American Idol

The snack-munching Allison was out in L.A. yesterday -- adding, Season 10 contestants might have their work cut out for them ... but "they'll get through it."

Question is ...

Last night, ex-hubby #2 was leaving Beso with his newer wife, Kelly A. Wolfe, when he told us what he thought about J.Lo.

"Idol" lawyers want Benardo's lawsuit tossed out of court -- but the former contestant ain't taking the "Idol" counter-attack sitting down.

Dude just fired off a letter to the judge in the case claiming, "As a soldier who served in the Israeli Army and survived two suicide bombings, I hold equality close to my heart and won't back down due to intimidation."

Interestingly, Randy has pulled rank and moved over to Simon Cowell's old spot on the right.

As we previously reported -- Benardo sued "Idol" in federal court in New York last month, claiming "Idol" producers "exploited" his sexual orientation by asking him to "gay it up" on their show.

"Idol" lawyers shot back last week with a letter reminding Benardo that he long ago signed an agreement releasing the show from any liability.

The agreement reads, "I [Benardo] further understand that my appearance, depiction and/or portrayal in the Program may be disparaging, defamatory, embarrassing, or of an otherwise unfavorable nature which may expose me to public ridicule, humiliation or condemnation."

"Idol" lawyers also claim Benardo's contract clearly states that if he sues them and loses, he's going to have to pay all their legal fees -- and you can bet "Idol" lawyers don't come cheap.

Tyler explained the band's ongoing beef today after his long-awaited "Idol" unveiling -- but added that when push comes to shove, "I'm sure they're real happy for me."

Sure they are.

Ryan Seacrest took the stage and the whole thing went down ... and no one heard a word.

Anyone superstitious?

Law enforcement sources tell us the paparazzo seen grappling with Lambert on the beach yesterday walked into a Miami Beach police station around 10:30 PM last night and filed a report ... accusing the singer of misdemeanor battery.

According to the police report, obtained by TMZ, the victim claims Adam grabbed his backpack "where the camera was placed" ... and "wrestled [the photog] to the ground forcefully."

One big problem -- in photos that were taken of the incident, the camera appears to be in the photog's hand ... not in his bag.

The police report also notes that the photog didn't sustain any "bruises or lacerations."

Cops tell detectives will decide if the case is worth turning over to the State's Attorney -- who will decide whether to prosecute Lambert. If convicted, Lambert could face up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

After yesterday's clash -- Lambert went right to his Twitter account and posted, "I lost my temper for a sec but wow it felt great lol MIAMI!!!"

It's somewhat surprising that the deal is only for one year ... given the nature of the "A.I." franchise.

FOX execs at the highest level have been complaining that the negative stories about Lopez -- who should be signing on the dotted line any day to become the 3rd judge -- are being planted by people with a grudge against "A.I." and people who are in direct competition with the show.

There have been a number of stories about Lopez's alleged "diva demands" -- that she's demanding way too much money and insisting on movie deals -- but we're told the negotiations have actually been "normal." We're told there is a movie component to the deal -- as well as the possibility of other TV projects -- but the centerpiece has always been "Idol."