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Audience favorite Phillip Phillips had a rough week to say the least. The young guitarist with the endearing voice was rushed to the hospital late last week for kidney stones. But, don’t worry America, that didn’t stop him from making it to his rehearsal to work with guest judges will.i.am and record label executive Jimmy Iovine and blow them both away.

Darren Criss, who plays Blaine on ‘Glee,’ was offered the hosting gig on ‘X Factor.’ The position on the show was left vacant when Steve Jones was fired earlier this year along with half the mentoring panel.

Part of the fun of ‘American Idol‘ in recent years has been watching previous contestants return to the show, and that tradition will continue this year: Season 10 finalist Haley Reinhart and Season 7 winner David Cook are both scheduled to perform in the coming weeks.

Sorry, Simon Cowell — our girl Britney Spears doesn’t come cheap. The ‘Til the World Ends’ singer reportedly rejected a whopping $10 million to be on the ‘X Factor‘ judging panel.

According to reports, ‘Glee’ will be working on an episode that celebrates the music of Whitney Houston. The FOX show is planning to film an episode containing eight of her most popular songs. Ace Showbiz hints that the episode will center around McKinley High School’s graduation. The students will be having a hard time saying goodbye to each other.

Scotty McCreery‘s days as an ‘American Idol‘ contestant are over, but that doesn’t mean he’s left the show completely behind. You’ll hear Scotty’s voice every time a contestant is sent home during Season 11 — and he’ll be making Tim McGraw a nice chunk of change in the process.

Congrats to Cassie Barnett of Waskom, TX! She's won her way to Hollywood to see the finale of American Idol courtesy of Fox 33 and K945!

Who knew the ultra poppy Glee had it in them?!?!? Then they go and cover Halestorm and you know what? I think Lzzy Hale would be pleased. Even though she wouldn't be caught dead in that head band.

Tonight (Feb. 29) marked the second live performance episode of ‘American Idol‘ Season 11. All the girls performed this evening, with only half able to go through to next week. It was another mixed bag of talent, with country gals and torch singers sharing the stage. We also tried to keep track of how many times Randy Jackson said “Yo” but it was futile. It’s like every other word.

‘American Idol‘ saved the best for last tonight as Elise Testone closed out the Top 12 girls with an impassioned and soulful performance of Adele‘s ’One and Only.’  She was the second girl of the night to sing the song after Jen Hirsh performed it admirably. But Elise, the oldest contestant this season at 28, was able to infuse more life experience into Adele’s dramatic lyrics.

‘American Idol’ contestant Shannon Magrane may look like your average high school prom queen, but when the 16-year-old opens her mouth she has a voice that far transcends her teenage years. Singing ‘Go Light Your World’ by Kathy Troccoli, she remained strong and consistent from the first note until the very last.

With only two girls left to perform, Jessica Sanchez took the ‘American Idol‘ stage tonight to chat first with Ryan Seacrest about the emotional week she’s had while losing her voice and having to visit the doctor. When asked how she thought her voice would hold up for her performance, the 16-year-old San Diego native was obviously apprehensive.