Is Phil Stacey headed to Iraq?

Maybe it's fitting that Phil Stacey was the first contestant to be eliminated from American Idol after President Bush shifted the spotlight from his Iraq withdrawal veto with an awkward Idol appearance (those Fox News connections pay off).

Iraq could be Phil's next stop.

The chrome dome crooner is an active duty petty officer 3rd class and vocalist with the Navy Band Southeast in Jacksonville, Florida. And the Navy has been very excited that one of its own has become a star (last night, Phil sang part of his farewell number with his arms around two Navy buddies). And the military wants to make the most of it.

The top 10 Idol finishers are set to go on tour this summer. Phil could be allowed to participate as part of a recruiting assignment, the Navy could force him to use personal leave, or they could release him from his military obligation. But the Navy has reason to want to hang onto the bald-headed belter.

The LA Times reports that the USO is finding few stars willing to go to Iraq. With Phil Stacey, the military has a singing star they can order to perform anywhere.

Phil is the lead singer of Pride, the Navy's rock band. They usually play at high schools or at recruiting events. But Phil could be reassigned or asked to volunteer for a musical tour in Iraq, Afghanistan or the two naval carrier groups stationed in the Persian Gulf.

Neither the Navy nor Pentagon are saying what's next for Phil. But one Navy officer told the Times: "I would rather have Sanjaya deploy."

Must make Chris Richardson feel lucky.

(Phil should have thought twice before choosing to sing "I'm going out in a blaze of glory"-- it was an invitation, reminiscent of Elliot Yamin singing Michael Buble's "I wanna go home... let me go home..." last season.)

Published by NewsGasm

Nosferatu and Timberwannabe Say Goodnight,

I finally got an elimination right! Phil Stacey and Chris Richardsen were kicked out of "American Idol" last night leaving Melinda DoLots, LaKiki, Jordin and Blake to battle it out.

The show started with Ryan Gaycrest announcing that "Idol Gives Back" raised like $70 million or something. Half of which is probably going to medicate Paula Abdul, so she doesn't act the fool anymore.

A hot moment also went down when Simon thought Ryan called his girlfriend a "puppet." Ryan tried to shrug it off, but he's not good at being put on the spot. Simon said to him, “Ryan, if you’re going to be obnoxious, I’m not going to answer your questions. … I’m being serious. You’ve already been rude about my girlfriend, so you can apologize.” Gay lover fight!

Speaking of gay lovers. When Blake and Chris were left as the final two battling it out for the last spot, Chris said he would go home for Blake. Awwww....how could America break these two lovers up?!

Melinda and Blake in the finals. Trust me.

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Dlisted

They can't all be an 'American Idol,' but some '08 hopefuls say they watch

File this in the "Only in America" category:

Politicians vying to be America's next president professing that their favorite reality TV show is American Idol. We're sure they were nervously watching Wednesday to see if Blake or Chris would be eliminated.

The Associated Press continues its "personal side" series by asking the presidential contenders about which reality TV shows they enjoy. American Idol, as you'll see, got a few votes. Their answers:

Democrats

• Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware: "Don't have one."
• Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York: "American Idol."
• Sen. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut: "American Idol, which I say often reminds me of running for president sometimes."
• John Edwards, former North Carolina senator: College basketball.
• Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio: No time for TV.
• Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois: "Other than the U.S. Senate on C-SPAN? I don't watch them too often."
• Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico: "Fox News." (On Politics question: Anyone think he was being serious?)

Republicans

• Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas: "None this season; too busy. Last season it was The Amazing Race." (On Politics aside: We like the show too, senator -- and this season's finale is coming up!)
• Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York: Baseball.
• Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas: "Nashville Star, USA Network's country music competition."
• Rep. Duncan Hunter of California: The Versus network, previously called the Outdoor Life Network.
• Sen. John McCain of Arizona: Arizona Diamondbacks baseball.
• Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts: "American Idol."
• Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado: "None."

Prior to this, AP has asked the candidates about their "desert island necessities," what they would be doing if they weren't in politics and their favorite foods to cook.

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USA Today

American Idol

Ok Idol fans we are going to wrap up the last two weeks in one tidy blog. There's been a lot going on in the world of American Idol with Idol Gives Back and the surprise noone's leaving, to last night's dropping of two contestants.

Let's begin with Idol gives back. I was blown away by the efforts of th AI team and their pull on the inhabitants of elite hollywood. Not only did they get Ellen to co-host they had a vast arsenal of tinsel town's best. Jack Black was hilarious during his short bit as was the whole troop dancing around to Stayin Alive. It was an impressive show with a important message. What impressed me most of all was the fact that they decided not only to focus on Africa, but they are aiming at our country too. Here in the land of opportunity we have an alarming poverty issue. Not only in big cities but in rural communities there are children and adults for that fact starving and lacking the baisic tools for survival. As sad as it is I am overwhelmed by the viewers and the people involved with Idol Gives Back. Around Seventy million dollars raised, it is awesome! I would also like to mention Bono and his efforts in humanitarianism. He is quite possibly the most active celebrity on global issues. He has brought together several people to aid the world and his efforts reach almost every country. Thanks for that, there should be more like him!

Side note: Yesterday on The View Rosie(who is leaving soon YES!!) challenged fox to match the proceeds. Well Rosie why don't you shut you're yap and dig into your deep pockets. Oh for once focus on the issue, not the president, or the republican party, or your personal agenda, but the issue at hand. Give credit where credit's due!

Ok. on to this week's performances and ejections. I must say that everyone did a decent job with the Bon Jovi songs, a true suprise to me. Phil was good, Kiki was awesome as well as Melinda! Jordin was ok, she seemed a bit more nervous than usual, and Blake was once again unique and ground breaking. Chris was far better than I expected, but he wasn't good enough.

Phil and Chris were thrown out of the ring last night. Neither of them truly stood out so it's not a real shocker that they're gone. Phil really has a good voice but he's often boring to the point of snoozing. Chris is ok but reminds me too much of Justin Timberlake, which in effect never really let me give him much thought.

All in all it's been an exciting year on Idol. I am proud to be an avid fan and am impressed by their efforts to help the world. Remember to vote~for Melinda preferably~ and watch on Tues. and Wed. nights. Much love to all you Idol fans!?

Published by:

Tara diddle