American Idol betting odds - Chris Sligh early favorite

Several factors seem to make Chris Sligh early favorite to win the 2007 American Idol edition. Randy Jackson hinted in a media conference call that the eventual winner may be someone that auditioned in Birmingham, but maybe not from Birmingham. Chris Sligh is from Greenville, SC and was auditioned in Birmingham.

For his Birmingham audition, Chris Sligh sang “Kiss From A Rose” by Seal. After his audition, Paula Abdul stood up, applauded, and told Chris that she liked him very much. Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell agreed and quickly put Chris through to Hollywood.

What could be mere speculation is apparently taken very seriously by American Idol handicappers and odds makers. Sligh opened at BetCRIS.com (Visit Web site here) as early favorite to win American Idol Season 6. Sligh's current odds to win AI6 is +450 (Betting $100 would pay $450 if he wins the contest).

Chris seems to be motivated. “I really want to make David Hasselhoff cry." Chris said referring to how David Hasselhoff cried when Taylor Hicks won American Idol 5

American Idol Judge Declares She's Never Been Drunk

After much rumors and speculations about Paula Abdul’s “erratic” behavior, the American Idol judge spoke to Us Weekly magazine in the Feb. 16 issue.

"I've never been drunk. I have never done recreational drugs," says Abdul. "Just look at my 20-year career. Tell me someone who is into partying or doing drugs that could have done that."

Moreover, she expresses her professionalism and passion for the hit show. Abdul has been with American Idol for five years now and has previously signed a deal for the show through 2008. "I have never missed a live show…Even when I had surgery on my hand I left my hospital bed to go to the show," says Abdul.

She denies the countless lies and false speculation over her 20-year career and does not take the rumors too seriously. "I'm squeaky clean. I've worked my ass off my entire life. (But) being involved in the show causes people to question everything," adds Abdul.

Jackson denies 'American Idol' reports

Michael Jackson has denied claims that he will be appearing on American Idol.

Recent reports claimed that the Thriller singer would join the show to mentor contestants before they performed some of his biggest hits in a special episode.

"There is absolutely no truth to the rumour that Michael Jackson is going to appear on American Idol," Jackson's representative Raymone Bain told Access Hollywood. "He has signed no agreements with anyone."

Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe also denied the claims: "It's not true. It's just not true. We won't be seeing him."

However, Lythgoe did promise fans that they could expect exciting news in the next few weeks, promising "the biggest thing to happen to Idol in five years".