American Idol

"American Idol" star and fan favorite Ada Vox has made her way to the spotlight ... and she hopes a couple legends in the drag queen world have noticed.

We talked to Ada -- the stage persona of Adam Sanders, who's currently killing it on the first season of the 'AI' reboot on ABC -- about her journey and mindset going forward in the competition. She tells us because Adam tried and failed in the past to get where Ada has ... it's a no-brainer to keep it up with her -- she's the entertainer of the 2.

Ada also says it would be amazing if RuPaul would shout her out ... even more so if she got Cher's attention.

Ada performed last week on 'Idol' with Lea Michele, and really made fans -- along with the judges -- believe she could win with her performance. And there's no doubt she believes in herself.

Interesting note -- Ada auditioned for the show 12 times before, as Adam, and was eliminated during Hollywood Week of season 12. But, the drag queen came out for the latest audition ... and the 13th time was the charm.

"American Idol" dreamboat Trevor Holmes got sent home by Katy Perry this week -- but he ain't mad at her ... 'cause their viral "flirting" put him and his music on the map.

We spoke to Trevor a day after his final episode on 'Idol' aired Monday, in which he got eliminated by the judges ... and had the news delivered by none other than Katy.

In case you haven't been following along this season ... Trevor and Katy have sorta had a thang between them since his original audition -- even though he's got a GF, Sierra.

In hindsight, Trevor tells us he has no regrets or resentment about being booted -- although he acknowledges the Katy-Sierra "love triangle" being played up screwed with him a bit.

Tyga is nothing if not predictable, because he's being sued again where he lives ... and he also got his poor little son sued in the process.

Mezhgan Hussainy, Simon Cowell's makeup artist who he was once set on marrying, has a super cool house in Bev Hills that she rented to him for $40k a month. Tyga moved in in March 2017 and paid rent for awhile .. until he didn't.

Hussainy claims the rent check stopped in January and he's made no effort to catch up.

Former "American Idol" contestant Chikezie Eze has a history of beating his estranged wife, Linda Iruke ... at least according to her, and now a judge is ordering him to stay away from Linda and their kids.

Linda filed docs, obtained by TMZ, saying she was forced to move to a domestic violence safe house in August "because of all the abuse." She says they've been separated since May 2017.

In the docs, Linda says Chikezie -- who finished 10th in season 7 -- once threatened, "Don't make me turn this car around and beat your ass." She says he also threatened to post nude photos of her on the Internet.

She claims the last straw came in January when Chikezie allegedly made a verbal threat. She's not specific about what was said, but says based on prior unreported domestic violence, she believes he's capable of carrying out the threat.

Linda requested, and was granted, a restraining order which requires Chikezie to stay at least 100 yards away from Linda, their kids, and her home and work location.

We've reached out to Chikezie ... so far, no word back.

Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan can learn a thing or two from their rivals Adam, Blake, Alicia and Kelly ... and that's according to an "American Idol" winner!

Nick Fradiani -- who won season 14 in 2015 -- watched the big premiere, and says the "Idol" judges have some work to do if they're gonna build up the same kind of chemistry as "The Voice" coaches.

"American Idol" producers have a tricky way of keeping tabs on contestants looking to sneak out of their rooms to bang other contestants ... according to former 'Idol' contestant Jackie Tohn.

We got Jackie, who was on season 8, Monday night at the Hollywood Improv, and she had a flashback when we told the new 'Idol' contestants have been hooking up like crazy.

Jackie says back in her day, producers put a simple piece of tape to good use. You gotta see her break down the strategy used to make sure 'Idol' hopefuls were working on music, and not each other. Hint: Don't break the seal!

The "American Idol" reboot saw its first train wreck of an audition this weekend, but there was no real Simon Cowell to be found among any of the judges ... try as Katy Perry did.

A woman named Koby -- who's a theater performer -- was the first 'no' Sunday night on the premiere of the new 'AI,' with Katy, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan in the judges' chairs.

No offense to the aspiring singer, but her audition was terrible -- and it was the first opportunity for the judges to show their true colors ... and to see if anyone would fill in Cowell's "mean judge" shoes.

Katy did kinda take a crack at it, but she's no Simon Cowell ... as you can see from her feedback. Katy is direct and slightly harsh, telling Koby "You're not a pop star. It's not right." But aside from that, the criticism was relatively mild compared to the good ol' days.

Lionel and Luke also did their best Randy and Paula impressions, but it ain't the real McCoy.

"American Idol" contestants have all been staying in an L.A. hotel together and it's a good bet they're keeping other hotel guests up late at night ... because there's been a lot of banging.

Production sources tell us this season is different from all the others, because contestants are not only hooking up, at least 2 of them and possibly 4 are in actual relationships. There have been a number of casual hookups as well.

We're told producers found out about the bangfest and they're okay with it.

Our production sources say in the first run of the show there were never obvious hookups, but they think the batch of young contestants this season is just further proof Tinder is ingrained in their culture.

Maybe one of them will sing a Crosby, Stills and Nash song ... "If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with."

Nigel Lythgoe says Ryan Seacrest should absolutely be allowed to continue hosting "American Idol" ... despite a sexual harassment allegation hanging over his head.

We got the "So You Think You Can Dance" judge Tuesday in Bev Hills, and he thinks the real reason A-list actresses avoided Seacrest at the Oscars is because of their publicists.

While Seacrest did nab some interviews -- like with Taraji P. Henson, who many thought threw shade his way -- the red carpet vet didn't talk to any of the Best Actress nominees.

As for whether Ryan should be allowed to continue hosting the rebooted 'Idol' on ABC, Lythgoe says Seacrest can't be assumed to be guilty based on merely one allegation. He notes no other women have come forward.

"American Idol" alum Haley Reinhart took the stand in her battery case, but her defense fell woefully short -- she was found guilty of hitting a bouncer.

TMZ broke the story ... Haley was arrested last July for punching a bouncer during a bar brawl that left one of her friends bloodied ... prompting him to sue one of the bouncers.

Haley took the witness stand in her own defense Monday, but the judge said her answers were "evasive, argumentative and sometimes implausible" ... according to the Chicago Tribune. She was ordered to pay a $500 fine, but the conviction could be wiped from her record if she keeps her nose clean for 2 years.

The car crash that killed beloved ex-NBA player Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle, was so loud, the audio was picked up on a home surveillance camera about a block and a half away from the incident.

You can hear the tires screeching for roughly 2 seconds -- followed by a series of loud bangs.

Cops say Butler's Range Rover was traveling at very high speed around 2:30 AM on Jan. 31 when he lost control and struck several parking meters, slammed into a wall and flipped two times before coming to a stop.

Judging from the audio, it sounds like Butler slammed on the brakes and tried to avoid the collision -- but he was going too fast to regain control of the vehicle.

Butler was one of the most well-liked guys in the NBA -- and tons of huge stars like Ray Allen and Kobe Bryant paid tribute to him after the incident.

Butler was 38. Leah was 31.

Kenny Smith says he's still reeling from the "horrific situation" that claimed Rasual Butler's life ... and he's expecting the NBA to honor Rasual in a big way.

"Overall, the NBA community will step up. We'll do something on TNT," Kenny said.

Condolences poured in Wednesday from ex-teammates and legends like Shaq, Kobe and Allen Iverson ... and the Miami Heat were the first team to put together a video tribute.

The Jet says fans should expect a lot more of that -- because "everybody loved him."

Ex-NBA player Rasual Butler and his wife -- a singer who appeared on "American Idol" -- were both killed in a single car crash in Studio City, CA early Wednesday morning, TMZ Sports has learned.

38-year-old Butler -- who was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2002 -- lost control of his Range Rover around 2 AM, struck a parking meter and slammed into a wall. The car flipped.

Officers believe the car was speeding before it lost control.

Butler had a long NBA career after an impressive run at La Salle -- where he was a 2-time First Team All-Atlantic 10 Player. He's a member of the La Salle Hall of Athletics.

He went on to play in the NBA until 2016 -- with stints on the Hornets, Clippers, Bulls, Raptors, Pacers, Wizards and Spurs.

Rasual most recently played in Ice Cube's BIG3 league.

Butler's wife Leah LaBelle, 31, was an R&B singer who was signed to Epic Records. She placed 12th on the 3rd Season of "American Idol" back in 2004.

Rasual is survived by a daughter from a previous relationship, Raven Butler.

R.I.P.

Rasual Butler's death is hitting the NBA hard -- with his friends and former teammates sending their condolences to Butler's family.

John Wall -- "I will always remember the time we shared together as teammates, you were the big brother. I appreciate the advice you shared, not just about basketball but life. Sending my deepest condolences to the families of Rasual and Leah. May you both rest in peace."

Blake Griffin -- "You were a great teammate and an even better person. Rest in peace my friend."

LaMarcus Aldridge -- "Devastated to hear the news about the passing of my former teammate, Rasual, & his wife. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families during this difficult time. Rasual was an amazing teammate and an even better person. He will truly be missed!"

Kyle Lowry -- "I remember I called you when you got drafted on draft night and I was at a camp and I wanted to show off because I knew you and you answered the phone for a 16 year old who was one of your biggest fans.. this is truly a sad day for me !! RIP Sual bop my oldhead!!"

Austin Rivers -- "It was a pleasure meeting you man. Getting to work with you last year was amazing. For you were not only a knowledgeable player....but more so a great man! Smh Crazy this just happened. May you and your wife RIP in heaven."

Kevin Love -- "Incredibly sad news to hear about Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. Prayers to both of their families through this tough time."

Ray Allen -- "I cannot believe this!!!!!!!!!My heart is heavy!!! We lost a good one today! RIP Rasual you were such a great talent on the court but an even better man off it! My thoughts are with the entire Butler family as they mourn the tragic loss of their son/brother and his beautiful wife, Leah. Gone too soon. Rest in power."

Reggie Miller -- "Saddened by the news and the loss of Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. Talk about a great dude and family man. I know he had many stops during his 13 year NBA journey, but he was beloved becasue of his work ethic in Indiana. New guardian Angels."

Paul Pierce -- "So sad this morning to here about my friend and teammate 😢 RIP Rasual Butler appreciate the people around u because u never know."

Chauncey Billups -- "I’m shocked, saddened and in disbelief about the news on my friend Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. May God be with their families. We will miss you 'Sul.'"

Allen Iverson -- "Rest easy my brother. See you when I get there!!!"

Shaq -- "Still can’t believe the news about my main man SOOL BOP. #riprasualbutler🏀#THELILHOMIEFROMPHILLY."

Kobe Bryant -- "Rest In Peace my brother #RasualButler."

Miami Heat -- "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and many friends of Rasual and Leah. They will be missed."

L.A. Clippers -- "The L.A. Clippers are deeply saddened by the loss of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. Rasual will long be remembered not only for his accomplishments on the court, but for his vibrant personality, positive outlook and the compassion he had for everyone around him."

Katy Perry is having some serious issues making it to the "American Idol" judge's table on time.

Production sources tell us Katy's almost always late to the audition rounds, showing up 10-25 minutes after call time. While it's been frustrating for show producers, we're told the other judges -- Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie -- haven't been all that upset.

There's a bigger issue that looms. We're told the judges are all solid and their chemistry is good. Problem is ... there's no comedic tension a la Paula/Simon or Blake/Adam on "The Voice." Katy is really fun, Lionel has a strong point of view and Luke's pure country. But they're not at each other's throats, either in a serious or funny way, and some honchos are worried that's the kind of heat that makes a show a hit.

As one source said, the editing of the auditions is everything. It could make or break the reboot.

"American Idol" producers are making a HUGE mistake by cutting bad auditions from the new version of the show ... so says the king of bad auditions, William Hung!

We spoke to Hung shortly after news dropped of the new format ... to go with the all-new judges panel of Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. While producers feel those ear-splitting, glass-cutting attempts at singing make the show seem fake ... William says it's AI's calling card.

In fact, he says 'Idol' lost one of the few things that makes it stand out from all the other singing talent shows -- and the proof will be in the ratings.

Hung. Still banging ... on TV producers.