American Idol

Paula Abdul is making a comeback, and it certainly is all to the credit of her role as a judge on “American Idol.”

Even with controversy that swirled around the judge after former contestant Corey Clark raised allegations of a supposed love affair, Bravo network is putting Abdul front and center for her own reality series, “Hey Paula.” The docu-series will follow the former Laker girl during her work on “Idol,” as well as her other projects.

Among some of those other projects are developing her own brand of cosmetics and perfume, which means it’s official — I’m just about the only person in America who doesn’t have a fragrance line. But I digress. “Hey Paula” also will follow the 44-year-old as she works on “Bratz: The Movie.”

The show promises to provide an up-close-and-personal look at the choreographer/singer/actress/judge, which Bravo President Lauren Zalaznick said includes taking “an intimate glimpse at the real woman behind the headlines.” Hmmm. What does Paula do when she’s not praising the contestants?

You can bet I’ll be tuning in when the show begins airing later this year. After all, this is about as close as it comes to a TV show within a TV show. And that’s exactly the kind of thing that makes me tune into weekend-long marathons.

“Small Town Girl” Kellie Pickler stopped by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., today to visit with children at the hospital, pose for pictures and sign autographs. Awww, how sweet.

In other Pickler news, the finalist from last season also will be taking a seat alongside Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Rosie O’Donnell next Thursday and Friday as a guest co-host on The View. Aside from filling in for Barbara Walters, Pickler may come face-to-face with guests Kathy Griffin and Rachel Welch, who are among the stars stopping by for those episodes.

Pickler also will debut a new song, “I Wonder,” during her time on the show. The song is an autobiographical look at the singer’s relationship with her mother.

There’s talk of Paul McCartney and Mariah Carey. After producers landed Prince for last year’s “American Idol” finale, guest stars quickly are becoming an important part of the show’s surprise factor.

So, is McCartney even a possibility? What about Mariah? The pop diva and best-selling artist certainly has been an inspiration for wannabe contestants from the first five seasons. And she is friends with judge Randy Jackson.

But what would Mimi really bring to the “Idol” formula? Would singers perform only from her catalogue of music? That certainly would be a challenge for most contestants, specifically the guys. I think it certainly would be interesting.

What about you? What guests would you like to see on the “Idol” set? Personally, I think Mariah would be an interesting start.

Industry magazine Advertising Age estimates the value of “American Idol” is $2.5 billion. Yes, billion.

That’s enough to buy 125,062,531 “official” Soul Patrol ringer T-shirts, which should last fans of Taylor Hicks more than a few lifetimes. No matter how you calculate it, this show really is worth a bundle of cash.

The magazine came up with the estimate by adding the $500 million in ad revenue with the $30 to $50 million in sponsorship packages, music sales and live tours. What the number doesn’t include are several other new products and promotions being considered, including candy bars, board games and even an amusement park.

There was no sign of Carrie Underwood at the 33rd Annual People’s Choice Awards, though the Season 4 “American Idol” winner did win the award for Best Country Song with “Before He Cheats.”

For the second year in a row, “Idol” also won the award for Favorite Competition/Reality Show. Judge Randy Jackson accepted the award saying, “It is definitely all about the fans.” He went on to thank his fellow judges, FOX and others associated with the show. Before he left the stage, Jackson added, “How sweet it is to be loved by you.”

Next up on the award show circuit is Jennifer Hudson at Monday night’s Golden Globe Awards. Will the “Dreamgirls” star take away the statuette for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy/Musical? I think it could happen.

With just one week left until the sixth season kicks off, “Idol” anticipation is in full force. Producers have talked of a “mid-season surprise,” and everyone’s wondering what that could be.

Surprises are not all that necessary, though. They may be nice, but necessary? No.

Fans of the show love to tune in to hear what negative things Simon has to say and what positive things Paula has to say about each and every contestant. There’s always a judge to agree with, and there’s always a contestant to favor no matter what you like. That’s the beauty of “Idol.”

And it all kicks off at 8/7c Tuesday on FOX with the first round of auditions in Minneapolis, Minn. Here’s what producers have planned for the first several weeks of this year’s show:

- 8/7c Wednesday, Jan. 17: Seattle auditions.
- 8/7c Tuesday, Jan. 23: Memphis auditions.
- 9/8c Wednesday, Jan. 24: New York City auditions.
- 8/7c Tuesday, Jan. 30: Birmingham, Ala. auditions.
- 9/8c Wednesday, Jan. 31: San Antonio, Texas auditions.
- 8/7c Tuesday, Feb. 6: Los Angeles auditions.
- 9/8c Wednesday, Feb. 7: “Rest of the Best” auditions.

Then, the moment we all wait for:
- 8/7c Tuesday, Feb. 13: They’re going to Hollywood, baby.
- 9/8c Wednesday, Feb. 14: Hollywood round two (Top 24 announced).
- 8/7c Tuesday, Feb. 20: Top 12 male singers perform.
- 8/7c Wednesday, Feb. 21: Top 12 female singers perform.

Then …
- 8/7c Thursday, Feb. 22: First live results show (two male and two female contestants eliminated)

So, mark your calendars, set your TiVo or DVR and get ready to get behind your favorites.

There are eight days until the start of a new season, and it should be a good one. “American Idol” kicks off its season with a two-night premiere Jan. 16 and 17 on Fox. Come back to www.watchingamericanidol.com to find regular updates on the current season, as well as interviews with past contestants.

I will bring you opinions, news and other thoughts about the show and its contestants. If at any time you have questions for me, feel free to leave a comment or drop me a line at reed.dunn@451press.net.