Scotty McCreery Wins 'American Idol', But What The Hell Was Up With TLC?

I haven't mentioned American Idol much around these parts this season because, quite frankly, I've been recapping it for Idolator for the past two years and am pretty American Idoled out when the day is done. But I will say that, like a lot of people, I had this year pegged as being a Scotty McCreery-James Durbin finale.

Lauren Alaina is sweet and obviously talented, and I guess that's what got her to the runner-up position. But the real question is this: is she boinking Scotty on the side? It never crossed my mind until last night's final episode, when McCreery was crowned the winner and he mumbled something about the two of them sticking together. Then she kissed him (on the cheek) a bunch of times. Hmmm.

Anyway, as for all the guest performances, that medley by TLC was kind of a train wreck, no? Why were they lip syncing? T-Boz clearly looked disappointed when it was all over. She also looked out of breath and out of shape, the poor doll. Had no idea about her health issues in the past few years. Very surprised they did the performance.

Oh, well, "No Scrubs" and "Creep" are still my jams.


TLC, "No Scrubs/Waterfalls" on American Idol



Lady Gaga, "The Edge Of Glory" on American Idol



Beyonce's new single "1 + 1" (so boring, it's destined to flop harder than "Run The World (Girls)") on American Idol



Reeve Carney feat. Bono & The Edge, "Rise Above 1" (I like this jam)

Celebrity causes

Celebrity causes

Celebrity causes From a teen idol to a former president, stars can really illuminate a worthy cause. Basketball star Yao Ming, the tallest NBA player, was recently honored at a charity gala for his efforts to help reduce the consumption of shark fin soup in his home country . See what other causes celebrities endorse.

Ashton Kutcher & Demi Moore
“Real men don’t buy girls” is the crux of the Demi & Ashton Foundation crusade against child sex slavery launched by the movie stars this month. Check out their PSA. This real man pop star agrees. Watch his video campaign.

Bono
This U2 vocalist is a performer and philanthropist best known for the ONE Campaign, which fights against poverty and disease. The grassroots organization is named for the hit from one of his popular albums

Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie
Superstars and super parents Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie  are another celebrity couple loaded with causes; his, hers and theirsTheir efforts benefit a medical humanitarian organization and a justice for children network. One wonders how they find the time to make movies and still sizzle on the red carpet.

Sean Penn
Sean Penn won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of an activist in a 2008 biopic, but the hands-on humanitarian has been in Haiti  since the devastating 2010 earthquake running two refugee camps

Demi Lovato
A teen star since her blockbuster Disney films with a mega boy band ,actress and singer Demi Lovato has turned her attention to bigger causes as a spokesperson for an anti-bullying organization. She recently underwent a very public personal struggle.

George Clooney
People Magazine has twice named him “Sexiest Man Alive” but his off-screen title is United Nations Messenger of Peace. His goal is to end the conflict in Darfur through his coalition and documentary “Sand and Sorrow”

Salma Hayek
This Mexican-born actress  is known for her beauty but her foundation works to end violence against women and supports immigrant rights. She plans to release her own anti-aging skincare product.

Ray Allen
This Boston Celtics shooter brings a Ray of Hope to more than just basketball fans. Allen, who on the court just broke a record, helps students develop a love for reading off the court.

Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova was just 17 when her Wimbledon win made her the World’s No. 1 tennis player.Still in the top ten, she’s a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations on the anniversary of a disaster in her homeland.

Theo Epstein
Theo Epstein became youngest General Manager in Major League Baseball history, and helped the Boston Red Sox break a legendary World Series curse. His unusually named foundation helps various organizations raise funds through Hot Stove Cool Music events.

Ashley Judd
This actress is active as a global ambassador on behalf of an AIDS education and prevention program. Her new memoir  reveals a painful past, including sexual abuse.

Justin Bieber
Pop star Justin Bieber  is only a teenager  but he’s already earned a Power of Youth award for his support of an organization that build schools in the developing world. Some credit his musical mentor for guiding his philanthropy.

Oprah Winfrey
Oprah is well-known for audience generosity  during her daytime television program.But her philanthropy goes far beyond that as she has been named the most charitable celebrity in the world by this magazine. She gives away millions every year through many different charities, including her own.

Bill Clinton
What does the youngest living former U.S. president do after the White House? Clinton continues to establish humanitarian efforts on a global scale, from a university to engage the next generation of leaders to an annual summit as part of Clinton Global Initiative and a foundation, which mobilized to aid a recent natural disaster.

Ben Affleck
Meeting a boy with a rare genetic disease drew Affleck’s support to this children-oriented organization. On a global scale he’s launched the East Congo Initiative to build support for the Congolese people. Watch Affleck’s recent testimony to Congress for the cause.

Sheryl Crow
Pop/country star and breast cancer survivor Sheryl Crow raises funds for cancer research. “If it makes you happy,” is still her biggest hit song. Her latest release is a cookbook, rather than an album but the title is familiar

Matt Damon
Actor Matt Damon was a philanthropist inspired by a political leader long before he was a movie star. He’s co-founder of an organization that brings water to third world countries and is involved with a campaign against poverty.

Betty White
Her showbiz career defines variety: game shows a soap opera, sitcoms  and a hit 2011 Super Bowl commercial .The constant is her support for animals, including sales from this 2011 pin-up calendar

Paul Newman
This movie biography  tries to cover the personal and professional life of a Hollywood legend who died in 2008. Since 1982, Newman’s Own product line has donated more than $300,000 million to charities. This one was closest to his heart.

Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston  stars with a funny man in her latest film.Off screen she supports Doctors without Borders, Hope for Haiti and a Tijuana orphanage.

Famous commencement speeches

Famous commencement speeches

Famous commencement speeches
The world of academia is abuzz over one university's decision to pay a big fee for a reality TV celebrity over a renowned author to headline their 2011 graduation. Celebrity commencement speeches have become commonplace. The fad can be traced to the infamous "sunscreen speech." Check out the most interesting commencements in academic history.

Toni Morrison
At a 2004 liberal arts graduation, the prolific writer said:

"You are your own stories and therefore free to imagine and experience what it means to be human without wealth. What it feels like to be human without domination over others, without reckless arrogance, without fear of others unlike you, without rotating, rehearsing and reinventing the hatreds you learned in the sandbox."

Steve Jobs

Apple chief Jobs offered no-nonsense advice to the 2005 Stanford grads. His health issues may have added weight to his speech.

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma—which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice."

Dolly Parton

Parton spoke to 2009 University of Tennessee grads about brains, dreams and breasts.

"I think people will remember us for who we were, not how many records we sell, or how much money we make. Because I have always said that I have always counted my blessings far more often than I've counted my money."

Bono

When the U2 front man spoke to 2004 University of Pennsylvania grads, he used humor to lead into a vital topic.

"Wishing for the end to AIDS and extreme poverty in Africa is like wishing that gravity didn't make things so damn heavy. We can wish it, but what the hell can we do about it? Well, more than we think. We can't fix every problem … but the ones we can, we must."

Will Ferrell

Ferrell delivered a hilarious speech at Harvard in 2003.

"One of the challenges you will be faced with is finding a job in our depressed economy. In fact, the chances of landing a decent job are about as good as finding weapons of mass destruction in the Iraqi desert. Slim and none. And Slim just left the building."

Sacha Baron Cohen

Baron Cohen, who graduated from a top university, produced hilarity and provoked security at Harvard as his Ali G persona.

"What did Lincoln give American, apart from the Town Car?"

J.K. Rowling

The "Harry Potter" author spoke candidly and topically to Harvard grads in 2008.

"We do not need magic to change the world; we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: We have the power to imagine better."

President Barack Obama

President Obama took some heat for his view on a big issue prior to this 2009 Notre Dame speech.

"You are about to enter the next phase of your life at a time of great uncertainty. You will be called upon to help restore a free market that is also fair to all who are willing to work; to seek new sources of energy that can save our planet; to give future generations the same chance that you had to receive an extraordinary education."

President John F. Kennedy

President Kennedy got down to the basics during his rousing speech at American University in 1963.

"For in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet, we all breathe the same air, we all cherish our children's futures, and we are all mortal."

Ellen DeGeneres

The multi-Emmy winner returned to her hometown to give the Class of 2009 some real-world advice.

"Life is like one big Mardi Gras, but instead of showing your boobs, show people your brain, and if they like what they see, you'll have more beads than you know what do with."

Conan O'Brien

O'Brien reminisced at his alma mater in 2000 and gave grads a wake-up call.

"As you leave these gates and re-enter society, one thing is certain: Everyone out there is going to hate you."

His Holiness the Dalai Lama

The Tibetan spiritual leader comprised the importance of education with a compassionate worldview in his 1998 speech at Emory University.

"A good person means someone with a good heart, a sense of caring for the welfare of others, a sense of commitment, a sense of responsibility. Education and the warm heart, the compassion heart—if you combine these two, then your education and knowledge will be constructive. Then you are yourself on the way to becoming a happy person."

Famous May birthdays

Famous May birthdays

Famous May birthdays
A country singer, Oscar winner, all-star athlete and groundbreaking politician are just a few of the famous folks who were born in May. To celebrate, we’re revealing some fun facts about them. Find out which stars are celebrating birthdays this week.

Tim McGraw
The multitalented entertainer has a decades-long music career  as well as a promising acting career. Which country superstar is his wife?

This Oscar-nominated director is known for his quirky directing skills and his working partnership with an eccentric actor.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
The wrestler-turned-movie star  is returning to the ring after a seven-year absence. What is his catchphrase?

This Italian fashion designer  has outfitted celebrities for decades, and was parodied by Maya Rudolph on “Saturday Night Live”

Christina Hendricks
The “Mad Men” star  is famous for her attention-getting curves. What has she said about her looks?

This inventor and pitchman used his company to introduce the world to the Pocket Fisherman, Mr. Microphone and the Showtime Rotisserie.

Erin Andrews
The sideline reporter  and “Dancing With the Stars” contestant  dealt with a scary situation in 2009.

This ailing former Egyptian president  was ousted by a revolution and is facing corruption charges. Read the latest news on his condition.

Adele
The British soul singer  is making a big splash across the pond with her latest album. Watch her music videos.

This NBC news anchor is becoming as well known for his cameos on an NBC sitcom and late-night TV bits as he is for his reporting.

George Clooney
The perennial bachelor got his start on a long-running TV drama  and went on to win an Oscar for his role in this movie.

This major league slugger  with a funny nickname still holds fourth place on an impressive list. His controversial godson holds the top spot

Shawn Marion
The NBA All-Star shoots for the Dallas Mavericks but started out his career with the Phoenix Suns. Get the latest playoff news.

This stand-up comedian starred in a pot-centered documentary and hosts a movie-themed podcast.

Don Rickles
“Mr. Warmth” has been insulting audiences  for more than 60 years but took on a more kid-friendly role in a beloved movie franchise .

This Latin singer  inherited his musical genes from his crooner dad. See who his famous girlfriend is

Rosario Dawson
The New York actress made her big-screen debut in a controversial 1995 movie and went on to co-star with Denzel Washington in an action thriller. Next up? A Kevin James comedy.

The musician known as the “Piano Man” is turning 62 and has a daughter who is following in his footsteps.

Bono
The U2 front man  has become one of the world’s most famous philanthropists. What is his real name?

This “Saturday Night Live” cast member got his start on a Nickelodeon sketch show.

Louis Farrakhan
The controversial Nation of Islam leader is turning 78. What is his birth name?

This actor – who plays a teen heartthrob on “Glee” – got caught up in a photo shoot controversy last year. See the pictures.

Tony Hawk
The professional skateboarder landed the first-ever 900  in competition (watch it) and went on to build a hugely successful video-game empire.

This actor grabbed audiences’ attention in a cult hitand melted viewers’ hearts when he gave away his Golden Globe. What is his next big action flick?

Robert Pattinson
The “Twilight” star  tries to keep his real-life relationship with his co-star under wraps.Why is he afraid of circuses?

This late-night host uses his parody news show to skewer everyone from Bill O’Reilly to the president. Watch him testify before Congress.

Cate Blanchett
The Oscar-winning actressis known for her fashion sense as well as her talent. Will she be returning to Middle Earth?

This popular director has never won an Oscar despite his success at the box office. Read his bio.

Madeleine Albright
The first female secretary of state  was known for her pin collection .Why is she still in the news? Watch interviews with her.

This former star NFL running back put his athletic skills to use to win “Dancing With the Stars.” Watch his moves.

Janet Jackson
The pop icon  from a legendary family once stirred up controversy with her Super Bowl performance. Get her concert tickets.

This bombshell actress get her big break in “Transformers” and has a big comedy coming out next year. Who is her actor husband?

Craig Ferguson
The late-night talk show host was born in Glasgow, Scotland.In which sitcom did he play the crazy boss?

This Nine Inch Nails front man surprised lots of fans when he won an Academy Award . Watch his acceptance speech.

Chow Yun-fat
The Hong Kong action star broke through in Hollywood with roles in “Anna and the King” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”

This Indy Car champion was born in Bathgate, Scotland and is married to a Hollywood actress.

Nora Ephron
The Oscar-nominated writer-director is known for her romantic comedies. What is her connection to the Deep Throat mystery?

This PBS newsman  has a side job as a presidential debate moderator

Cher
The Oscar-winning actress-singer starred in a Golden Globe-nominated movie last year. What was her advice to Lady Gaga?

This U.S. senator’s wife posed for a controversial ad.How did they meet?

Mr. T
We pity the fool who doesn’t love the star of “The A-Team.” He even had his own cereal!

This Minnesota senator transitioned from a sketch-comedy career to become a major player in Congress.

Apolo Anton Ohno
The Olympic gold medal speed skater traded in his skates for dancing shoes to win a reality competition show. What is his latest project?

This British supermodel is famous for several “incidents” and was even connected to controversial stones.

Drew Carey
The former sitcom star took over for this longtime host as the face of “The Price Is Right” in 2007.

This singer is expecting her first baby with her cowboy husband. What is her new TV show?

Bob Dylan
The singer-songwriter with a trademark voice is celebrating his 70th birthday. Where was he born?

This iconic soul singer has been entertaining audiences since the 1960s.Watch her sing the national anthem

Sir Ian McKellen
The star of the “X-Men” films and the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy is working on a highly anticipated prequel.

The star of “Hung” and ex-girlfriend of a popular talk-show host got her start in daytime soap operas.

Jack Kevorkian
The man known as “Dr. Death” was released from prison in 2007. Who played him in an HBO movie?

This funky rocker has a keen fashion sense and plays a mean guitar. Who is his daughter?

Louis Gossett Jr.
The Oscar-winning star of “Officer and a Gentleman” and the “Iron Eagle” franchise returned to the big screen last year.

This former secretary of state won a Nobel Peace Prize with this leader (who rejected it).

Carey Mulligan
The British actress has been nominated for an Oscar and gone through a public breakup. What big role did she recently land?

This soul singer  has been performing with her backup band since the 1960s. Watch her sing “Midnight Train to Georgia.”

Melissa Etheridge
The “Come to My Window” rocker battled a health set back before going through an ugly breakup with her actress wife last year. See pictures of her family.

This New York Knicks star  won an NCAA championship at this university. Watch his recent late-night cameo.

Wynonna Judd
The country music star has a new reality show with her mom.

This hip-hop superstar sang with an Oscar winner and will be a judge for a new singing competition.

Clint Eastwood
The Oscar-winning actor-director who turns 81 – is working on his next big movie.

This longtime actressgot her start as a teenage jeans model  and had a highly publicized feud with an A-list actor.