American Idol

Sources tell TMZ, Jacob auditioned for the gospel group called "InNate Praise" in 2007 -- formed by Nate himself -- and he ended up landing the part ... and we're told, it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

According to sources, Jacob and Nate's relationship blossomed over the next two years ... as Jacob performed with the group at churches around L.A. County.

In the video -- shot back in 2007 -- Nate and Jacob are both hanging out in Nate's studio in North Hollywood. Earlier today, Jacob tweeted the following about Nate's death:

McCreery’s hometown of Garner, NC has been holding big “Idol” viewing parties -- and this week the market he works for sent over a giant cake made out of 1,000 cupcakes.

The Bakery Director at Lowes Market tells TMZ they plan on showing their support by sending more of the mammoth cakes -- which take 12 hours to bake and use 100 pounds of icing -- to future viewing parties as well.

Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler ... and yes, even Randy Jackson get to chill out in these pimped out trailers -- featuring massage chairs, surround sound systems, A/C, and even private offices ... UPSTAIRS.

Ryan Seacrest announced Casey's absence at the top of tonight's live 'AI' episode -- telling the audience, "You'll notice that Casey is missing from the group. He is unfortunately sick and in the hospital right now. So everybody wave to him."

Seacrest then addresses Casey in the hospital, "Feel better ... Get back here soon" -- so, it doesn't sound like Casey's getting the boot tonight.

The estate -- worth an estimated $12 million -- boasts 9 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, a hot tub, pool, koi pond, game room with a pool table and one of the SICKEST VIEWS EVER. We're told on a clear day, you can see the ocean from the house.

Dangerfield blew the judges away during the first round of the show in Milwaukee ... only to mysteriously disappear from the show just before Hollywood week.

But TMZ spoke to Dangerfield ... who told us he's a dedicated student-teacher at a high school in Wisconsin ... and when producers told him the dates he would need to be in Hollywood ... they clashed with certain obligations he had at the school.

Dangerfield tells us, "The kids are depending on me."

Dangerfield tells us "Idol" producers tried to talk him out of his decision to quit the show ... but Scott says he had made up his mind.

Dude looks like a Lopez.

As we first reported, Casey was hospitalized Wednesday after complaining of severe stomach pains. He received a blood transfusion at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center this morning, and was released about an hour ago.

Casey has now done two rehearsals for the taping tonight -- featuring the top 12 male finalists.

Sources connected to the show tell us ... 19-year-old Abrams was rehearsing at CBS Television City when he began to feel sick.

We're told Abrams was taken to a nearby hospital -- where he's expected to stay overnight ... possibly longer.

And it gets worse -- now that Abrams has made the top 24, he's scheduled to tape a performance on Friday ... along with the rest of the top 12 men. But if Abrams is not well enough to take the stage on Friday, we're told he will be eliminated from the competition.

TMZ has learned ... "Idol" execs gave the top 40 finalists the opportunity to select a law firm that would represent the singers ... to review and negotiate the A.I. contract the singers must now sign.

We're told three firms gave their best pitches to the group -- and after the presentations, the singers had to vote by a show of hands on which firm would get the job ... majority rules.

In the end, the gang picked Craig Marshall and Gary L. Gilbert (see above) from the mega-firm of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips -- a firm which boasts huge clients like Coca-Cola, Sony and The Eagles.

It was all part of an interview he gave with his band "The Hollywood Scars" -- they were competing in a local battle of the bands in Santa Cruz last April ... and during the interview, Durbin says his favorite things to write songs about are "having sex with women ... whores ... [and] having a good time."

It's pretty ironic considering how Durbin was portrayed on his "Idol" episode -- as a kind, genuine 21-year-old father of a new baby ... who suffers from Tourette's ... and can barely make ends meet.