19 Entertainment, American Idol's parent company, agreed to pay the State of New York a $5,000 fine for breaking the state's child labor laws earlier

19 Entertainment, American Idol's parent company, agreed to pay the State of New York a $5,000 fine for breaking the state's child labor laws earlier this summer. American Idol singers Jordin Sparks and Sanjaya Malakar, both of whom are under 21, were cited. Neither Malakar or Sparks had acquired the proper work permits. The American Idol tour held four dates in the State of New York in August and September. 19 Entertainment was held totally responsible, and there should be further trouble for the singers or 19 Entertainment.

Kid Rock Proclaims "American Idol Sucks"

In a recent interview with Blender Magazine, Kid Rock recently proclaimed that "American Idol sucks." Hardly an original sentiment, at least Kid Rock's argument regarding Idol's deficiencies is well-thought out and articulate. Oh wait, it's not. That wasn't Mr. Rock's full quote. He continued, explaining: "I think they should allow songwriters in. Someone singing a song they wrote – there's nothing more powerful. But whatever, they're doing fine; they don't need me, and I don't need them." I'm pretty sure that quote makes very little sense, but perhaps Rock just lives and thinks on a higher plane of existence than the rest of us.

American Idol: Jordin Sparks Almost Done with Debut Album

Jordin Sparks has had a crazy past nine months. The seventeen year old became the youngest winner in American Idol history. She just finished up the long and grueling American Idol tour, all the while working on her debut album. Sparks' first album, which she has been working on when there's been time throughout the summer, will be released on November 17. Now that the Idol tour is finished, Jordin is in Los Angeles, focused completely on finishing her album in time.

Dolly Parton Too Nice to be Judge on 'American Idol'

Legendary country singer and flotation device Dolly Parton recently declined an invitation to act as guest judge on FOX's American Idol. The reason? She's too nice. American Idol will apparently be producing an episode next season that will pay tribute to the music of Dolly Parton. She was asked by FOX to help judge the singers on this episode, but Parton politely declined. Dolly said, "I won't be a judge. I couldn't do that. I can't tell people they aren't doing a good job even if they ask me. To tell someone if they're good or bad, or if they suck isn't me."

American Idol: Lakisha Jones Joins Cast of 'The Color Purple' on Broadway

Lakisha Jones was the early favorite to win it all on last season of American Idol. That didn't happen, but Jones advanced far in the season and constantly wowed audiences with her monstrous voice. Now, she'll get a chance to showcase that voice on Broadway. The producers of The Color Purple recently announced that Lakisha will be joining the cast on January 9. She will play the role of Church Soloist on all evening shows and will play the bigger role of Sofia during matinées.

American Idol - Sanjaya Malakar Talks About His Upcoming Album

Despite his detractors, Sanjaya Malakar is still determined to pursue his music career. After participating in the American Idols Live! Tour 2007, a summer concert tour which ended yesterday, the 18-year-old former American Idol finalist will now take on his first album.

Malakar, who gained national attention on American Idol season 6 by advancing to the 7th place with public votes despite many criticisms, is eager to chase his musical passion and tap on other opportunities that come along his way.

Emmys 2007: How Did American Idol's Ryan Seacrest Handle the Hosting Duties?

There was a fair amount of skepticism regarding FOX's choice to hand over the Emmy hosting reigns to American Idol host and friend of the Teeny-bopper Ryan Seacrest this year. There was no controversy, per se, because it's really not that big of a deal. It's not like Seacrest's Emmy appointment was out of nowhere, either. FOX has been known to shamelessly flog its own assets and as the best host on the FOX network, it was wholly reasonable that he host a major award show. The only problem was that the trend for major awards shows has been to hand over hosting duties to comedians. Ryan Seacrest is no comedian.

American Idol: Jennifer Hudson Signs on for 'Sex and the City' Movie

Jennifer Hudson, former American Idol contestant and Academy Award winner for her work in Dreamgirls, has signed for a supporting role in the upcoming Sex and the City film. The long in the making movie, which was reliant on all four ladies (Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Catrall, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis) agreeing to go through with the project. Hudson will play Sarah Jessica Parker's assistant in the film.

There's no word yet on just how big the part of the assistant is, but for Jennifer Hudson to choose it as one of her first post-Oscar roles, you'd have to assume it's a somewhat significant role. The problem is, it doesn't sound like one. Is she going to play the “sassy assistant” or is she going to play the “shy assistant”? Are there any others? I'm a Jennifer Hudson fan, and thought she was remarkably good in Dreamgirls, so I hope it's a solid part.