'Idol' Reject -- He's an Eagle Scout Now!
Chris Cordeiro's singing wasn't up to par on "American Idol" this week, but his ability to tie a knot (or something like that) is apparently first rate -- cause he just got his Eagle Scout badge.
Cordeiro's rendition of "My Way" didn't get him an invitation to Hollywood -- "You scared everyone in the room," was Steven Tyler's reaction -- but this weekend in New Jersey, Cordeiro got his medal and badge ... signifying he had achieved the highest rank possible in the Boy Scouts.
How many merit badges do you think Taylor Hicks has?
More American Idol
'Idol' Bikini Girl Releases Music Video in a Bikini
One of "American Idol's" most notorious famous for no reason contestants, "Bikini Girl" Katrina Darrell, has released her own music video -- and wouldn't you know it ... she's in a bikini.
Feel free to watch it with the sound off. It's probably better that way.
More American Idol
TMZ Inspires 'Idol' Contestant to Accessorize His Dog
"American Idol" contestant Caleb Hawley hadn't heard of the newest trend in dog fashion -- putting sunglasses on a dog's behind -- but he's sure heard of it now!
After we suggested the idea to Hawley on Thursday night (see below), he posted a Twitpic of his dog Fargo wearing a pair of women's sunglasses on his butt.
You're welcome.
More American Idol
Randy vs. Jovanny vs. Steven Who'd You Rather?
During last night's "American Idol" auditions, Randy Jackson, 54, wannabe Jovanny Barreto, 23, and Steven Tyler, 62, gave J.Lo a peek of their rippling man abs.
The question is...
See also
'Idol' Contestant -- Applebee's Karaoke Champion
Ashley Sullivan -- the "Idol" contestant who cried her way to a golden ticket -- just so happens to be a graduate of one of the most prestigious musical institutions in the world ... the Applebee's Performance Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.
TMZ has obtained video of Sullivan busting out "Take Me or Leave Me" from Rent last year at a karaoke contest at The Bee -- and get this -- we're told Sullivan took home the top prize ... of $500.
More American Idol
'American Idol' Judges Who'd You Rather?
Last night's "American Idol" premiere made us wonder if Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell were missed or did Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler up the show's game?
See also
'Idol' Boy Scout ADVANCES ... to Eagle Scout
The 18-year-old Boy Scout who got DENIED on "American Idol" last night finally got some good news -- he'll be promoted to the rank of EAGLE SCOUT tomorrow!!!
TMZ has learned ... Christopher Cordeiro -- who bombed during his rendition of "My Way" -- had a back-up life plan all along ... and interviewed with the Eagle Scout Board of Review back in November.
Cordeiro was a hit with the Eagles ... and will officially get his promotion tomorrow during a special ceremony in his home state of New Jersey.
Always be prepared ... for "Idol" rejection.
See also
'Idol' Reject Yoji Pop -- I CAN Dance Like MJ!
Years before the "American Idol" judges kicked him to the curb last night ...Yoji "Pop" Asano was impersonating Michael Jackson back home in Japan ... and he wasn't that bad!
TMZ obtained footage of Yoji busting out the moves to MJ's "Dangerous" in Osaka back in 2008.
As for last night -- Yoji tells us he's pissed about the way he was portrayed ... or not ... we really had a hard time understanding what he was trying to say on the phone.
More American Idol
Steven Tyler -- The 'Idol' Audition That Made Him Cry
Steven Tyler had an extremely emotional moment during an "American Idol" audition, when a contestant brought his disabled fiancee to watch him compete.
Sources connected with the show tell TMZ, the "Idol" judges were in Milwaukee when 27-year-old Chris Medina walked into the room, accompanied by his disabled fiancee, Juliana Ramos.
We're told Chris told the judges he proposed to Juliana two years ago ... and the couple was making wedding plans when tragedy struck. Juliana got into a horrible car accident on her way home from work in October, 2009, and was left nearly paralyzed with significant brain damage.
The video below was shot one year into Juliana's recovery.
Chris' singing was great, but Steven was so moved by Chris' story ... he got up out of his chair, teary-eyed, walked over to Juliana, and hugged and kissed her.
Tyler, we're told, is becoming the star of the show, with big emotions ranging from snark to Paula-style sincerity.
Chris, who will appear on next week's show, made the top 40.
As for Chris' wedding, it's been placed on hold. The medical expenses are so great, a website was launched to help cover the costs.
More American Idol
Steven Tyler I'm Still Jenny From the Block
Here's new "American Idol" judge Steven Tyler in NYC on Monday (left) -- and fellow new "A.I." star Jennifer Lopez back in 2007 (right).
So pretty.
We're just sayin'.
See also
'Idol' Top 40 Contestant What's in a Name?
TMZ has learned one of the Top 40 "American Idol" contestants shares a name with a legendary R&B singer and works in the bar where one of the biggest names in country music was discovered.
Jackie Wilson -- whose namesake was a popular R&B singer of the 50s and 60s who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 -- works as a waitress at the Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar in Nashville, TN.
Wilson performs often at the bar -- every Saturday night, according to their website -- and it's the same bar where country star Gretchen Wilson was discovered.
Sounds like a recipe for success to us.
See also
New 'Idol' Contestant -- Tell Me How My Glass Tastes?!
Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson have already disposed of some serious talent on "American Idol" ... including one man who literally glues pieces of glass to his HEAD.
**WARNING -- SPOILERS AHEAD**
TMZ has learned a 23-year-old who goes by the name, "Digidoo" got his shot in front of the "A.I." judges in Nashville back in October ... partially because of his voice and partially because of his GLASS MOHAWK.
We're told the judges weren't too keen on the singing, but they couldn't take their eyes off Digi's self described, "Glass Hawk" ... made with REAL pieces of glass and jewels.
"A.I." spies tell us J.Lo also asked the guy if he could dance ... but his fleet feet couldn't save him from the chopping block.
Jennifer Hudson Changed Woman
Six years after being voted off "American Idol," Jennifer Hudson is a smaller star than ever.
The 29-year-old showed off her shrinking fame at the Kennedy Center Honors in D.C. last night.
It's amazing what winning an Oscar and having a baby will do to a gal.
Kourtney K -- 'American Idol'?
Here's eldest Kardashian sister Kourtney Kardashian at an event in NYC on Tuesday (left) -- and former "American Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert back in May (right).
One is wearing too much makeup.
We're just sayin'.
See also
Katharine McPhee -- Mile High Lawbreaker
"American Idol" alum Katharine McPhee just broke a cardinal rule in the sky -- turning on her cell phone at 36,000 feet ... and even worse, she bragged about it afterward!
McPhee caught a flight yesterday ... and after the plane took off, she tweeted, "I love illegally turning on my phone when I'm still in the air ... makes me feel powerful! A tweet from the sky. Hello Atlanta!"
It's a big FCC no-no to turn on your phone after take off -- the penalties include a hefty fine and suspension of her cellular service.
UPDATE: McPhee's rep tells us, "She posted when we landed in Atlanta. She was trying to be funny but obviously some people missed the humor."
Joking about airplane safety -- always a good laugh ...
Simon Cowell Praises MJ ... Disses J.Lo?!?
Simon Cowell got right back to his roots last night -- finally weighing in on the new Michael Jackson song ... right before he totally took a shot at new "Idol" judge Jennifer Lopez ... we think.
