How long will American Idol last? Everyone has their opinion on the subject, but unless they stop with the overkill the show will inevitable implode.

Congratulations to Fantasia Barrino, who was the winner of the third American Idol title. But, Miss Barrino's margin of victory is unclear. MSN.com reported that Fantasia edged out competitor Diana DeGarmo by 1.3 million votes, while E! Online said that the vitory was only by 1% of the 65 million votes (meaning some 650,000 votes). Whatever the case, Diana cannot feel too badly about making into the top two, and will likely secure a record deal of her own.

Todays linkage: an article on cast changes for 24, and some little known behind the scenes details of American Idol.

Tonight is the night! 24's third day concludes and Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo face on the America Idol performace show. On American Idol's official website there is a poll which poses the question: "Do you know who you're voting for this week?" 72% (including me) said that they had decided months ago. Vote Fantasia! I will be!

First, ABC postpones the return of Alias until January (read more), then FOX announces it will also let 24 simmer until 2005 has been rung in (read that here). It will be hard for me to wait that long for 24, but at least once it has begun there won't be any repeats or weeks off. 24 also moves to Monday nights, away from American Idol (also returning in January). Those of us hoping that 24 will end after 4 years (to make sure it, to use the clique, "goes out with a bang, not a whimper") may see this as a sign of hope. Though its current lead in is one of the top shows on television, 24's audience is much smaller. With a different, likely less popular, show airing first, the ratings (hopefully NOT the quality) may plunge even more, thus eliminating any possibility for a fifth season. But, who knows what will happen. Only time (tick-tick-tick) will tell.

Could it be true? Did comic legend Andy Kaufman really fake his death, and is he in the process of making good on his promise to return twenty years later? Normally I wouldn't put much faith in such things, but the supposed official site of Andy's return (click here to view it) did make it onto Yahoo news today (click here to view that). I still have my doubts, after all it would be easy for Andy's inner circle, or even some wacked out fans, to "resurrect" him. Until he does a live interview on national television I don't think I will buy into it. You be the judge.

Next week viewers of American Idol will have FOUR hours to vote for their pick instead of the usual two. I think I may be wearing out my speed dial to help get Fantasia the title. Read more here.

Been wondering what happened to Paula Abdul's thumb? The following explanation comes from IMDb.com: American Idol judge Paula Abdul has announced plans to launch legal action against the nail salon which she claims caused her to almost lose her thumb. The singer was left wearing a sling, which she claims was the result of a manicure gone bad at Studio City, California's Chinoisiere. Abdul alleges she was left with an infection so severe that she almost lost her thumb. Doctors at Los Angeles' Cedar's Sinai Hospital reportedly had to surgically remove the entire nail. She tells American TV show Celebrity Justice, "I've had manicures forever, and I've never run into any problem like this, so it's kind of frustrating." Abdul is how set to retain a major personal injury law firm to aid her in her battle against the nail salon. Sources say a lawsuit is likely as early as this week. But a manager at the salon suggests Abdul's injury didn't happen there, telling American TV show Celebrity Justice, "We called her initially out of concern (because) we like her, not because we had anything to do with it. Her claims are inconsistent with the dates and times she was here." But Abdul says that while doing her nails, the manicurist poked her in the thumb and she screamed. When she left, Abdul says she sucked her thumb and tasted blood. She also says the salon called her friend four times that night to see how she was doing. The former pop star's representatives say they will be able to prove the timing is consistent.

Wow. I have been curious about Google's gmail for a while, but I would not be willing to pay to try it. But some people are! Go to eBay and type in gmail. Amazing what people are willing to pay for something that will soon be available for free!

How to avoid cancer? Don't drink pop or booze.

This is, uh...interesting?

Yeah, yeah! I know I have been slacking in the blog department, but I have been busy finishing up school (done as of this morning! whoo-hoo!), and my internet at work was down for a few days. But, I am back!

To get things started, check out this article about Jack Bau...I mean Kiefer Sutherland.

And, this article scares me. I may not be a big fan of this fashion trend, but I don't think it should be illegal. 1984 here we come!

I have always wanted to see the musical Rent, but it never worked out. Now it seems that I will get a chance to see it on the big screen! Home Alone and Harry Potter director Chris Columbus has signed on to write and direct the cinematic adaptation. However, with Columbus busy producing the rest of the Harry Potter movie series, it may be a few years before this one gets made. Read the full article here.

Famously blunt American Idol judge Simon Cowell is creating a new reality show called "X-Factor." A sibling show, of sorts, to Idol, the show's contestants will be picked by the judges rather than the public at large. In yet another twist, the panel of judges will work closely with the contestants on their performances, and then both judge and contestant together will face a review from the rest of the panel. The show will premiere in England this year, but Cowell is hoping it will be picked up on our side of the Atlantic soon after. FOX would be stupid to not pick this one up; I am sure America would love to see Mr. Simon Cowell subjected to what he has put so many others through—can we say ratings goldmine? Read the original article.

To celebrate the release of Kimberley Locke's debut CD "One Love" I am posting links to snippets of 7 of the songs, courtesy of Kimberley's official site.

# 1: "Have You Ever Been In Love"

# 2: "Coulda Been"

# 3: "Wrong"

# 4: "It's Alright"

# 5: "Now I Can Fly"

# 6: "You've Changed"

# 7: "Without You" (duet with Clay Aiken)

Also, check out the video for her first single "8th World Wonder on LAUNCH.com here.

For those of you unfamiliar with Kimberley Locke (SHAME ON YOU!), she was in the top three last season on American Idol, but lost out to Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard.

Congratulations K-Lo, and good luck!