Bucky Covington’s self-titled debut CD opens at #1 on Nielsen Soundscan’s Country Top 75 chart with 61,000 units sold. Bucky’s debut CD also enters Nielsen Soundscan’s all genre top 200 chart at #4 and is the only new country act to open inside the top five this year. This puts him in good company, as only two other country acts, including Tim McGraw and Martina McBride, have debuted inside the top 4 on Nielsen Soundscan’s Top 200 chart this year. With 61,000 units sold in the first week, this gives Bucky the distinction of having not only 2007’s biggest unit debut from a new country artist, but also the best first week sales and highest Top 200 debut for any new male country artist since Billy Ray Cyrus in 1992. The strong sales debut comes as no surprise, as Bucky Covington has already become not only one of the most critically acclaimed CDs to come out of the Idol franchise, but one of this year's best-reviewed country albums. Here's what some of the nation's toughest critics are saying about Bucky Covington: Miami Herald: “The most cohesive album to come out of the franchise yet.” Dallas Morning News: “Easily the best country album by an American Idol contestant.” Entertainment Weekly: “The North Carolinian with the throaty drawl could sell everything-from the cheeky to the weepy. And he does.” Associated Press: “Covington delivers. His gritty growl comes alive…[and] he sounds like the star he could evolve into…” Seattle Post-Intelligencer: "Bucky Covington bucks the odds, thanks in large part to strong songs. Covington's vocals are something of a revelation, as well, reflecting the positive influence of blues-based Jeff ("Angel Eyes") Healy and R&B-braced Travis Tritt." Minneapolis Star-Tribune: "Covington may deserve a second look...he shows personality as a singer... and delivers the best stuff with the gritty know-how of John Mellencamp." Bucky Covington was released April 17 on Lyric Street Records. The current single, “A Different World,” is poised to break into the top 20 on the country radio charts while the video is climbing CMT and GAC’s countdown shows.

By now, you know that voting is the only way to keep your favorite Idols performing each week--but tonight, another incentive has been added. For this night only, donations will be made to the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund (CPEF) by corporate sponsors FOR YOUR VOTES. Show your devotion to your favorite Idol while helping underprivileged children in the U.S. and Africa-what could be better! If you want to learn more about how the voting works, visit our FAQ section. Find out more about Idol Gives Back. 

Watch the latest video in our Get the Look section for Sanjaya's take on his "quirky" fashion sense and how his style evolved while on the show. You'll also find out what outfit Sanjaya liked the best--as he said, it was "me in a nutshell!" Keep watching, as American Idol's fashion stylist, Miles Siggins, also gives another insider tip on how to keep clothes looking fresh and clean! Check out the video now!

As part of his ongoing efforts to fight AIDS and poverty in Africa, U2's Bono will participate in the IDOL GIVES BACK fundraising special airing Wednesday 8/7c on FOX. The two-night special begins tomorrow 8/7c. The Irish singer will meet with the six American Idol finalists to talk about the work of ONE: The Campaign to Make Poverty History (www.one.org) and how the IDOL audience can help. The IDOL contestants also will perform "American Prayer," a song written by Bono and Dave Stewart about the AIDS emergency in Africa. Bono joins an illustrious group of celebrity participants on the special, 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 and many more.

Comedy and TV star Ellen DeGeneres will host this week’s second night of Idol Gives Back, the star-studded fundraiser to benefit poverty-stricken youth in Africa and America. The special two-night event kicks off Tuesday with the six remaining contestants performing songs along the theme of “life anthems.” At the end of the performances, viewers will vote as usual for their favorite contestants, only this time donations will be made by corporate sponsors, News Corporation, Ford, Coca-Cola and AT&T. In addition, anyone wishing to improve life for those living in extreme poverty is encouraged to donate to the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund (CPEF). With two exciting nights of performances scheduled and additional celebrities still joining in, there’s never been a better time to watch American Idol and to help give back. Ellen DeGeneres hosts Idol Gives Back from the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Wednesday at 8/7 c. Click here to donate or for more information on Idol Gives Back and the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund (CPEF).

If you're one of the lucky ones who got tickets to the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Wednesday, here's what you need to know. 1. Please note that the show START time for WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2007 is 5:00PM. We suggest that you allow a minimum of 1 hour to arrive at the WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL, park, find the entrance, wait in the audience line, clear security, and locate your seat. 2. Production will fill any empty seat by 4:30pm, so please be in yo9ur seat by 4:30pm. This is a live vent that starts promptly at 5:00pm. 3. No cell phones, pagers, cameras, etc., are permitted in the theatre. 4. Signs are encouraged, not to exceed poster size, with no logos or business references. 5. No chewing gum food or beverages are allowed in the theatre & please do not wear clothing with logos.

Did you miss Fergie’s performance on American Idol? Or maybe you caught it, but are still wanting to hear more? Americanidol.com’s James Pumphrey recently caught up with the Black Eyed Peas superstar for an exclusive low down on what it means to go solo and what the meaning is behind the hit, "London Bridge." Fans will not want to miss this interview - Watch now!

The huge "Idol" news of the week was Sanjaya's departure on results night. Watch his moving exit interview and you will see a very stoic Sanjaya Malakar. He discusses the "amazing ride" that was AI, what he thought about all the hoopla surrounding him in the media, and how he used his hair as a tool for success during his run! Watch it now to find out all this, plus what he plans on doing with his career, post-"Idol."

Coca Cola takes us Behind the Scenes of American Idol, and they've even just added a new, unique twist to an already interesting perspective. You get to see the Idols through THEIR eyes! Confused? The Idols have taken the opportunity to turn the tables on each other, as they grabbed the cameras and ran with it! Watch the hilarious results!

Check out the latest Idol Tonight video clip for an exclusive interview with Bucky Covington. The hosts of Idol Tonight definitely bring out a side in Bucky that you haven't seen before! Plus, some of the Idols dish on CD's that others would be surprised to know they own--and there's no doubt that you will be surprised about a few of them! Watch it now! Mark your calendars--Idol Tonight runs as a pre-show on Wednesday nights on the TV Guide Channel at 7/6c.