Lee DeWyze Goes Home to Chitown, Plus More News on Idol Faves

Chitown is gearing up and making preparations for one of their favorite son's return visit home from the American Idol set on Friday. With phones in hand and eyes glued to television sets, Lee's fans in Chicagoland will be rooting for their hometown rocker and calling in the votes Tuesday night. Lee has a full itinerary the minute he lands: interviews with Fox in Chicago, radio stations, an appearance at Wrigley Field for the Cubs vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game, and a concert at Arlington Park racetrack. He'll be making the trip on one condition--he has to make the Final Three.

It's a tradition on American Idol to have a hometown reunion for the top three contestants just before they enter the final round of competition. Their visit usually features parades, guest appearances at malls, schools, and other places of interest. They give interviews, meet fans, and sign autographs. Lee will know if he'll be in "The Windy City" when the results are announced Wednesday night.

Lee will be heading for the racetrack at 4:30 p.m. in a motorcade, accompanied by the Prospect High School Band and Cheerleaders, with his family. He'll hit the stage at 6:30 p.m. for a mini-concert, with three songs scheduled. Tickets are free after the show announces who the final three will be. Click here for tickets and information. Here's hoping Lee will be there!

Have a look at this video from popwatch.ew.com on Lee's chances of winning. Click here.

Aaron Goes to 30 Rock

Our cast-off Idol, Aaron Kelly was doing the talk show circuit, like all the fallen Idols before him. Aaron took a trip to the "Big Apple" and spoke to the cast of the Today Show. Of course, Meredith Vieira asked him what Big Mike said to him when they embraced after the decision to send him home. Aaron replied, " It's a good place to go and you're gonna do good things."

Aaron also mentioned that Harry Connick, Jr. was his favorite mentor, finding him the most helpful by showing him his mistakes and giving him suggestions on how to fix them. The crowd greeted Aaron with enthusiasm and warmth. At the end of the interview, Aaron gave each of the hosts, Al Roker, Ann Curry, Meredith Vieira, and Matt Lauer a big hug. Aaron, you are sweet! Look at the video, click here.

A Little Bit Country

Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler have been nominated this year for CMT Awards. Carrie is one of the front-runners with three nominations, along with Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, and Taylor Swift. Kellie is nominated for Collaboration Video of the Year for, you know the song, "Best Days of Your Life."

The show will be aired June 9, from Nashville. Kid Rock does the honors as host. For a list of nominees and more info, click here.

Here Comes the Judge

It seems that the producers of American Idol like to keep everyone in suspense. No word, yet, on the new judge to replace Simon Cowell. Word has it that they won't make an announcement until after the May 26th grand finale. Well after. Like, maybe this summer. Why the delay? Could be Simon is a tough act to follow. Or, quite possibly, no one wants the job. Hmmm. (Come on, it's not easy to tell someone they're bad, unless you're Simon). Besides, Simon has other fish to fry. He'll be doing what he does best-judging, on his new show, "The X-Factor."

All kinds of rumors are swirling around about who will replace Simon. Several names have been tossed out there: Shania Twain, Usher, Tommy Mattola, Harry Connick, Jr., and Jamie Foxx. Adam simply said, "no." Bet we are going to be very surprised when we learn who will fill Simon's shoes! (or, seat).

Tour Time

Kris Allen's official website has posted that Kris will be joining Maroon 5 on tour August 19 in Miami. And, radio air play is spinning Kris' new single, "The Truth," after his much-successful hit tune, "Live Like We're Dying." The single can be downloaded at iTunes, starting May 11. (Click here to download).

There are two versions of "The Truth." Radio play has the version of Kris and Pat Monahan, of Train, singing it as a duet. On the album, which is recorded on the Jive/19 label, you will hear only Kris' vocals. Confusing? Yeah, I thought so. So, then, why?

Call it an "executive decision." Kris wrote nine of the twelve featured songs on the album. Well, the "powers that be" selected two of the three songs he did not write, and "The Truth" is one of them. This has some of Kris' fans a little perturbed. Kris is cool about it, going along with what is best for the song and the album. I guess it's about getting the song play time and commercial success. Sorry, Kris.

Mark your calendars for the grand finale May 26th. It should be a doozie, and, hopefully an interesting finish. Don't count anyone out. The final four will battle Tuesday night, and then there will be three. Who will they be? OK, this is tough, but I predict the bottom two will be Casey James and Big Mike Lynche. I want to say Casey will go home if it comes down to who has the better voice. But if the voters don't stand behind Big Mike like before, he could be making the exit this time. If Big Mike goes, the finale will be between Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox. There you have it. Now, keep your fingers crossed that we don't hear any of those Disney tunes!

Sources

timeoutchicago.com, chicagosuntimes.com, popwatch.ew.com, today.msnbc.msn.com, aol.com, krisallenofficial.com