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'AMERICAN IDOL's NIGEL LYTHGOE Hits a High Note with $4.4M Home Sale!!!

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Nigel Lythgoe’s L.A. dream house just got voted off the market -- snagging a show-stopping $4.4 million!

Real estate sources tell TMZ West Coast Customs boss Ryan Friedlinghaus is the new owner of the 5-bed, 8-bath stunner -- taking it from the former "American Idol" and "SYTYCD" EP after being on the market for a while.

Nigel first put the place on the market last year, but had to trim the price down to $4.599 mil in October -- and still ended up selling it for less. He scooped it up for $4.7 mil in early 2023, so selling it for less probably wasn’t the Hollywood ending he had in mind.

'Idol' Creator Simon Fuller Wife Files For Divorce

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"American Idol" creator Simon Fuller's wife is cutting the cord on their marriage ... because she just filed for divorce.

Simon's spouse, Natalie Fuller, beelined it to court Friday and filed for divorce after more than 16 years of marriage.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Natalie lists Friday as the date of separation and she's going with the usual "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split.

Simon Cowell Forget 'X Factor,' I Nearly Judged Couple's Sex Factor ... Turned Down $150K to Analyze Intimacy

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NOT TO JUDGE...
How To Fail with Elizabeth Day

Simon Cowell's known for being a bit nasty to contestants on the TV shows he judges ... but, a couple wanted him to get nasty in the bedroom too -- asking him to judge them while they did the deed.

The former "American Idol" judge sat for an interview on the "How to Fail with Elizabeth Day" podcast ... and, Day asked him what people say to him most when they stop him in the street.

Cowell says fans -- particularly Americans -- used to ask him all the time to be rude to them ... a request he usually turned down.

Adam Lambert 'Whataya Want From Me' ... How About a $7.375 Million Home!!!

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Adam Lambert is "Runnin'' from the City of Angels ... listing his mansion for a huge chunk of change.

The singer-songwriter has listed his gated home off the Sunset Strip for $7,375,000 after picking up the property back in 2018 for $6.5 million.

The 5,028-square-foot home sits on about a quarter of an acre -- which might not be a lot in Adam's native Indiana, but sure is in L.A.

'American Idol' Doug Kiker Cause of Death Released

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"American Idol" alum Doug Kiker -- who was known by the moniker "The Singing Garbage Man" -- died from an opioid overdose, TMZ has learned.

According to the City and County of Denver Medical Examiner's report obtained by TMZ, Doug died from the combined toxic effects of fentanyl, methadone, and amphetamines, with recent cocaine use -- and his death has been ruled an accident.

Kiker died last month, as confirmed to TMZ by his brother William and mother Joyce -- with his ex-fiancée, Valerie Cook, telling us she hates that her kids lost their father.

'American Idol' Hits Hawaii ... Lionel, Carrie, Luke and Seacrest!

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The "American Idol" crew had aloha-t of fun in Hawaii, and we've got the behind-the-scenes shots just for you!

From the stage to the beach, the 'Idol' judges -- Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan -- took their duties to the shore, and they took obligations seriously!!!

Ryan Seacrest joined Lionel and Luke on the sand for a round of push-ups -- with Underwood acting as their drill sergeant!

'American Idol' Alum Arrested for Domestic Violence Charge ... Following Federal Drug Sentence

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"American Idol" alum Antonella Barba found herself back in the slammer for a violation of her federal supervised release, TMZ has learned.

We're told the singer -- who gained fame on the 6th season of the hit series and previously served prison time on a drug charge -- was picked up by the Pt. Pleasant Beach Police Department in New Jersey Sunday night during a vehicle stop.

A rep for the U.S. Marshals tells us there was a warrant out for Antonella's arrest on a domestic violence charge from two weeks ago, and her federal probation from the old drug case was violated based on the new charge.

'AMERICAN IDOL' Nepo Ba-bye To Carnie Wilson's Daughter!!!

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Carnie Wilson’s daughter, Lola Bonfiglio, might have to work a little harder to carve her own path -- 'cause "American Idol" just gave her the boot.

Yup, the Wilson Phillips singer’s daughter didn’t quite hit the right note during Hollywood Week on Monday night's episode, with judge Luke Bryan calling out her pitchiness -- and with that, she was one of dozens sent packing.

Lola’s run on 'Idol' wasn’t without drama -- viewers were already side-eyeing the show for letting in a nepo baby.

'American Idol' Star Doug Kiker Good Samaritan Called Paramedics ... Singer's Look Caused Concern

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Doug Kiker was rushed to the hospital after a concerned passerby walked by him on the street ... and, the star's look was so worrying this person called paramedics.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... an individual walking around in Denver passed Kiker on the street, took one look at him, and immediately called 911.

We're told this person told the 911 operator they were worried about his appearance, saying he may have been experiencing a drug overdose.

'American Idol' Doug Kiker Dead at 32

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"American Idol" alum Doug Kiker -- known by the moniker "The Singing Garbage Man" -- has died ... TMZ has learned.

Kiker died Monday, according to his ex-fiancée, Valerie Cook, who tells TMZ she hates that her kids lost their father. An official cause of death has not been determined.

Kiker's brother William and his mother Joyce also confirmed Doug's death to TMZ ... and William shared a heartfelt message to Facebook saying Doug will always be his baby bro.

Brian Littrell Chokes Up As Son Baylee Auditions for 'American Idol'

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Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell could barely keep it together as he stood outside the doors during his 22-year-old son Baylee's audition for "American Idol" on Sunday night's show.

Brian got visibly emotional as he told cameras how "proud" he is of his son during the Season 23 premiere of the singing competition, explaining ... "He's obviously grown up in the business and I think he's cut out for it."

The proud papa was also thrilled to join his son in his audition at judge Luke Bryan's request. They seamlessly harmonized to the chorus of Baylee's original song "Waiting on Myself to Die" ... and Brian choked up again as Baylee was praised by all three judges -- including Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood.

Carrie Underwood Intimate Moment With Fan On Camera

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CARRIE CARES
TMZ.com

Carrie Underwood’s having a full-circle moment with her first-time American Idol judging gig -- and she's spilling all the tea about it to TMZ.

We caught up with Carrie in NYC Wednesday, and she’s telling us joining Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on the panel is great so far -- but when we asked her how she deals with difficult emotional moments on the show, an opportunity arose that showed us.

You have to check out the video we caught -- Carrie displayed her nurturing side and connected with a fan who opened up to her about how her music helped the woman through the loss of her own mother.

'American Idol' Alum Colin Stough Arrested For Alleged DUI and Underage Drinking After Car Crash

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Colin Stough, the 20-year-old "American Idol" fan-favorite, has been arrested for alleged drunk driving in Tennessee after a car crash, TMZ has learned.

Authorities tell us ... Colin was taken into custody early Friday after highway patrol responded to a single-vehicle crash on I-840 East near the 37-mile marker in Williamson County, which is just outside of Nashville.

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LAST TIME WE SAW HIM
TMZ.com

Colin was arrested and charged with DUI, underage consumption of alcohol, and failure to exercise due care, TMZ is told. It was not clear if he suffered any injuries in the crash, but he was taken to the hospital and cleared before he was booked. He has since bailed out.

Carrie Underwood Show Must Go On, D.C.!!! Sings A Cappella Amid Tech Issues

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TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

Carrie Underwood is proving to be a consummate performer ... following an awkward moment during her Inauguration Day performance.

Check it out ... the "American Idol" alum is introduced as the singer for a performance of "America the Beautiful" following Donald Trump's swearing-in at the Capitol Rotunda Monday morning.

While the country star appears ready to wow the audience in Washington, D.C., the Inauguration's tech team isn't quite prepared ... as the backing track for her patriotic tune cuts out before CU is able to belt out one single word.

Carrie Underwood Trump's Inauguration Idol

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UPDATE

11:44 AM PT -- Carrie Underwood spoke out after being chosen to perform at the inauguration ... "I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”

Donald Trump isn't struggling to find A-list talent for his second inauguration ... Carrie Underwood has been tapped to perform at the swearing-in ceremony, TMZ has learned.

A presidential inauguration committee spokesperson confirms to TMZ ... the "American Idol" winner will be singing a patriotic tune before President-elect Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.

Underwood's name was listed in what looked like a leaked program detailing the show order for Trump's big day ... TMZ has also obtained a copy of the program, and we've confirmed it's the real deal.

Celebrity Scramble Guess Who!

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Smooshed inside this handsome fella is an Atlanta, Georgia native who grew up with a microphone in his hand -- putting on shows for his family and friends. Given the clues, put your celeb knowledge on the line and see if you can guess the mashed-up star!

He started radio hosting when he was just a teen and to this day he has built a radio empire (amongst many other successful ventures)! He found big stardom in the early 2000s hosting a popular music competition show!

If you still aren't sure who this celeb is, keep an eye out for him on New Year's Eve!

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