Happy Birthday, Brandon Rogers!

Season 6 finalist Brandon Rogers celebrates his birthday on Sunday, December 11. While on American Idol, Brandon received much praise for his smooth R&B vocals and he made it all the way to the Top 12. Brandon used his Idol experience to further his career in entertainment.

The Los Angeles resident started his career in the music industry as a backup vocalist performing with some of the biggest pop artists including Christina Aguilera, Anastacia, Justin Timberlake, and more.

Happy Birthday, Brandon!

Happy Birthday, Katie Stevens!

Season 9’s Katie Stevens is growing up before our eyes. The Middlebury, CT native was just 16 when she auditioned for American Idol in Boston, and yesterday she turned 19!.Each week, the high school student performed with the maturity of a singer twice her age.

With solid performances of songs like “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Wild Horses,” and “Let It Be,” Katie made it to eighth place in the competition. Due to her Top 10 standing, Katie spent the summer traveling the country with the American Idols LIVE! 2010 Tour. 

We saw Katie throughout Season 10, as she attended shows and walked the red carpets. She even became best friends with Season 10’s Lauren Alaina!

Happy Birthday, Katie!

Kellie Pickler Unveils Album Cover and Track List

Season 5 country cutie Kellie Pickler released the cover for her upcoming album, 100 Proof. Take a look!The album is available everywhere January 24, and fans can pre-order now from Kellie's Official Store and get a free download of "Tough!"

Also, Kellie revealed the anticipated track listing for 100 Proof:

-Where's Tammy Wynette-Unlock That Honky Tonk-Stop Cheatin' On Me  -Long As I Never See You Again  -Tough  -Turn On The Radio And Dance  -Mother's Day  -Rockaway (The Rockin' Chair Song) -Little House On The Highway -100 Proof -The Letter (To Daddy).

Kelly Clarkson's "I'll Be Home For Christmas"

To get everyone into the holiday spirit, American Idol's Kelly Clarkson recorded an exclusive version of "I'll Be Home For Christmas," featured on her new 8 song iTunes Session, available for pre-order on 12/13 and out on 12/27!

"I'll Be Home For Christmas" is available exclusively on iTunes starting TODAY.On October 24, Kelly released her brand new studio album, Stronger. The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 and #2 on the Digital Albums Chart selling over 163,000 units.

Carrie, Kelly, and Scotty Win American Country Awards

At last night’s second annual American Country Awards live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Carrie Underwood, Scotty McCreery, and Kelly Clarkson were nominated, and ALL of them brought home awards!

The night of awards began with Season 6 American Idol Jordin Sparks presenting with Josh Turner (“Baby lock them doors!”), and they presented Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood with the guitar award for Single of the Year by a Female Artist for “Mama’s Song.” After the Season 4 Idol got the award from the Season 6 Idol, Carrie said, “I would like to thank country music for giving us the best fans in the world.”Season 10’s Lauren Alaina presented with Bill Engvall and announced the second award of the evening, and Lauren showed off her comedic abilities while presenting.

Lauren Alaina to Join Jason Aldean & Luke Bryan on Tour!

Season 10's top girl, Lauren Alaina, has been invited to go on her first official country tour with fellow Georgia natives Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan for Aldean’s 2012 “My Kinda Party” Arena Tour. The 17-year-old singer/songwriter is supporting her critically-acclaimed debut album Wildflower and current sassy new single “Georgia Peaches.”

The “My Kinda Party” Arena Tour kicks off January 20 in Greenville, SC and continues through March 24 where it wraps in East Rutherford, NJ."I am so excited to be a part of the Jason Aldean tour with Luke Bryan!” beamed Lauren Alaina. “I am a huge fan of both of them.  I mean -- if I wasn't a part of the line up, I would want to be in the front row!  I am honored that my first major country tour will allow me to share the stage with two fellow Georgia artists. That is definitely my kind of party!"

This Week in Idol History: Dec. 5 - 11

This week in American Idol history, the two champions from Birmingham, Alabama released their debut albums. See what else happened this week!Last December 6, Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert released his EP, Acoustic Live!

The EP included five acoustic covers of some of his most popular singles. Last month, Adam announced via Twitter that his next album is called Trespassing and it will be out this spring.Also last December 6, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood received six awards at the first-ever American Country Awards. Tune in to FOX tonight, Monday, December 5th to see if she’ll win big again!

Idol Round-Up

American Idol was the #1 searched TV show and #1 searched Reality TV show on Bing in 2011. From Bing: “Heading into its 11th season, American Idol had a strong hold on searches in 2011, beating second place…by 43 percent.” Bing also noted,

“Jennifer Lopez was far and away the most searched American Idol personality.” See how we stacked up! Remember to vote in the People’s Choice Awards for American Idol as Favorite TV Competition Show!

Happy Birthday, Clay Aiken!

One of American Idol’s most popular finalists, Clay Aiken, celebrates his birthday today. Although it’s been nine seasons since Clay was introduced to Idol watchers around the world, he’s still as busy as ever!

Clay has released six records since Idol: Measure of a Man, Merry Christmas With Love, A Thousand Different Ways, All Is Well, On My Way Here, and Tried and True. He has been on tour several times, and Idol fans were in for a treat in 2004 when he co-headlined the “Independent Tour” with Kelly Clarkson and in 2010 when he toured with Ruben Studdard on the “Timeless Tour.”

Casey Abrams to Kick-Off Vegas Marathon

Season 10 American Idol finalist Casey Abrams will hit Sin City to pump up over 40,000 runners this weekend for the Zappos.com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon!

In addition to a pre-race concert, Casey will perform “God Bless America” immediately before the race start to the sold-out crowd.

Jennifer Lopez Dazzles and Wins at American Music Awards

American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez wowed viewers at Sunday’s American Music Awards. The singer took home the AMA for Latin Music: Favorite Artist, edging out tough competitors Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias (who won this award the previous five years). When she took the stage to receive the award, an emotional Jennifer stated, “It’s been an amazing year…up and down and just exciting and overwhelming and so many things.”

Jennifer Lopez joined will.i.am on the stage and they literally glowed as they debuted their new song “T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)” which also features Mick Jagger. She also performed a medley of hits off her album including “Papi” and “On The Floor” during which Pitbull joined her.