TV Guide had the opportunity to interview one of the most talked about Idol contestants in AI history, Sanjaya Malakar. They caught up with him a mere 24 hours after he turned eighteen. A surprisingly dry-witted Sanjaya dishes on his birthday, his semi-vegetarian diet, his impending move to Los Angeles, and why his American Idol buddies are going to kick his butt! For the full interview, go to TV Guide!

Jordin Sparks has been named one of 2007's Hot Hollywood Power Players by Us Weekly. Jordin is named "The People's Choice" in the magazine issue that went on sale on Friday. The article refers to Jordin's "powerful pipes and girl-next-door good looks" as American Idol's "saving grace." Jordin's first single "Tattoo" has already been immensely popular on the charts, and she has a record deal and an album due out Nov. 20. Read more about why Jordin's first single is such a success!

(AP) - Fans of Jia, one of China's 'Super Girls' stand behind a police line as they watch the singer perform during a concert in the people's stadium in Beijing, in this October 9, 2005, file photo. China has issued strict rules for TV talent shows, limiting mass participation by banning 'American Idol'-style audience vote by mobile phone text message or Internet and bumping the programs out of prime time. (AP Photo/Elizabeth Dalziel)

"The Next Great American Band," a new FOX show by the American Idol producers, offers all the drama, intrigue, and musical performances that it takes to make an amazing reality show. Make sure to check out our sneak previews. This video goes into the more interesting trials and tribulations that some of these bands have experienced throughout their careers. Check out this video to get an early look at some of the bands. Both male and female band members of all ages discuss the bumpy (sometimes literally) road that led them to these Vegas auditions. They'll both leave you wanting to know who is going to end up as "The Next Great American Band!"

Jordin Sparks has certainly hit the ground running since her season six American Idol win. As Chuck Taylor of Billboard notes, she went about making her first single in a rather unconventional yet brilliant way: So many American Idols who won favor with voters because of sheer vocal potency ultimately betray that trust by entering the studio and recording music aiming to fluff up the hip factor—and in the process, hiding their gifts behind junk production and throwaway tracks. How refreshing that season six winner Jordin Sparks kick-starts her career with a genuine showcase of her beautiful voice. Midtempo melodic keeper "Tattoo," about the indelible emotions that remain after a faded relationship, is an ideal fit for a first fall hit, with crisp, mature instrumentation and a vocal that is ironically reminiscent of fellow "AI" hitmaker Kimberley Locke (a supreme compliment). —Chuck Taylor Source

Ryan Seacrest, host of the 59th PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS® and AMERICAN IDOL, will take a late-night break on the eve of the EMMYs to sit down with Spike Feresten on the sophomore season premiere of TALKSHOW WITH SPIKE FERESTEN Saturday, Sept. 15 (Midnight-12:30 AM ET/PT) on FOX. Feresten and Seacrest will chat “host-to-host” as Seacrest prepares to host one of television’s biggest events. In addition to catching up with Seacrest on the road at the San Diego AMERICAN IDOL auditions, the premiere will feature a new installment of “Comedy for Stoners” and Spike hitting Venice Beach for a sketch feature on “Homeland Security.” Hosted by Emmy-nominated writer Feresten (“Seinfeld,” “Late Show with David Letterman”), TALKSHOW offers a fresh approach to the conventional late-night format. The series dispenses with the traditional monologue, features comedy in every act and uses guests in unpredictable ways. Check out Ryan's promotional video for the Emmys right here on Americanidol.com!

Season 3 finalist and Oscar winning actress Jennifer Hudson will be bringing her talents to the big screen once again in “Sex and the City: The Movie.” In a shift from her Best Supporting Actress winning role as Effie White in “Dreamgirls,” Hudson will be playing the assistant to main character Carrie Bradshaw [Sarah Jessica Parker] in the film based on the popular comedy series. While Hudson will be new to the cast, actors Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, and Chris Noth, along with executive producer Michael Patrick King are all on board for the film that will be set in Manhattan, four years after the television series' conclusion. Hudson has been keeping busy since leaving the American Idol stage three years ago. In addition to working on her debut album for Arista Records, currently slated for an early 2008 release, Hudson recently wrapped up production on a film entitled “Winged Creatures,” where the American Idol alumnus acted alongside Hollywood heavyweights Forrest Whitaker and Kate Beckinsale. As Hudson continues making headlines in both music and film, relive her time on American Idol in our exclusive Season 3 photo gallery!

KIMBERLEY LOCKE will release a new collection of holiday recordings on November 6, 2007. Simply titled Christmas, the set will include her two Billboard #1 AC hits "Up On The Housetop" (2005) and "Jingle Bells" (2006). Other highlights include classic arrangements of holiday must-hear songs, including "Frosty the Snowman," "Away In A Manger, "Holly Jolly Christmas," as well Kimberley's take on some more modern classics like Wham's "Last Christmas," and The Carpenter's "Merry Christmas Darling." Kimberley joined sax man Dave Koz for a bluesy version of "Please Come Home For Christmas." The album will be sold as an exclusive digital download via all digital outlets including iTunes. "Whenever a newer recording artist makes a holiday album, I find it works best if they capture the sound from Christmases past," explains Kimberley. "I feel we caught the warmth and fun of a classic Christmas sprinkled with some cool, modern twists." Keeping busy this winter, Kimberley will join Koz for "Dave Koz & Friends: A Smooth Jazz Christmas" concert tour. Beginning November 26 at the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore, MD, the tour will visit over 20 cities throughout December. As she looks to next year, Kimberley recently mentioned to Billboard that she, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken are in talks to "hopefully" hit the concert circuit in '08 for a tour titled "Reunited: 5 Years Later." Ruben, Clay and Kimberley were 1st, 2nd and 3rd, respectively, on Season 2 of "American Idol." Kimberley recently scored her fifth top 10 Billboard AC hit with "Change." Lifted from her sophomore set, Based on a True Story remixed versions hit #1 on Billboard Club. The new single, "Band of Gold," a cover of the 1970 Freda Payne hit, is currently in the top 20 on Billboard AC with dance mixes being serviced to clubs later this month. Earlier this year, Kimberley got in shape on the series "Celebrity Fit Club 5." She continues to lose (nearly 40 pounds and counting) through her endorsement deal as a Jenny Craig spokesperson. Track listing for Kimberley Locke's Christmas is below. Up On The Housetop Jingle Bells Merry Christmas Darling Last Christmas* I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm Mary Did You Know? Away In A Manger Holly Jolly Christmas We Need A Little Christmas Frosty the Snowman Ave Maria

(Reuters) - Guests mingle at the party for the 12 finalists of the television show 'American Idol' at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles, March 9, 2006. With a dash of charity and some posthumous help from Elvis Presley, smash hit 'American Idol' clinched its first Emmy in six years on Saturday to avoid becoming the biggest loser in the history of U.S. television's highest honors. (Mario Anzuoni/Reuters)

The Creative Arts Emmy Awards were held this past Saturday, and American Idol took home two awards for its humanitarian effort, "Idol Gives Back." AI took home the prestigious Governor's Award as well as an Emmy for "Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special." Whether it was the star-studded cast, the posthumous performance by Elvis with Celine Dion, or just the fact that the audience saw it as a more-than-worthy cause, "Idol" was definitely recognized for its efforts put forth during the $76 million benefit special. Were you hoping to donate but thought it was too late? You can still help the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund by visiting the Idol Gives Back section, right on Americanidol.com!