Former American Idol contestant Kellie Pickler is now officially engaged to boyfriend Kyle Jacobs. Pickler says Jacobs proposed to her on June 15 under the sunset on a beach in Florida.

American Idol auditions will launch in July and this year hopeful contestants as young as 15 will be able to try out for a spot on the show. While Idol will have to deal with more of those scary stage moms, maybe Fox thinks it can find the next Justin Bieber for the new season. [...]

The performances on American Idol last night were rather surprisingly good overall, a nice change from the abysmal mess most of the contestants seem to be from week to week. Once again, Crystal Bowersox was our favorite of the night, giving a sexy, quirky groove to her version of “Come Together.”

American Idol alumni Chikezie Eze has been charged with attempted grand theft by the L. A. County District Attorney. Eze, who placed 10th on season 7 of American Idol, is also facing charges of misdemeanor identity theft.

American Idol will break with tradition on Tuesday night by announcing a partial list of the top 24 contestants during the two hour special.