American Idol 2010- Chit Chat and Chatter on Andrew Garcia, Katie Stevens, Adam Lambert, and Sir Elton John

It has been a busy week for Andrew Garcia and Katie Stevens as they made the talk show circuit rounds and gave interviews on their experiences with American Idol. And, American Idol is gearing up in preparation for the big show this Wednesday, Idols Give Back. Let's take a look at what's been happening.

Katie and Andrew

Katie is back home in Connecticut, according to USA Today, and pretty proud of her performance on American Idol and her eighth place finish. Katie says, "I am happy and proud of myself for how far I made it." She's determined to continue to pursue her dream of singing and wants to move to LA.

Yahoo reports that Katie and Andrew didn't heed advice given to them by mentor, Adam Lambert. Is this so? Does she have any regrets on her song choice? None. "Baby What Do You Want Me to Do" described perfectly what Katie felt she was going through: frustration, confusion, and the stress of it all. Especially when it came to picking songs and listening to all the comments by the judges.

Andrew Garcia lives in Moreno Valley, 70 miles east of LA, so he didn't have far to travel when he went home. I hear his buddy, Lee DeWyze helped him pack. Andrew carries with him good times and good friends from his stint on American Idol. According to Entertainment Weekly, the native Californian made a visit to the Ellen Degeneres Show.

Song Choices

Exactly how do the Idols go about choosing just the right song? In the back of their minds they know that the song they select can score points with the judges or put them on the stools waiting for possible elimination.

Crystal- She bases her decisions on the lyrics. She's looking for lyrics she can believe in.

Casey- If he can feel something when he hears it, it can be a possible song.

Michael- He goes with whatever the rest are not doing. If the group goes ballads, he selects an up-tempo tune.

Siobhan- Siobhan will stay true to herself, in spite of suggestions.

Lee- He just picks the song he likes, and is looking to do something that is different.

Tim- Tim looks for a song he can make his own and be believable when he sings it.

Aaron- He gets a feel for the song while he's listening to it and visualizes how he will put his own spin to it.

Adam Lambert as Mentor

Do you think Adam Lambert did a good job as mentor? American Idol's band leader, Rickey Minor thought so. The best thing Adam had going for him was the fact that he was on the show last year and he knows how it feels to be in the same position the finalists face each week.

Breaking barriers is what Adam is all about. No other mentor has come on and been quite that up front and honest with the contestants. And, his advice was right on. He tells it like it is and he wasn't afraid to question their song choices or criticize their showmanship. So, how does he rate as a mentor? I give him an A. My only hope is the next mentor will take a clue from Adam's style-it's on the money!

Idols Give Back and Sir Elton John

American Idol.com announced that Sir Elton John will perform at the Idol Gives Back show Wednesday, April 21 at 8/7c p.m. on FOX. The proceeds will help fight HIV/AIDS. In 1992, Sir Elton started his Elton John Aids Foundation and has raised over $220 million. Elton will be on the road touring this year with Billy Joel and has plans to record an album.

Idol Gives Back was established by Simon Fuller, American Idol's creator and producer. It has raised over $140 million for charities like Children's Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children, and The United Nations Foundation.

Other artists who will be appearing with Sir Elton are Alicia Keys, The Black Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox, Jeff Beck, Joss Stone, and Mary J. Blige.

Alicia Keys as American Idol Mentor

Don't forget this week the Idols will be singing inspirational songs and Alicia Keys will be on hand to mentor the finalists. Click here to download songs from iTunes. Catch you next week!

Idol Gives Back Play List

"Empire State of Mind" Alicia Keys

"Imma Be Rocking That Body" Black Eyed Peas

"Sweet Dreams" Annie Lennox (The Eurythmics)

"A Day In The Life" Jeff Beck

"Son of a Preacher Man" Joss Stone

"I Am" Mary J. Blige

Sources
www.americanidol.com, news.yahoo.com/topics/american-idol, latimesblogs.latimes.com, popwatch.ew.com, blogs.usatoday.com/idolchatter,www.nydailynews.com, www.apple.com/itunes, www.youtube.com, Associated Content.