The second runner-up from “American Idol” Season 7 earned rave reviews for her performance as Deena Jones in the musical “Dreamgirls,” which played in Chicago last month. more>

This year is Simon Cowell’s last on 'American Idol' before he focuses on his next TV project, a U.S. version of 'The X Factor,' and speculation already is mounting about his replacement. more>

Has ‘American Idol’ worn out its welcome? Teens have mixed views on the star-making show’s future. more>

It’s hard to say what was more exciting for a group of music students at Kenwood Academy last week: celebrating music education at a celebrity-fueled rally simulcast in Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston and Houston, or getting $100,000 worth of new musical instruments. more>

In the new adventure movie 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief,' in theaters Friday and based on the popular book series, average teen Percy discovers that he might not be so average—kind of like Harry Potter. more>