Bo Bice, who was the runner-up on American Idol a few years ago, says that FOX shouldn't let Paula Abdul go because she's part of what makes the show great .

To be fair to the other judges on the show, Bice does say that if they got rid of either Randy or Simon it would be equally devastating. I don't quite think this is true of Jackson, Paula and Simon really are the heart of the show (along with Ryan Seacrest).

Kelly ... Ruben ... Carrie ... David ...

They may all own the title of 'American Idol,' but winning is one thing -- turning in one of the show's most memorable performances is something else entirely.

We scoured through the past seven seasons to come up with the 16 best. Then YOU, the fans, voted for the No. 1 greatest 'Idol' performance of all time. See who topped the list.

Going into last night's finale of American Idol, I was very excited to see the Davids battle each other for the title. It was the first American Idol in a while that did not have an obvious winner at the outset. Even though it really was David Archuleta's night, I still hold out hope that David Cook might pull out a win. He's the one with the most potential and is the better performer. Little Archuleta has that killer voice, though.

Anyway, last night's epic battle got me thinking about past American Idol finales and whether any of them were this much of a contest. It seems like we've gone into most of the American Idol finales with obvious winners. Here's a breakdown of the past American Idol finales, and whether they stack up to last night's performances:

Welcome back to "AI Aftermath," where we explore Idol's past. Each installment, as one more American Idol hopeful is eliminated from the competition, we take a look back at contestants past who were eliminated at the same point. We'll examine how they did on the show and what they've been up to since their eliminations. In honor of David Archuleta's elimination in the finale, we'll be looking at other second place finishers.

This week: 2nd place finishers, featuring featuring Justin Guarini (Season One), Clay Aiken (Season Two), Diana DeGarmo (Season Three), Bo Bice (Season Four), Katharine McPhee (Season Five) and Blake Lewis (Season Six).

You'll recognize them immediately: Randy's "pitchy" problems; Paula's patronizing critiques; Ryan and Simon's on-stage bickering.

These are just some of the clichés that have dominated the 'American Idol' airwaves from the beginning.

We're counting down the 11 biggest clichés ever. Check them out ... after the jump.

Way back in the early days of American Idol, and by early days I mean "Season Four," there was a girl who was a little bit country and a long-haired fellow who was a little bit rock and roll. I think we all know who went on to win that season, but that southern rocker was a pretty amazing presence of his own. In fact, they were so strong together in the final, they both released "Inside Your Heaven," the Idol single for that year. And they even swapped spots at number one with the track.

Now Bo's out promoting See the Light, his latest album which is more true to his southern rock roots. But that doesn't mean he's not willing to take a break from his touring schedule to spend some quality time with the kids down at American Idol Camp this summer. The program, which began last year, is for 10-15 year olds and runs in five two-week sessions throughout the summer.

There, kids can go to learn about the music industry and hone their craft as musicians, as well as experiencing all the traditional things that make summer camps fun, just with the added bonus of hanging out with and learning from Idol alumni like Bo. For more on Idol Camp check out the official American Idol Camp website. For more on my chat with Bo Bice, follow me after the jump.

Call it what you will -- the downfall of pop music or its savior -- there's no denying that 'American Idol' is a fickle god-maker.

Some winners have found great success (hello, Kelly!), some have been dumped by their labels (so sorry, Ruben and Taylor), while some also-rans have gone on to bigger and better things.

We check in on 30 'AI' alums and fill you in on which ones are in trouble with the law, which are still giving it their best shot ... and which have fallen off the radar.

Like every TV show, 'American Idol' couldn't survive without a headline scandal.

In just seven seasons, 'Idol' has had its fair share of juicy gossip items: nude photos; arrests; wrong numbers -- not to mention Corey Clark's alleged affair with Paula Abdul.

We've compiled a list of the biggest 'Idol' scandals ever. After the jump, click through our gallery to relive moments every 'Idol' wants you to forget.

'American Idol''s are usually easy on the ears.

But occasionally, the show finds contestants who aren't too bad on the eyes, either, making each season that much more enjoyable to watch.

AOL users recently nominated their picks for the sexiest 'Idol' ever, and we're counting down the top 10.

Karoake Revolution is releasing an American Idol version of its game for PlayStation 2, complete with original American Idol tunes and judgements from Randy and Simon. Players can cover one of 40 songs, including Taylor Hicks' "Do I Make You Proud", Bo Bice's "The Real Thing", Ruben Studdard's "Flying Without Wings", and Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway". You can also channel William Hung, by singing "She Bangs". Once you've finished your song, Randy and Simon will have some remarks for you. Paula Abdul's not involved, but you can cover her '80s hit "Straight Up".

This sounds like a game for the pre-teen set at slumber parties or their very first boy-girl parties. I can see it now: an 11-year-old girl's night is ruined when Simon tells her she's the worst singer ever.

[Via TV Filter]

In case you've missed it -- perhaps you were killing Jonathan Toomey for not liking Pearl Jam -- here are some highlights from the last week at TV Squad:



American Idol coverage

• 'Tis not the ponytail that brought down fair Ace.
• Page Six claims Bo Bice took a swing at an ex-NFL lineman.
• Ace gets eliminated; Chris moves to bottom 3.
• Before the results episode, Bob said that Kellie should be voted out.
• Good songs, bad clothes abound during performance show.
• USA Today article examine's AI's show-killer status.
• Bucky says that Simon Cowell is useless.
• Kelly Clarkson launches summer concert tour.
  

Breaking News

• Starbuck reveals some BSG secrets for the next season.
• Henderson Forsythe dead at 88.
• You'll never believe who's attached to the Transformers movie.
• Denise Richards gets restraining order against Charlie Sheen.
• Scrubs renewed; so was 7th Heaven (wha?)
• Watros signs on to Tom Cavanagh pilot.
• Is Watros' new role good news for Sons & Daughters fans?
• NBC is wooing Mike Wallace, according to Page Six.
• Smigel defends "Disney vault" cartoon.
• J.J. Abrams will direct the next Star Trek movie.
• California Supreme Court sides with Friends writers in harrassment case.
• Vanna White gets a star on the Walk of Fame.
• Eva Longoria not planning on renewing Desperate contract.
• Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino to leave Gilmore Girls.
• Gary Gray dead at 69.
• NBC cancels Celebrity Cooking Showdown.
• Now you can watch TV while pumping that $3 gas.
• HBO orders second season of Big Love.
• Scott Brazil dead at 50.
• Katie Holmes gives birth to an already-brainwashed girl.
• A new reality show will pick the new Elvira.
• Adult Swim to air Saved by the Bell reruns.
  

Discussions

• Listen to our tenth APB podcast.
• This Arrested Development poster looks very... familiar.
• Michael Cera of AD chats with boston.com users.
• Bill Maher is a sensitive, skilled lover... who knew?
• Lost's Boone and Shannon are dating. Gross!
• What happened to Eyes?
• Rich finds that there are a lot of 90210 alumni on TV these days.
• Which show should move: Housewives or Grey's?
• Christopher Gorham talks to me about the shelving of Out of Practice.
  

The Five

• Bob's all-time favorite TV lineups.
• Ways we've mishandled The Unit.
• Characters Bob would like to see come back.
• Best TV shows about TV shows.

Opinions

• Saturday night... ABC... Pretty Woman?
• Adam considers a Cartoon Network with live-action shows.
• I don't think the Gilmore creators' departure is such a bad thing.
• Adam comes up with a new "naming scheme" for celebrity babies.
• Those VW safety ads freak Anna out.
  

Episode Reviews

• Survivor: Exile Island: "Medical Emergency"
• MythBusters: "Bullets Fired Up"
• South Park: "A Million Little Fibers"
• Alias: "S.O.S." / "Maternal Instinct"
• Gilmore Girls: "I Get a Sidekick Out of You"
• Veronica Mars: "Never Mind the Buttocks"
• What About Brian: "Two in Twenty-Four"
• The West Wing: "Requiem"
• The Sopranos: "Live Free or Die"

OK, I'm risking a comment assault on my inbox by posting this, but what the hell, I feel like taking some (calculated) risks today:

According to everyone's favorite column, Page Six in the New York Post, Bo Bice got into a drunken scrape with a fan the other night at a midtown Manhattan pub. But this wasn't just any fan, it was Glenn Parker, who at one time was an NFL offensive lineman (he played on my favorite team, the New York Giants, the last time they went to the Super Bowl).

The article states that Parker approached the Idol reject, asking him if he was indeed Bo Bice. Bice denied it; when Parker came back to Bo to apologize for bothering him, Bo started flailing his arms, grazing Parker under the chin with one swing. Instead of crushing him like a bug, Parker called for a bartender, who helped him throw the long-haired crooner out of the bar.

Parker needs to be commended for his restraint; at 6'5" and 300 pounds, he could have really gone to town on Bice. As for Bo... well... he should be grateful his face is still intact. The next time he grows beer muscles, he may not be so lucky.

Being in the Final 12 means that you get to perform on the big stage, in front of the big crowd, with the big fancy lights. This is the AI equivalent of getting to sit at the adult table at Thanksgiving. No more of that kids' table crap. It's the big show with the bigger band and the souped-up sound system.

But there was no souped-up sound system in my apartment tonight.  

In case you've missed it -- perhaps you were busy watching the World Baseball Classic (yeah, right) -- here are some highlights from the last week at TV Squad:



More American Idol coverage

• Is Kevin Corvais being helped by a "vote for the worst" website?
• The show inspires music teachers and students.
• The final 12 are chosen.
• Bo Bice sounded like crap during his guest stint.
• Taylor becomes a windmill.
• Mandisa is Every Woman.
  

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• Create your own TV Network!  Win valuable prizes!

Breaking News

• Sesame Street turns down Crowe; Bert phone-throwing sketch put on hold.
• McDermott, Malick in new ABC pilots.
• Amazon thinking about selling downloads.
• Joey's out -- again.
• Bravo to air reruns of Six Feet Under.
• Osama's niece gets a reality show.
• House gets renewed.
• Hasselhoff accused of abusing his ex-wife.
• Scrubs may make it to iTunes.
• The shows that are on the bubble for a fall return.
• The CW may bring 7th Heaven back from the dead.
• Huzzah! Bonnie Hunt to star in a new pilot.
• Daily Show and Colbert to be offered on iTunes.
• Still Standing and Yes, Dear are likely gonzo.
  

Discussions

• Who do you think will get whacked first on The Sopranos?
• Listen to our fifth APB podcast.
• Why does Jimmy Kimmel Live run a repeat on Thursdays?
• George Peppard talks to Adam from beyond the grave; apparently Cheez-Its are plentiful in the afterlife.
  

The Five

• Networks Bob can do without.
• Shows I don't see in reruns anymore.
• Shows George Clooney wishes weren't on his IMDb profile.
  

Opinions

• Adam notices a Shining connection on Everybody Hates Chris.
• Bob reviews NewsRadio Season 3 on DVD.
• Bob finds The Equalizer on Universal HD.
• What life is like for Adam, The Man Who Doesn't Like Scrubs.
• Joe Rogan fights with a MySpace user half his age. How mature.
• What the hell were critics expecting from Jon Stewart's Oscar performance?
• Sarah's night watching the Oscars.
  

Episode Reviews

• SNL: Matt Dillon / Arctic Monkeys
• Monk: "Mr. Monk Goes to the Dentist"
• Battlestar Galactica: "Lay Down Your Burdens (Part Two)"
• Survivor: Panama: Episode 6
• Invasion: "The Fittest"
• Project Runway: Finale
• The Unit: "First Responders"
• Sons & Daughters: "Anniversary Party" / "Bowling Night"
• 24: "5:00pm - 6:00pm" / "6:00pm - 7:00pm"

I timed it -- it lasted 6.3 seconds. That's how long Ace Young and Will Makar hugged when Will got eliminated. And...I saw some eye closing on Ace's part. Now, I'm not implying anything by The 6.3 Second Hug (that's what I've dubbed it), I just mention it because some of you have brought Ace's sexuality into question. Now, an extended hug (with eye closing) does not imply homosexuality, but it does give us more material to gossip with. Personally, I don't care whether he's straight or gay in the real world... because in my fantasies, he's a straight man who loves to give lady bloggers intimate backrubs by candlelight. Ahhhhhh.

But you're right, Bob, I thought Bo sounded like crap too. His throat was all scratchy like he needed some herbal tea or something. Or...maybe a closed eye hug from Ace. Who knows?

Kinnik and Will were no surprise, but I was absolutely shocked by Ayla and Gedeon going home. I don't care about either one of them, but how did Kevin make it to the big stage and not them? It's an American tragedy. I'm somewhat speechless...psych! I'm still thinking about that backrub from Ace.

But, I'm (moderately) happy with the Final 12. What about you?