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Teen power won out on "American Idol" as Katie Stevens claimed a place in the top 12 while a more experienced singer got the ax....

"American Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi (dee-oh-GWAHR'-dee) may still be drying her tears after a moving performance by contestant Michael "Big Mike" Lynche....

Even before Ellen DeGeneres took her seat on "American Idol," the roar began. Cries of "What does she know about music" and "Bring back Paula Abdul" lit up blogs and message boards. Then the next shoe dropped -- anchor judge Simon Cowell announced that the ninth season would be his last.

The first four "American Idol" semifinalists have been sent packing. "Idol" contestants Janell Wheeler, Ashley Rodriguez, Joe Munoz and Tyler Grady were revealed Thursday to be the two female and male semifinalists with the fewest viewer votes, leaving 20 singers to compete in the popular Fox singing competition's ninth season.

Tim Urban tripped up his second shot at "American Idol" fame. The shaggy-haired 20-year-old singer, who served as a last-minute replacement for 25-year-old shoe salesman Chris Golightly in the top 24 semifinalists, was derided by the Fox singing contest's judges for his screechy rendition of OneRepublic's "Apologize" during Wednesday's episode featuring performances from the top 12 male semifinalists.

Two dozen singers are now confirmed and angling for season 9 crown; see Michael Slezak's scouting report

Simon Cowell believes a woman is likely to win his final season on "American Idol." The acerbic British judge told a teleconference Thursday he thinks one of the 12 women among the ninth season's 24 semifinalists has a good shot to win the Fox singing contest....

Seven "American Idol" contestants can stop worrying, for now: They're in the top 24....

Ellen DeGeneres hit the right notes with "American Idol" viewers. Fans took to the Internet to express their pleasant surprise over the 52-year-old funnylady's debut as the singing competition's fourth judge. DeGeneres assumed her judging panel post for Tuesday's episode chronicling the first round of "Hollywood Week," the cutthroat post-audition phase in which 181 contestants will be narrowed down to 24 semifinalists.

Howard Stern told his satellite radio listeners on Monday that he is considering leaving Sirius — and radio altogether — to become a judge on “American Idol.”