below) is working around his existing deals.

– Jeff Probst: The Survivor host is a superb interviewer, he has co-hosted the show in the past, and his contract is up this year.

– Mario Lopez: Another former Live! co-host. We’re told he’s potentially a popular contender, but that his deal with Extra may hold things up.

– Chris Harrison: The Bachelor host is already in the ABC family. If he can handle crazed bachelorettes, surely he can work with sweet Kelly, right?

– Mark Consuelos: Yup, Kelly’s husband. He’s an actor and reality show host. We’re hearing he’s an unlikely choice.

– Chris Cuomo: The 20/20 host is another ABC insider.

– Anderson Cooper: Woulda-coulda-shoulda. He’s busy trying to get his own daytime talk show off the ground.

– Billy Bush: Like Lopez, there’s an entertainment news program deal to work around — this time, with Access Hollywood.

– Neil Patrick Harris: Considered a fantastic substitute co-host on the show. But would he want the gig?

– Mike Rowe: Now this is an interesting name. The Dirty Jobs host and Deadliest Catch narrator has a ton of female fans. Could this blue collar man’s man pull off the celebrity bantering and hamming it up with Kelly? Why, this could be his toughest job yet.

Bonus: Here’s some names floated by other publications: Nick Jonas, Bryant Gumbel, Glenn Beck, Tom Bergeron, and Larry King.

And, yes, all those who are supposedly being considered are men (though one publication did mention Jane Lynch).

Keep in mind that when Kathie Lee Gifford left Live, similar lists circulated the media as producers began to reach out to prospective talent. And you know who wasn’t named on any of those lists? Kelly Ripa.

Jennifer Lopez & Steven Tyler a Hit on Idol

Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler's debut as American Idol judges has proved a hit with the critics.

Season 10 of the TV talent show got underway on Wednesday night with Tyler and Lopez replacing Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell on the hit show - and the two superstars wowed contestants and TV critics with their enthusiastic response to wannabes at auditions in New Jersey, which were taped last year.

The Los Angeles Times' Mary McNamara writes, "Moments into Wednesday night’s season premiere, it was gratifyingly clear that for the first time in a long time the fumblings and flailings of contestants fighting to find their feet on stage will not be mirrored by the judges' table.

"Not only are they great to look at, Lopez and Tyler are long-time stars who have nothing to gain, or lose, by being part of American Idol."

She adds, "Their natural confidence in front of the camera was such a blessed relief that it was hard to miss even the bracing ballistics of Simon Cowell."

New York Post critic Linda Stasi agreed, calling the duo's "instant chemistry" with existing judge Randy Jackson "so right, they couldn’t have created it in a lab".

She continues, "Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are not and will never be Paula (Abdul, another former judge) and Simon. They didn’t do the brother/sister love/hate thing - and didn’t try to. And that was great. They did something completely different. They were themselves - two superstars fully engaged and absorbed. And not with themselves, but with the contestants. Perfect."

However, the show lost a few viewers - the premiere opened to the lowest ratings since season one.

Ryan Seacrest and Jennifer Lopez: American Idol Will Be an 'All New Show'

For American Idol veterans Ryan Seacrest and Randy Jackson, season 10 isn't the same without former judge Simon Cowell.

"There are less clouds of smoke," Seacrest tells Entertainment Weekly in a new cover story about the show. "We start earlier. There's less – what is that English dish he always ordered for lunch? Shepherd's pie? He loves shepherd's pie."

"No, it's the blood pudding," Jackson jokes, then adds, "we definitely miss [Cowell], but it's a different kind of vibe. It's a different energy now."

"It's going to be an all new show," Seacrest says.

Jennifer Lopez explains: "We're more of a collaborative judging group. We're always leaning over to each other and saying, 'Oh my God, I think she's good.' 'Or, I don't get it.' 'You don't like it?' " she tells the magazine. "We just have a totally different style than any of the past judging tables."

In addition to Cowell, new judges Lopez and Steven Tyler are filling the shoes of Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres, who both bowed out of the Fox show over the summer, signaling a nearly complete makeover of the panel.

"It's not about replacing [Cowell] or any of the others," Jackson says. "People have been saying to us, 'Who's mean?' We've traded off on that because I think you have to always give people the truth, no matter what."

When Idol's season 10 premieres January 19th, it's not just the judges' fans who will be watching. Tyler wants everyone to know the contestants this year are "just astounding."

"We throw the drift net out and look what comes up?" Tyler says. "Gold."

Big Changes Await American Idol in Season 10

From the new judges to the new set, the new bandleader to the music itself, American Idol is getting some serious work done for its tenth season. “We’re going ahead with a whole fresh change,” Idol executive producer Ken Warwick said to Entertainment Weekly exclusively, “simply because we never thought in our wildest dreams that any show would last ten years on American television.”

Contrary to recent web reports, however, the show will definitely not be introducing a new music video challenge. The idea had been floated as a possibility at one point, but exec producer Cécile Frot-Coutaz tells Entertainment Weekly that while contestants are already experiencing new challenges this season, “We’re certainly not going to do the music videos.” And exec. producer Nigel Lythgoe laughs off the idea that a country singer won’t be asked to do an R&B song. “If you do Motown, then I’m not sure [how] you’re going to sing an R&B song and give it your country flavor,” he said. “You can’t suddenly go [in a painful country twang] ‘Staaaaap! In the naaeeemeee of loooaahve’ — so it’s not going to be like that. They’ve got to be clever with it.”

A source close to the show also said to Entertainment Weekly that contestants will be limited to cover songs when singing for votes, and it is unlikely that voting will move online this season. And the source is quite firm that there was never a plan to bring Idol all stars back on the show in anything other than a performance capacity.

So what big changes are afoot this season on Idol?

One sudden death Top 20 round. Instead of a three-week top 24 round in which America votes, 60 contestants were flown to Las Vegas to sing Beatles songs on the same stage at the Las Vegas Mirage that Cirque du Soleil performs LOVE. “I think a few [contestants] knew ‘Hello Goodbye’ because it was used on a Target commercial,” chuckles Lythgoe, “which is frightening.” But that round only knocked the talent pool down to 40 wannabes. Yet another round in Hollywood will narrow the contestants down to 20 singers, and only then will America vote in a single sudden death round that will select the Idol finalists from among two groups of ten.

A Top 12…or a top 10. While some reports speculate the final group could be as high as 15 contestants, the Idol producers told Entertainment Weekly the finalists will either be a top 12 or a top 10. “It’s one of those situations where we’ll see what the talent’s like,” says Warwick. “We’ll see what cross-section of kids we end up with in that final elimination round. It will be up to the talent that’s there as to whether we go with 10 or 12.”

No gender parity. Say goodbye to Idol‘s often rigid practice of maintaining the same number of female and male contestants in their final group. Explains Warwick: “If I’ve got six fantastic boys and four average girls, I’m certainly not going to throw out a fantastic boy to put in another average girl, or vice versa.”

American Idol returns to FOX two weeks from tonight on January 19th.

For more on all the changes in Idol Land — and Entertainment Weekly’s exclusive roundtable interview with host Ryan Seacrest and judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler — check out this week’s issue of Entertainment Weekly, on stands this Thursday and Friday.

Jennifer Lopez Putting American Idol Hopefuls 'Through the Wringer'

For American Idol newcomer Jennifer Lopez, the perfect pick-me-up during her first full day of judging was a fresh batch of eager contestants.

"It was a long day, but it wasn't tiring," Lopez, 41, said of her first day on the job in Jersey City, New Jersey. "I was energized by all of [the contestants'] spirits when they came in here – so hopeful about what could happen and how it could be. And it's exciting."

As the first round of auditions kicked off on Tuesday, the singer-dancer-actress is embracing her new role, describing her style as a mix between "tough, easy and fair."

And she's not letting anyone off the hook.

"I really want to put them through the wringer in the sense that I don't want to let anybody who's really great go ... because they're nervous or whatever and not get to see what they could've been," she said. "We worked with them a little more than maybe you’ve seen in the past. We give them more of a chance.”

Steven Tyler, the other panel newcomer, had advice for future Idol hopefuls: "Don't get mad at what we say – get better."

Veteran judge Randy Jackson also had some words of wisdom about rocking an interesting look: "Whatever you do, make it hot."

And with the show returning to Fox in January, host Ryan Seacrest was psyched about the three different styles the judges bring to the table.

"The chemistry is fantastic between these three," he said. "You know, they're having a good time."

Jennifer Lopez & Steven Tyler Announced as New American Idol Judges

It's official!

Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler will be joining Randy Jackson at the judges' table when American Idol kicks off season 10 in January.

"I'm looking for the next Michael Jackson," Lopez said before a screaming crowd at the Los Angeles Forum after Ryan Seacrest introduced her. "We're looking for the best American Idol ever."

The announcement was made during a live press conference Wednesday. Seacrest hosted the event, telling the crowd, "We are looking for the next star in music. We usually ask, who will be the next American Idol? We never asked this question, who will be the next judges on American Idol?"

Seacrest then introduced Randy Jackson, who told the crowd, "We found some unbelievable talent and I am calling season 10 the remix, baby!"

Up next, Tyler was introduced as a "rock legend." The Aerosmith frontman said joining the Idol family feels "fabulous."

"[It] feels like the perfect feathered nest," he said. "It's being a part of something much bigger than yourself. I want to bring some rock to this roller coaster."

Lopez, who dressed in a silver pant suit, was the last to be introduced.

"I love you guys. I am so excited," she told the crowd that included Idol hopefuls, there to try out for the show. "It is about concentrating in the moment, do the best you can. Just live! Just live, it's your moment."

The announcement comes with little surprise. In weeks leading up to the decision, sources said that Jennifer Lopez signed the deal worth $12 million. And Steven Tyler himself said he would "probably" be a judge when the show returned in the winter.

American Idol Season 10 Press Conference to Stream Live Today

American Idol fans will be able to get their own window into the action when today’s long awaited announcement of the show’s latest additions to the judges table is streamed live online.

Starting at 1:00 pm (ET), Idol fans can sign onto American Idol‘s website at http://www.americanidol.com/ to watch as Ryan Seacrest unveils the new lineup, and then stick around for the first press conference ever with Season 10′s squad.

This worst kept secret in the entertainment industry has several sources stating that Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler joining Randy Jackson in judging this season's talent.

It's Almost Official:American Idol to Unveil Judges for New Season

Nobody has sung a note yet on TV, and American Idol is already set to announce next season’s big winners –- for seats at the judging table.

After weeks of speculation about who would replace Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi, the show will announce the new judges September 22nd at an event hosted by Ryan Seacrest in Los Angeles.

Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler previously said he will “probably” be sitting at the judges’ table, while sources have said that Jennifer Lopez sealed a $12 million deal.

Shania Twain, Harry Connick Jr., Elton John and Chris Isaak have also been rumored to be possibilities.

The 'Dawg' Speaks! Randy Jackson on the 'American Idol' Rumors

With each new day, comes new 'American Idol' casting rumors. Ellen DeGeneres quits. Is Jennifer Lopez onboard? Is Steven Tyler? Did Kara DioGuardi really get fired? What is going on with Randy Jackson?

One of the main players involved -- Mr. Randy Jackson – has finally spoken up. E!Online spoke to the big "dawg" earlier today and he confirmed one thing. The host isn't going anywhere.

"The only thing that's for sure is Ryan [Seacrest]," Jackson told E!Online at the 2010 Farmers Classic tennis tournament. "Nothing has been decided," he added.

And while he wouldn't comment on rumors about whether or not he was fired along with DioGuardi, he did say he'd be pumped to welcome J.Lo to the judge's panel. "If Jennifer Lopez is a judge I would be very happy," says Jackson. "I love her."

At the Television Critic's press conference, Fox executives Kevin Reilly and Peter Rice referenced the ongoing casting talks. "The only thing I can tell you with absolute certainty right now is that no one has signed a deal yet on either side of the camera to join American Idol next year that wasn't on it last year. There are no signed deals with anybody."

When pressed about DioGuardi's alleged firing, Rice said, "I'm not going to get into the speculation about it, [because] it's not fair to everyone who is being speculated about."

But when asked about all the J.Lo and Steven Tyler casting rumors, Rice admitted, "Much of the information that has been written is accurate, and some of the information has been wildly inaccurate."

More 'Idol' Judges on the Chopping Block

With the ratings slump at 'American Idol' and Simon's departure just days away, TV insiders are expecting big changes in the format of next season's show -- and no, that doesn't mean Kara DioGuardi will host in a bikini.

"Everything is on the table," an 'Idol' insider has stated. "Nothing and no one is safe from change. There have been discussions about moving the show to New York, documenting the contestants living and fighting together in one big house and also eliminating the judges altogether. The only one who is safe is Ryan Seacrest."

Although no final decision has been made for any of the changes, those who were expecting that only Simon would be replaced will be shocked about the changes being discussed.

One suggestion was that before the producers go throwing out the baby with the bathwater, they focus on finding more interesting contestants and change some of the archaic rules on the show? After all, isn't the music what we really care about?

We'll have to stay tuned to see what is going to happen with the 10th installment of American Idol, which will premiere in January 2011.

Crystal Bowersox Almost Quit American Idol

In a shocking turn of events, we have learned that Crystal Bowersox nearly quit the hit FOX reality show American Idol two weeks ago. If not for some fast talking by show host Ryan Seacrest, she may well have headed home to her family.

TMZ has learned that in the parking lot following the AI show two weeks ago, the talented Bowersox remarked that she couldn’t handle the competition, hated the attention and asked Seacrest, “What’s the point?” Several witnesses overheard the exchange and report that she said she missed her family in Ohio terribly and wanted to go home.

Seacrest told her that being on the show was like starting a business that could well earn her a recording contract and help her to become a millionaire. He brought the message home by saying, “The greatest thing I ever did was make enough money so I could buy my mom a house.” That comment apparently resonated with the talented young woman because she is still in it to win it. Go Crystal!

Crystal has been the strongest performer this season and has a real shot at becoming the next American Idol.

In early March, Crystal was hospitalized for a serious medical condition

Former Idol's Host, Brian Dunkleman Says Ryan Seacrest’s Joke Wasn’t Funny

On Tuesday’s American Idol performance show, Ryan Seacrest danced with someone in the crowd during Tim Urban’s performance, made some awkward comments to guest mentor Adam Lambert and even teased that his former co-host Brian Dunkleman would be returning to the show for next week’s Idol Gives Back. The crowd cheered at that comment but fell silent when Seacrest said it was all a joke.

Dunkleman, who only appeared on the first season of Idol, spoke to TV.com about the incident, and was asked if he took it as a “slight.”

“Yeah, I think so, sure — but it was a joke,” he told the site. “Well, it was an attempt at a joke. But unfortunately for Ryan, instead of a laugh, he got applause. That’s never really been his strong suit. But it was a joke, and whether it was mean-spirited or not is irrelevant. A joke’s a joke; you can either take it or you can’t.”

As for Seacrest’s other unusual behavior, Dunkleman says, “The timing doesn’t surprise me. Dancing with the Stars has replaced Idol as the No. 1 show for, what, the last two weeks? I’m sure that’s sending Seacrest into a panic. It’s not surprising that he would act crazy to get attention, or throw my name out there — he’s done things like this before.”

American Idol Cast Gets The Simpsons Treatment

Check out the American Idol judges and host Ryan Seacrest all Simpson-ized!

Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres will invite Springfield bartender Moe Syzslak to join them on the Idol stage, according to People!

“Judge Me Tender,” starring the Idol cast, will air May 23rd on FOX.

FYI: This isn’t Simon’s first time as a Simpsons guest! He made a cameo on the show back in 2004, playing an admissions screener at a Springfield pre-nursery school where Homer and Marge hoped to send Maggie.

Ryan Seacrest: Simon Cowell & I are Actually Friends

Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell are always bickering on American Idol, poking fun at each other and throwing insults around, usually about the other’s lack of talent. But apparently it’s true what they say: You only hurt the ones you love.

“We’re actually friendly,” the Idol host says in an interview which aired Tuesday on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. “We don’t hold a grudge. We have a very competitive spirit and attitude on the show, but we’re friends.” He adds, jokingly: “I would be there for him if he needed a loan or something … because he’s really hurting.”

Seacrest, 35, says a small change to the set design has allowed him to badger Cowell, 50, more effectively this season. “They built this great little bridge,” he says. “It used to be like a moat between the stage and the judges’ table, but now there is this bridge.” That lets Seacrest get closer to the notoriously surly judge, “which makes him really uncomfortable. Which makes me happy.”
DeGeneres, 52, a new judge this season, says she gets uncomfortable, too — but it’s mostly when the show goes to commercial and she feels pressure to join her fellow judges as they all head outside for a break.

“They all just get up and walk out. So, I’m like, ‘I’m not just going to sit here,’ so I get up,” she says. “Simon goes out to smoke a cigarette, and Kara’s doing something, and Randy, and I’m just kind of out there because I don’t want to be by myself.”

American Idol: Shania Twain Judges in Chicago

The third night (Tuesday) of American Idol auditions brought out guest judge Shania Twain, wearing a nice denim coat and giving off a pleasant air of sensible professionalism. For all that, Ryan Seacrest kept reminding us that golden tickets were not flying out of the audition chamber. In the end, only 13 were awarded out of 12,000 hopefuls in Chicago.

But some promising talents will be worth looking out for in Hollywood:

Charity Vance, a 16-year-old whose parents own a salon, sang the old warhorse “Summertime” with a “small voice,” noted Randy, but had “an interesting sound.” What a little blonde sparrow was she!

Angela Martin, 28, has already been chosen for Hollywood twice, but her Idol career has been torpedoed by troubles both tragic (her father’s death) and minor (a court appearance over a traffic violation). She had a great voice, and there is no reason she shouldn’t go again if the rules allow it.

John Park, a voice student, won praise from Shania for “a beautiful bottom end” — referring to his tone, not the backside of his jeans.

Keith Semple, shown only briefly, was enjoyably Kris Allen-ish.

Inspirational story of the week: Paige Dechausse, who nearly died at 15 when an asthma attack closed her throat while she was singing, had a tough and tearful time winning approval from three judges after she oversold an old Sam Cooke classic. Simon, displaying the typical, invaluable insight that pilots the Idol ship, wasn’t buying it. But Randy finally gave in and went along with Kara and Shania.

And now, send in the rejected clowns: A Tiny Tim impersonator named Brian Krause (a put-on?) … a woman billed simply as Crazy Accordian Lady … and Amy Lang, who scared the judges by falling down in a (fake) dead faint. Then she startled them by thrusting out her chest in a weird burlesque bump worthy of Showgirls. Kara dubbed it “boob-boxing.”

American Idol Season 9:First Picture with Ellen as a Judge!

American Idol is back for its ninth season starting next week, and here’s your first look at Ellen DeGeneres with host Ryan Seacrest and fellow judges Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell!

The two-night season premiere will air next Tuesday, January 12th at 8:oo pm (ET) on FOX and Wednesday, January 13th in the same time slot. According to Access Hollywood, the premiere week will feature auditions from Atlanta and Boston.

Ellen won’t be on the judging panel until February. Instead, guest judges will be sitting in during the initial audition rounds. The celebrity judges including Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Neil Patrick Harris, Joe Jonas, Katy Perry and more!

Who will be this year's "American Idol"? We'll have to wait until May to find out!

Will You Ring In 2010 with Ryan Seacrest, Jay-Z, Anderson Cooper or Snooki?

Are you over holiday parties? Don’t want to go out in the cold (cool for SoFLa) or face the crowds to ring in 2010? Don’t worry! There is plenty to watch on TV this New Year’s Eve. Here’s a rundown:

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2010 (ABC)
Dick Clark, Ryan Seacrest and Melissa Rycroft will host the special from New York’s Times Square while Fergie will chime in from Las Vegas. Jennifer Lopez and Daughtry will perform live as The Black Eyed Peas, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, Keri Hilson, Colbie Caillat, Orianthi and Robin Thicke also take the stage.

Billboard’s New Year’s Eve Live (FOX)
Want to party with Carmen Electra? She’ll be hosting this special, which will feature performances by America Idol’s Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta and Sean Kingston, from Times Square and Las Vegas. This one will let you relive the best moments of the Billboard Music Awards and count down 2009’s top 5 in music, movies and television.

New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly (NBC)
Bundle up! This cool musical lineup includes Jay-Z, Rihanna, Green Day and the cast of the musical Hair as Carson Daly and Natalie Morales countdown to 2010 in New York’s Times Square.

MTV News Presents: Top 9 of ‘09 (MTV)
Want to hang out with Snooki and The Situation? You can count down the year’s biggest stories, from Michael Jackson to Eminem, with hosts Adrienne Bailon and — pump your fist! — the cast of the Jersey Shore!

New Year’s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin (CNN)
CNN will bring back to Times Square their infamous New Year’s Eve duo, serious anchorman Anderson Cooper and the inappropriate-yet-hilarious Kathy Griffin, to ring in 2010. But joining them this year will be Lance Bass, who will report from Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. What will they think of next?

The Graham Norton Show: New Year’s Eve Special (BBC America)
Want to get away without leaving the couch? The BBC’s wacky funnyman Graham Norton will ring in the new year with legendary and outrageous comic Joan Rivers, Sarah Jessica Parker and more. Expect the unexpected!

Tell us: What will you watch on New Year’s Eve by writing a comment below.

Simon Cowell is Top Earning Man on U.S. TV

Simon Cowell, the acerbic "American Idol" judge, creator of "America's Got Talent" an record producer, is the top earning man on prime-time U.S. television with an estimated haul of $75 million, http://www.forbes.com/ said on Tuesday.

Cowell, 50, beat out "The Apprentice" show host Donald Trump ($50 million) and "American Idol" presenter Ryan Seacrest ($38 million), based on estimated pre-tax earnings from June 1, 2008 to June 1, 2009.

Most of the top earners have several entertainment related ventures, Forbes said. Cowell has his own record label which has signed singers including Leona Lewis and Susan Boyle, in addition to his duties as a judge on "American Idol" -- the most watched TV show in the United States for seven years.

Apart from "The Apprentice", Trump lends his name to products ranging from neckties to vodka and reaps fees from speeches and books.

Seacrest, 34, has a Los Angeles morning radio show, is a celebrity TV host and developed the TV reality show "Keeping Up With the Kardashians," as well as hosting "American Idol".

Rounding up the top ten were "Two and a Half Men" star Charlie Sheen ($21 million), "The Office" actor Steve Carell ($20 million), "Deal or No Deal" host Howie Mandel ($15 million), 24's Kiefer Sutherland ($13 million), Jeff Foxworthy from "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" ($11 million), "House" star Hugh Laurie ($10 million) and "CSI: Miami" actor David Caruso ($9 million).

Idol Judges Ordered to Cut the Gay Jokes

A long-running “inside joke” between American Idol stars Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell has come to an end, now that Ellen Degeneres has replaced Paula Abdul on the show. Fans of the show know that there has been a weird, often inappropriate sexual tension between host Seacrest and judge Cowell for years, with Simon constantly cracking gay jokes. But according to sources, that’s about to change, because producers don’t want to offend Ellen.

Don’t expect to hear Simon Cowell needle Ryan Seacrest about being gay on “American Idol” this season, sources say.

“Idol” execs have warned both stars to cut out their usual gay banter when talk-show host Ellen Degeneres, who came out of the closet years ago, joins the series, insiders say.

Simon and Ryan have had their fun poking at each other’s sexuality for eight seasons now, even though neither one of them is gay.

“With an openly gay woman coming on board, an effort is being made to make her feel welcome,” a source divulged.

“Simon’s been told, and to a lesser extent Ryan too, that the act is played out anyway, so no more ribbing each other about being gay. The ‘Idol’ bosses don’t want it.”