Idol Chatter & Voice Views

For years I’ve suggested American Idol should give preferential treatment for former contestants when it comes to filling guest spots on its Thursday results show.

In Season 12, it looks like that just might happen.

This week, we’ll hear from two more former Idols — Colton Dixon and Katharine McPhee.

Colton, of course, appeared on Idol last year and finished seventh. He’s currently promoting his debut album, “A Messenger.”

The album debuted at number one on Billboard’s Christian albums chart in early February.

And it was still holding down a spot on the Billboard 200 last week, marking its seventh week on the chart.

Lots of Idol albums from alumni who finished higher haven’t shown that much staying power.

The surprise guest for tomorrow night’s show … well, a surprise up until about an hour ago … is Katherine McPhee.

Kat finished second to Taylor Hicks back in Season 5 and has released two albums since.

She’s wrapped up filming on the second season of “Smash.” Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the NBC show will live to see a third season.

On Thursday, Katharine will be performing with One Republic. Apparently, Ryan Tedder of that group is co-writing songs with Kat for her upcoming album.