Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Avril Lavigne. Shania Twain.

The list of celebrities and musicians auditioning for the role of Idol’s fourth judge just keeps getting longer.

I mean, at this point, who hasn’t had a turn in the judge’s chair?

Billy Bob Thornton. That’s who.

That suggestion comes from country music star and former Idol contestant Bucky Covington, who’s scheduled to perform at the York Fair 6:30 p.m. Sunday on the WGTY Country Radio Stage.

I interviewed Bucky last week about his career, his upcoming album and his upcoming York Fair appearance.

And, of course, I had to ask what he thought of the Idol judging controversy. Specifically, whom he would suggest Idol audition as a fourth judge.

Why Billy Bob Thornton?

“A lot of people don’t know, but he’s a very talented musician,” Bucky said. “He’s a drummer. He’s a producer. He sings. I think he would tell you exactly what he thought, good or bad. He’s just a nice guy. But I think he also knows and appreciates all styles of music.”

Seems Bucky and fellow season five Idol contestant Chris Daughtry were in L.A. and spent an evening at Thornton’s home, “just hanging out drinking lukewarm Coronas, and it was completely awesome. He (Thornton) actually bought (former Guns n’ Roses guitartist) Slash’s old house. So of course there was a studio downstairs, and we went downstairs and just hung out all night.”

Tomorrow, I’ll post the complete interview with Bucky. And, on Sunday, this blog will feature coverage and photos of his York Fair show.

Idol Chatter will also provide coverage of the upcoming Kelly Clarkson and David Cook shows at the York Fair, as well as a few other fair-related goodies in coming days.

So keep checking back.