Adam Lambert’s first post-Idol single “Time for Miracles” made its unexpected full debut this weekend after it reportedly became available prematurely on the iTunes Store in Italy. As Rolling Stone previously reported, “Time for Miracles” features in upcoming disaster film 2012 and its soundtrack, and the song’s music video was set to premiere before screenings of Michael Jackson’s This Is It documentary starting October 27th. According to Amazon.com, October 27th is also the day the song becomes available for download in the States, but you can take a listen to “Time for Miracles” on YouTube.

Go behind the scenes of Lambert’s RS cover shoot in exclusive photos.

“We wanted to match how epic the film is. We wanted to reach out and grab people by the heart,” Lambert said of “Time for Miracles.” On the track, Lambert proves how flexible his pipes truly are, effortlessly shifting from heartfelt, Ryan Adams-esque verses — complete with what sounds like a pedal steel guitar — to swelling arena-rock chorus. Throughout, Lambert’s incredible voice, which moved Queen’s Brian May “to jelly” when he heard the song this summer, shines through. May also predicted the song would be a “Number One smash.” (more…)

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Adam Lambert’s debut album isn’t due out until November 24th, but already the RS cover star is Number One on Amazon.com. Four days after the pre-order option was made available on Lambert’s still-untitled disc, or New Album 2009 as Amazon calls it, the American Idol runner-up is tops on Amazon’s Bestsellers list, ahead of new releases by Mariah Carey, Madonna, the Beatles and more. That’s pretty impressive, and a testament to Lambert’s fervent fanbase. Lambert’s most recent tweets put him back in the studio with Linda Perry, Rob Cavallo, Ryan Tedder and Dr. Luke — all within the last week.

Go behind the scenes of Lambert’s RS cover shoot in exclusive photos.

So, how’s Season Eight champ Kris Allen doing? (more…)

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Having already lost Paula Abdul, Fox isn’t taking any chances when it comes to re-signing American Idol’s star judge Simon Cowell, whose contract expires at year’s end. Cowell is reportedly negotiating a new contract that will keep him on Idol for two more seasons, plus bring his hit U.K. talent competition The X Factor to the States. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the deal, which has not been finalized or signed, could net Cowell $50 million per season of Idol, plus an additional $50 million depending on The X Factor’s success. Cowell has expressed interest in bringing The X Factor, which launched the career of its Season Three winner Leona Lewis, to the U.S.

Most important in the contract is that it locks up Cowell until 2011-2012, but the possible American version of The X Factor is also interesting, considering it would likely draw from the same talent pool and television audience as AI. The X Factor is generally recognized as the British equivalent of American Idol, but there are some subtle differences. For starters, the competitors are often split into groups. In X’s Season Five, for example, there were four categories: Boys, Girls, Groups and Over 25s, with each subdivision featuring three acts for a total of 12 competitors. Other differences include the fact that, despite a public vote, the judges have more of a say in who is eliminated from the show, plus there’s a sort of boot camp portion of the competition process.

Even though X hasn’t even become a reality yet in the States, THR is already throwing around names for potential judges, including current X Factor judge and Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole and, interestingly, former American Idol judge Paula Abdul. Abdul previously served as guest judge on the British X Factor’s third season during the audition phase, so in addition to seven seasons of Idol, she has some X on her resume as well. It’s unclear if Cowell, who has been a judge on X Factor for six seasons running, will repeat the role in the U.S. edition, if it were to happen.

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• Ellen DeGeneres Named New “American Idol” Judge
• Cowell Close to New Three-Year Deal With “American Idol”
• Paula Abdul and “American Idol” Insiders React to Ellen News

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Ex-American Idol judge Paula Abdul wished the show’s newest addition, fourth judge Ellen DeGeneres, success, saying in a statement, “American Idol is a fantastic show that offers an invaluable platform to young talent. Ellen DeGeneres is wildly funny and talented in her own right. I wish her and the show only the best of luck.” Abdul reiterated her support of Ellen on her Twitter, writing, “I think Ellen will b a gr8 judge on Idol. She is wildly funny, talented and I wish her the best of luck!”

Despite the kind words, a source tells Radar Online that Abdul was “very upset” and “stung” that she was permanently replaced on Idol, as she reportedly hoped that a last-minute deal would bring her back to the show she’s been a part of since episode one.

Meanwhile, Ellen DeGeneres appeared on the radio show of her new co-star Ryan Seacrest yesterday and discussed the inevitable criticism that she lacks music industry experience. “I’m just a fan like everyone else,” DeGeneres told Seacrest. (more…)

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American Idol recruited fill-in judges like Mary J. Blige and Victoria Beckham while searching for a full-time replacement for Paula Abdul, but late yesterday the top-rated show revealed who would be joining the judges table when the series’ ninth season premieres in January 2010: Comedienne and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. Ellen made the surprising announcement on her talk show, saying that talks with AI producers had been ongoing for the past few weeks and the deal was finally worked out just before filming yesterday’s The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Idols on the road: check out backstage photos of Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and more.

“I’m thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol,” said DeGeneres said in a statement that confirmed her new gig. “I’ve watched since the beginning, and I’ve always been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I’ll save from not having to text in my vote.” Added AI creator and executive producer Simon Fuller, “Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel. I can’t wait for this next season to begin.” DeGeneres got her first taste of judging during a one-episode stint on last season’s So You Think You Can Dance. (more…)

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Outside of a few tweets, some rumor mongering and the occasional impromptu airport terminal interview, Paula Abdul has remained mostly silent since revealing that she would not be at the judge’s table for the upcoming season of American Idol. Now Abdul is setting the record straight for the first time since her shocking announcement, telling TV Guide why she decided to leave Idol and what she possibly has planned for the next chapter of her career.

Perhaps the most surprising admission Abdul makes in her TV Guide interview is she still plans to be loyal to American Idol when it returns to the airwaves. “I’ll watch it as much as I can. I had some really unforgettable moments that hit plateaus for me and I’m very blessed to have been a part of what made television history,” Abdul says, adding that she still keeps in contact with Simon Cowell. (more…)

Photograph by C. Taylor Crothers for Rolling Stone

In just a few weeks, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Alison Iraheta will jam in final sessions for their fall debuts. But before the American Idol Season Eight greats hit the studio, they’re still rocking fans on the American Idols Live tour. Rolling Stone brought you a report from the show’s opening night and onstage photos — and in our new issue, Nicole Frehsée goes backstage for an intimate look at the Idols’ life on the road. Grab the issue for her full report, and check out exclusive behind-the-scenes shots of Lambert primping for his set and grabbing a van nap, plus Allen kicking back and prepping for his headlining slot. And after the jump, Allen shows off exactly what happens when he chugs energy drinks pre-show in a backstage video.

• On the Road with Adam Lambert and Kris Allen (more…)

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When Adam Lambert visited the Rolling Stone offices recently, the American Idol runner-up told us that he was working on a top-secret film soundtrack. Now, thanks to Queen guitarist Brian May’s blog, we know what movie will feature one of Lambert’s first post-Idol songs: The apocalyptic flick 2012. According to May, Lambert and American Idiot producer Rob Cavallo teamed up for the track, Towleroad reports. 2012 hits theaters November 13th, and Lambert’s debut album is also due out in November.

See what surprises Adam Lambert has planned for his “sexy” November debut.

“I have to say I was completely blown away … it’s truly sensational,” May wrote on his blog after hearing the 2012 track. “In fact it’s so obviously a number one smash, any bookie would be mad to take bets on it. I am not kidding.” (more…)

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The cast members of the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars were announced today, and to the surprise of many, Paula Abdul’s name wasn’t among this year’s crew of waltzing celebrities (see the list at Us Weekly). According to the Los Angeles Times, even though ABC was among the most enthusiastic of the major networks vying for Abdul’s services after she announced she was leaving American Idol, Abdul and ABC have failed to come to agreeable terms to bring the former judge over. Negotiations have broken down so badly, the LA Times writes, that Abdul’s rumored cameo on next season’s Ugly Betty has also been called off.

So where does this leave Abdul? According to TMZ, the reason she didn’t join Dancing With the Stars was because she wanted to be able to join American Idol if the show’s producers finally met her $10 million contract demands. With ABC likely not happening, Abdul is reportedly hoping to rejoin American Idol, “sources” tell TMZ. (more…)

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Adam Lambert delivered some news about his November debut album via a giddy tweet this morning: “In NYC to record song with MAX MARTIN!!! Soo excited. This album is getting so great!!” Martin is the Swedish wunderkind responsible for Kelly Clarkson’s mammoth “Since U Been Gone,” Britney Spears’ “… Baby One More Time,” Pink’s “So What” and “I Kissed a Girl” by Lambert’s cape-wearing pal Katy Perry.

As Rolling Stone reported earlier this month, the American Idol runner-up has also locked down writing and/or recording sessions with OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder (Kelly Clarkson, Beyoncé), Lady Gaga producer RedOne, Linda Perry, Greg Wells and Sam Sparro. (more…)

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It’s been exactly one week since Paula Abdul posted on Twitter that she would not be returning to American Idol for its ninth season. Since her announcement, contract squabbles, the addition of Kara DioGuardi as fourth judge and Abdul’s past criticism of Idol producers have been blamed for the split. According to the New York Times, all those reasons — and a handful more — factored into Abdul’s decision, with sources telling the paper that the pop star was fed up with being a punchline and eager to prove that she could be a success outside of the show. With NBC and ABC reportedly battling it out to secure Abdul’s services, the former judge seems to have proven her detractors wrong.

Look back at Season Eight of Idol, featuring Adam Lambert and Kris Allen.

“Paula didn’t place as much importance on remaining on the show as some other people did,” a person close to Abdul told the NYT. Abdul was earning far less money than her male counterparts, and felt that years of subtle jokes concerning her unreliability, alleged prescription drug addiction and a rumored affair with an AI contestant cost her endorsement deals. One incident in particular riled Abdul, who reportedly blamed her fellow co-stars’ comments for ruining an opportunity with a major clothing designer in 2006. (more…)

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Simon Cowell is reportedly finalizing a deal that will ensure the cantankerous Brit’s spot on the American Idol judges’ panel for the next three seasons. While no financial details were revealed, the Hollywood Reporter writes the deal will probably be for $45 million over the next three years. Cowell had previously hinted that he would leave the show after his contract was up at the end of this season, however earlier this summer, he began negotiations to extend his stay on Idol through 2011. (more…)

The American Idols Live tour is in full swing, but Adam Lambert still has one eye on his debut album, due in November via AI’s 19 Recordings through a licensing deal with RCA. When Lambert stopped by the RS offices last week to discuss Paula Abdul’s departure from Idol, he stayed tight-lipped about any possible song names, lyrics or the album title — “Nope, can’t tell you yet — it’s all a surprise,” he says — but stressed that assembling the album quickly is only adding to its intensity.

Go behind the scenes at Adam Lambert’s Rolling Stone cover shoot.

“We did a surprising amount of work before the tour started, we had about a month,” he says. “I got a lot of co-writing done, some great initial vocal material recorded, and just general collaborations with different producers.” His list of collaborators has grown to include OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder (Kelly Clarkson, Beyoncé), along with Lady Gaga producer RedOne, Linda Perry, Greg Wells and Sam Sparro. His only promises: “a lot of surprises” and “it’s going to feel really sexy.” (Watch Lambert talk about his first album in our video interview, above.) (more…)

Paula Abdul’s departure from her American Idol judge’s chair has left producers with a hole to fill, but Adam Lambert says it will be difficult to replace the unique qualities Abdul brought to the show in her eight seasons: support, love and heart. Last season’s runner-up tells Rolling Stone, “I love Paula,” that he checked in with Abdul after her unexpected Twitter announcement, and is sure she’ll find success in her future endeavors. But there’s no question she’ll miss her role as hopefuls’ support system.

“She obviously is going to miss interacting with all the Idol contestants, she really loves that process of discovering new talent,” Lambert says. “I think she brings so much heart to the show. She’s so supportive, she knows what it’s like to be a performer and she really provides a sense of safety for the auditioners in the room. I have no doubt her future endeavors will bring her success and happiness. She’s got a lot that she’s capable of.” (Click above to watch our interview with Lambert — and check back next week for an update on his album and the Idol tour.) (more…)

Paula Abdul made her first public, non-Twitter comments since announcing she was leaving the American Idol judge’s table, telling a pack of TMZ photographers at New York’s JFK Airport, “It’s been overwhelming, what’s going on right now, so I have to really carefully think about everything.” TMZ pressed Abdul on whether she had been invited to join former Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe on So You Think You Can Dance, but Abdul reiterated that she doesn’t know yet what her post-Idol future holds. (Though Abdul jokes that she may take up President Barack Obama on his offer to babysit his children.)

While Abdul isn’t sure about her next steps, American Idol is certain they’ll replace her — and the search for a new fourth judge is underway. According to the New York Times’ ArtsBeat blog, Peter Rice, the chairman for entertainment at Fox Broadcasting, told a meeting of the Television Critics Association, “What we need to find is someone who has great chemistry.” During auditions, Katy Perry and Victoria Beckham will sit in as guest judges, and the plan is to fill the fourth chair with a female pop star during the try-outs. Rice said the show hopes to lock down Abdul’s replacement by the time the show begins its regular live broadcasts in January. (more…)