When the ninth season of 'American Idol' kicked off this January, it was clear that the magic that's made 'AI' one of the highest-rated shows in TV history remained untarnished. But, of course, nearly a decade into the show's run, a few familiarities were inevitable. Some of 'AI''s nearly 28 million viewers may have had a sense of déjà vu after being introduced to season 9's new hopefuls, noting that they seemed eerily similar to past season's contestants ... and we don't mean "Bikini Boy" vs. Bikini Girl.

We've handicapped the remaining contestants' and recent castoffs' chances for pop success based on the qualities that remind us of some of our favorite past winners and wannabes.

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

This week: 8th place finishers, featuring featuring A.J. Gil (Season One), Rickey Smith (Season Two), Jon Peter Lewis (Season Three), Nadia Turner (Season Four), Bucky Covington (Season Five) and Haley Scarnato (Season Six).

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.

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.

It's a good time to be Carrie Underwood and Bucky Covington.

Carrie was recently voted to People Magazine's "100 Most Beautiful People" list.

Of course, Drew Barrymore is at the top of this list and for me she kind of waivers between beautiful and beat-up looking from one movie to the next. Nonetheless, I'm pretty sure this should still be considered a good thing for Carrie.

If that wasn't enough, her song "Wasted" is currently number one on the country singles chart. Not bad from a girl from little old Checotah, OK.

You may recall that American Idol is launching a performance art camp this summer in Massachusetts. Yesterday, they announced an all-star line-up of Idol alums who will be involved with the camp.

According to the press release, Bucky Covington (season 5) and Kimberley Locke (season 2) will teach special Master Classes, by calling upon "their own unique skills and experiences to educate children on a variety of creative disciplines."

Also scheduled to appear at the camp are Vonzell Solomon (season 4), Carmen Rasmusen (season 2), and fellow TV Squad blogger, Jon Peter Lewis (season 3).

Several past Idol finalists (including Jennifer Hudson) have complained about the treatment they received during their American Idol experience. But don't count Season Five's Bucky Covington as a member of the "Sour Grapes Club." In a recent interview, Bucky talks positively about his own experience.

And unlike the others, he seems to get it: your Idol experience doesn't guarantee you superstardom. However, it does give you tons of exposure in front of millions of potential fans. And it is what you make of it.

American Idol is the number one TV show of people aged 2 to 11.

After you let that little factoid sink in for a few minutes, click on over to The Boston Globe's article about how babies love American Idol. The writer talks about her 21 month year old daughter's obsession with Paris Bennett and Bucky Covington. She's not a big Taylor fan though.

I don't think it's the singing, I think babies tune in for the reason a lot of adults do: they're wondering what crazy-ass thing Paula Abdul is going to do next.

Can we really take a man named Bucky seriously? After his elimination from last week's American Idol competition, 28-year-old Bucky Covington is stating that the comments made by judge Simon Cowell are no longer helpful.

Covington believes that Cowell's comments these days are more insults then they are constructive criticism. He also goes on to say that Simon has his favorites and, regardless of how performers like himself do, others will never get positive reviews.

Is this: 1. truth; 2. sour grapes; or 3. stuff that we already knew about Simon but Bucky decided to say to get into the press? I go with number three.

This week's Results Show should have been renamed Make Everybody's Parents Cry Show because that's what it was. I was actually confused at first -- why were the contestants crying at their parents videos? It's not like they are on Survivor and don't get to see them every week. Heck, half of their parents are in the audience every night. They probably see their family more than I get to see mine. Then, I thought maybe they were crying at hearing their parents say such nice things about them. But that doesn't make sense because parents always gush over their kids. Even when their kids sorta suck. Then, I realized that they were crying because they are all physically and mentally exhausted. They are crying 'cause they just want to go home...but not really.

But Bucky is going home. I think that he's a great guy, but no way was he ever going to become the next American Idol. So, I don't really shed too many tears for Bucky. Ace and Elliott were the other two at the bottom. But what was weird about tonight was that I honestly think Ace was convinced that he was going home. Absolutely convinced of it. And, I was a little bit worried when Elliott was brought into the bottom three and asked to sing on the spot. For a moment, I thought that it was going to be some sort of wacky Idol trick where they just eliminated him on the spot. Luckily, they just had an hour of television to kill.

Next week, Rod Stewart takes over. Notify your moms and aunts, 'cause you know they love him. Love him.

Well, this was unexpected. I mean, I certainly thought that Ace would land himself in the bottom three eventually, but not during the first week. Yeah, I know -- he wasn't that great last night. But isn't being incredibly attractive enough? I say yes. At this point, I've already made up my mind as to whom I want to win (Chris Daughtry). So I say, let's keep Ace around as eye candy. Taylor? He's not candy. Elliott? He's not even a tootsie roll. We need Ace, so vote for him!

And why was Lisa Tucker part of the loser sandwich? Surely, people liked her better than Bucky. The one thing I love about American Idol is that they turn surprises like this into life lessons for the viewer. Seacrest waves his little finger at us in disgust -- "It's all your fault, America. Remember, you gotta vote or this is what happens." We're trying to vote, Seacrest. We can't get through! It's the 5th hit season...get more phone lines! And while you're getting more phone lines, rent Stevie a real piano. The man is a legend, and you've got him rocking out on a 1980s electric keyboard. I'm surprised they didn't just rent him that giant jumping keyboard from Big. I'm sure Taylor knows how to play one of those.

So Melissa is out. Yawn. I know that some of you really like her, but I never got it. To me, she's the poor man's version of Mariah Carey. The more important question is -- who's voting for Kevin? You jerks.