The second I saw Allison Iraheta's cleaned-up, rock chic look during Ryan Seacrest's "THIS...is American Idol!" intro on Tuesday night, I knew she'd be safe. She finally seemed to realize that she's got to play the game to win it, so she. . . READ FULL STORY

We've reached the point on Idol where the top contenders (Adam, Allison, Kris, Danny) can be crystal-clearly separated from the doomed losers (Anoop, Scott, Megan) and the awkward middle-grounders (Matt, Lil). Which means that it's time for me to. . . READ FULL STORY

Last night, Idol producers did the unthinkable! They actually let Allison Iraheta sing last—in other words, they sent a clear signal that it's time to take her seriously as a contender. (I'd like to think this was because they read my conspiracy. . . READ FULL STORY

Hola, Sound Check-ers! I'm about to hop on a flight to Austin, Texas (my first time in the Lone Star State) to check out the SXSW Music Conference and what will surely be a nonstop week of concerts, parties and lots of yummy Mexican food. I'll be. . . READ FULL STORY

I've been waiting for Allison Iraheta to A) declare her latinidad and B) deliver another show-stealing performance, and homegirl delivered last night on both counts! The 16-year-old redhead (faux, but I love it) introduced her proud El Salvadorean. . . READ FULL STORY