American Idol finalist David Archuleta has won the hearts of millions of Americans.  To his fans, he is idyllically sweet, naïve, and a representation of what American Idol is about – the emergence of fresh, new talent.  However, there have been rumblings, rumors throughout the American Idol season that not everything was apple pie and unicorns in the Archuleta camp.  David Archuleta's father was said to be overbearing, a brutal stage dad who made all the decisions for little David, including song choices, how he performed his songs, etc.  Earlier in the American Idol season, Jeff Archuleta denied that was a stage dad, and that all the reports were basically untrue.  He was lying.  On the heels of last Tuesday's Top 4 performance show, Jeff Archuleta has been banned from appearing backstage by American Idol.   He can no longer be in any practice room, in contact with the other singers, the vocal coaches, the band, anything.  He'll be allowed to attend the live shows this week and next, but that is all.

On next Tuesday's American Idol Top 3 performance show, each of the final three singers ( David Cook , David Archuleta and Syesha Mercado ) will perform three songs each.  The Top 3 week is a notorious one for the remaining singers.  Not only are they faced with the task of singing more songs than they've ever sung before, they have to take a trip back to their hometown for an impromptu concert.  When you add the additional pressure of, you know, simply being in the American Idol final three, you realize that the three finalists are in for a tough week.  Which got me thinking: which of the remaining singers is best prepared to endure the rigors of the next week? 

Jason Castro is a likable dude.  Listening to his conference call with the media this morning, you can't help but like the guy – he has no ego, is remarkably laid-back and doesn't take himself at all seriously.  Unlike some American Idol contestants, the modesty is real.  When Castro was eliminated from American Idol last night, he was relieved – never has someone been happier to get the boot from American Idol .  The reason was simple – he had a hard time learning two songs in a week, learning three was going to be near impossible.  Below you'll find the highlights of the conference call Jason held this morning. 

The second season of Idol Camp is almost upon us and the good news is thatthe application deadline has been extended.  So, f you have ever dreamed of becoming  a star (and, let's face it, who hasn't?), this summer, you'll have the chance to perform and grow in two amazing weeks at the ultimate summer camp. Find out more! 

David Archuleta, David Cook and Syesha Mercado grace the cover of this coming week's TV Guide Magazine.  In addition to featuring the Idols on the cover, TV Guide digs into the season and profiles a week in the life of an Idol.  The magazine hit's newstands on Wednesday, May 14th.

The Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year, Carrie Underwood was awarded with yet another accolade on Sunday when fellow Oklahoman and Opry member Garth Brooks presented her with her own Opry Member Award. "Nothing will last as long or be more important than this award right here tonight. Congratulations," Brooks told the beaming Underwood. Since childhood, the Season 4 American Idol winner has loved the Opry and on June 10, 2005, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of debuting on its stages. Understandably, the televised awards ceremony was an emotional one for Underwood. "This is going to have a very special place in my awards case," Underwood said, voice breaking momentarily. "I want to thank everybody at the Opry for having me as part of your family because it is such a great family to be a part of. It really means everything to me. I am so blessed." Underwood's latest award adds to her long list of accomplishments and professional activities. She is currently headlining her "Carnival Ride Tour" and her current album "Carnival Ride" features the #1 co-written smash hits "So Small", "All-American Girl" and "Last Name", which went double-platinum after only two months of its release. Underwood will next appear at the Opry on Tuesday, June 3 alongside Montgomery Gentry, The Oak Ridge Boys and Luke Bryan. Clearly Carrie Underwood has gone extremely far since she dominated the Idol stages. Why not take a peek back at her journey along Carrie's Transformation Gallery ? To our dear friend from Checotah, we offer a great big, Congratulations, Carrie!