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Kris Allen loves my "American Idol" recaps. And when he informed me of this backstage at the American Idol" finale, I think my reaction was bigger than when he was crowned the new Idol.

This is my third year doing "American Idol in 60 Seconds," and the third finale I've attended. Since every media outlet and their mother covers "Idol" in some capacity, I never expect my silly video recaps to burst through all the noise. Plus, I always assumed "Idol" contestants avoided the Internet like the swine flu while they were on the show, since so many bloggers are gainfully employed to take dumps on "Idol" singers week to week.

In other words, I never expected any of the Idols to recognize me.

So, when Kris said my name and acted like he knew who I was, as you could imagine, I became quite flabbergasted. (The words "Holy crap!" flew out of my mouth as many times as Kara says "artistry!")

Funny thing is, on the red carpet before the show, when Adam and Kris were whisked over to speak to the crew from "Ellen" (the only outlet they gave an interview to there, oddly enough), Kris stopped to shake my hand like we were buddies. I just figured he thought I was the "Ellen" producer (we were standing next to their crew on the carpet). Or maybe he dug my "TEAM KRADAM" custom T.

And then he said it: " 'American Idol in 60 Seconds' is the funniest thing ever."

Kris Allen likes my work. Scratch that. OUR NEW AMERICAN IDOL likes my work. And if the American Idol endorses my recaps, then, by golly, you should watch them and send them to all your friends, whether they're in the Allen Nation or they're Glamberts.

In retrospect, it seems obvious. Of course Katrina "Bikini Girl" Darrell would be back for the "American Idol" finale.

Of course she appeared in her trademark bikini ("evening gown girl" doesn't quite have the same ring to it). Of course they replayed her audition moment where she sass-mouthed Kara DioGuardi, who later defended her singing talent.

But who knew that Kara would burst out onstage and kinda sorta flash the audience with her own surprise bikini? That was kinda cool and surprising, right?

Surely millions of American hearts were broken back in February when Katrina was booted from "Idol." Well, it was good to see you again, Bikini Girl. We look forward to your eventual appearances in Maxim magazine, reality shows (perhaps "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here"?) and, most importantly, "American Idol" memories. Those live on forever.

Check out more photos of Katrina in her swimsuit, plus all the musical guest stars, in our "American Idol" finale photo gallery.

Are you a self-described Glambert?

Do you frequently use the phrase "Kick Awesome?"

Well, then you're exactly the kind of person we're looking for.

On Wednesday night, in what many are calling the most compelling finale in the show's history, "American Idol" will crown a new champion: either flashy, flame-piped Adam Lambert or soulful everyman Kris Allen. It's a battle of contrasting styles and techniques -- vocal pyromania vs. straight-to-the-heart songsmanship -- and we're waiting with baited breath to see who comes out on top.

And we're pretty you're going to be, too ... So here's what we're looking to do. On Wednesday night, as the results are read by Ryan Seacrest live on air, we want you to turn your cameras on yourselves ... we're looking for your instant reactions. The thrill of victory. The agony of defeat. Tears, screams, blood ... the more fanatic (and, in the case of the Glamberts out there, dramatic) the better. We'll collect the best and feature them right here on our Newsroom Blog.

Interested? We knew you'd be. After the jump, find out how you can submit your footage. Read More...

By Joel Hanek

There is a reason Adam Lambert is Adam Lambert. His voice is amazing, of course, but that isn't the only thing that got him to the "American Idol" finale. He's got the persona, the charisma, the charm and the look. To many, he already is a rock star, whether he wins or not.

As for me, well, sometimes I wear sweater vests, I enjoy a nice cup of coffee, and I like to read blogs with cute animal pictures — so, I'm not really a rock star. I can't really be Adam Lambert, but I could try to look like him — that's the easy part, right? My style is more akin to Taylor Hicks than Adam Lambert, and I needed to get with the times! So yesterday morning, I took a break from my duties of being an MTV News production assistant and had the surreal experience of having cameras in my dressing room as I got glambertized (glambertized, for those who don't know, is the process of becoming as glamorous as Adam Lambert).

See video of the transformation process after the jump! Read More...

By Joe DeShano

There's been a lot of talk this year about who's staying and who's going on "American Idol" — and we're not talking about the contestants.

The introduction of singer/songwriter Kara DioGuardi to the judging panel sparked rumors that Paula Abdul was being replaced. Now, the season is almost over and the fate of the judges is in question.

Looking back over this tumultuous season of set mishaps, crazy performances and surprise rule changes, we think it might be time to evaluate Kara and Paula in something we call the Judges' Showdown.

We broke this showdown into five categories: Outbursts, Awkward Moments, Performance, Words of Wisdom and Simon Cowell Encounters. Each category is counted as a round, with a winner declared at the end of each one. After all rounds are done, an overall winner is declared.

Read More...