American Idol

Perry went off on Tyler during an interview with the Calgary Herald -- saying, "It's his business, but I don't want Aerosmith's name involved with [American Idol]. We have nothing to do with it."

Perry added, "[Idol] is a reality show designed to get people to watch that station and sell advertising ... it's one step above Ninja Turtles."

As for the future of the band, Perry once again threatened to replace Tyler -- saying, "[You've got] four guys that are great together, and if you find the right singer, there's no reason you can't go and entertain people."

In a statement released by FOX, DioGuardi said, "I felt like I won the lottery when I joined 'American Idol' two years ago, but I feel like now is the best time to leave 'Idol.'"

As we first reported, FOX decided long ago to 86 DioGuardi but kept her in the dark until recently.

Sources connected to the negotiations tell TMZ ... contrary to some news reports ... there has been no drama and no diva demands. As one source puts it, "It's been typical negotiating."

We're told ... absent a last-minute snag (which is highly unlikely) ... the deal could be inked as early as next week.

We were initially told the charges were filed today, but the City Attorney tells us the complaint will most probably go to the court after a hearing tomorrow.

As TMZ first reported, the singer was cuffed early in the morning on August 12 for allegedly roughing up another girl in the bathroom at Colony nightclub.

Benardo refiled his lawsuit for workplace discrimination and sexual harassment today in federal court. The original suit was filed with the NY State Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

A rep for Benardo says he was advised that the case was not under the jurisdiction of NY's EEOC -- and instead he had to take the matter to federal court. Benardo is suing because he claims "Idol" producers exploited his sexual orientation and told him to "gay it up."

As for why he dropped his astronomical demand from $300 mil to $100 mil -- Benardo's rep inexplicably says it was a "cleaner amount."

The insanity began when Tyler arrived at the Trump Hotel in New York -- and was instantly rushed by the aggressive autograph hounds.

When Tyler's associate began to shove back ... someone reached in from behind and started to choke him out.

Tyler instantly broke up the mess, restored calm ... and then proceeded to lecture the group about standard protocol for autograph seeking.

In an interview with VH1, 26-year-old Fantasia claims she was so depressed about all of the drama surrounding her relationship with a married man ... that, "I didn't have any fight in me. I didn't care about anything. I just wanted out."

Fantasia added, "At that moment, I wanted out. I wanted it to be over with – all of it, all of that [expletive]."

She went on, "I just sat in the closet and looked at the mirror and took all the pills in the bottle. I wanted to go to sleep and just be at peace. I knew exactly what I was doing. You can't accidentally take a whole bottle of pills."

Chikezie pled no contest to misdemeanor identity theft.

Chikezie was arrested after allegedly using a bogus credit card to buy two bottles of cologne at Neiman Marcus -- totaling $1,289.57.

Under the deal ... Chikezie will be placed on three years probation and have to perform 45 days of community labor.

The Roastmaster General has been campaigning on Facebook and Twitter to fill one of the vacancies left behind by Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi.

Ross says he would "do anything" to be on the show and that he feels Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler don't have what it takes to be critical of the contestants. He told us, "I would be the tough love guy. Do you think J.Lo is going to be able to tell people they stink? I'll be able to do that in a loving way."

Less than two weeks ago, the Aerosmith singer proclaimed "I'm doing it" when asked if he was gonna be on "Idol." But yesterday in New York, he seemed to be playing coy when asked whether he was going to take the gig.

Shania was a hit on "Idol" this past season when she served as guest judge and mentor.

We're told Shania is Plan B.

As we previously reported, the "American Idol" champ had been in a relationship with a man named Antwaun Cook -- who is still married to Paula Cook. Paula recently filed for divorce ... and in the legal papers, cited an "adulterous affair" between Fantasia and Antwaun.

Cook has not taken any legal action against Fantasia yet -- but Barrino's lawyer, Gena Graham Morris, tells us it very well COULD happen ... because in NC there are certain "heartbalm torts ... where a wife can sue a third party for having a relationship with her husband" -- it's called alienation of affection.

Morris adds, "The heartbalm torts arise out of the notion that women were once property that could be stolen like televisions. It is a comical irony that in 2010 women can sue women for stealing husbands."

The "American Idol" Season 7 contestant and her sister claim they were in the restroom at the Colony nightclub when they encountered the alleged victim, who they say pushed her way past them, allegedly attempting to use the stall for other than ordinary purposes. That's when a brawl broke out and the sisters beat the woman up -- allegedly.

According to sources, Epperson and another chick -- her sister -- kicked another clubgoer's butt inside Colony club.

We have video of Asia'h leaving the club with Too Short at 2:20 AM, just before she was cuffed and cheerfully taken away.

The victim complained of bruising and pain. Epperson is currently at the station.

UPDATE: The alleged victim has now made a citizen's arrest and says she will press charges. Asia'h will be transferred to a nearby jail soon.

UPDATE 7:20 AM: Asia'h has just been released from custody.

Story developing ....