Guess what? Season 11 of American Idol is going to have the best talent ever. At least that's what the judges indicated during a press conference at call-back auditions in Savannah, Ga., yesterday. "You saw the show last year and saw the talent," judge Jennifer Lopez said. "People this year have to be better than that. We've found a few in Savannah." Was there ever any doubt?
• Even though the judging panel's intact, Jennifer did consider leaving Idol after one season. "I got a little bit tired at the end with everything going on in my life at the time," she says.
• American Idol will have a major presence at this year's MDA Labor Day Telethon. Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe will be one of the telethon's co-hosts. Jordin Sparks will appear on the show, as will all three judges.
• Speaking of Nigel Lythgoe, he's in talks with CW to create a singing competition for that network that's being compared to a next-gen Partridge Family. I think I love it.
• James Durbin is recording a song called Stand Up, but it won't be for his record.