Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Who knew American Idol was a diva factory?

Tonight, we get three former Idol contestants in the role of VH1 Divas — Kelly Clarkson, the original Idol; Jordin Sparks, the season six winner; and Jennifer Hudson, who didn’t win Idol, but already has a Grammy and an Oscar to her credit.

Oh, and let’s not forget, Paula Abdul is hosting the show.

We’ve already had a skit featuring Paula snaring the hosting gig from Ryan Seacrest. And now we’re in the middle of a flashback medley of Paula’s greatest hits from … gee, how long ago was that?

Hang around, I’ll be posting photos from the show as quickly as the Associated Press moves them, starting with arrival photos at right.

One warning. If you want Miley Cyrus photos, head elsewhere. I refuse to grant diva status to a pole-dancer from the Teen Choice Award show.

The first diva we hear from is Jennifer, singing her hit “Spotlight” and wearing an outfit I’d like Joan Rivers’ opinion on.

Next up, Kelly, who said what I’ve thought since this appearance was announced. Kelly’s the girl next door, not a diva.

Oh, well, we get to hear her sing, which is always a treat. She’ll sing her new single, “Already Gone.” It’s been climbing the charts lately, but given all the up-tempo, radio-friendly songs on Kelly’s latest album, I’m surprised it’s a single.

The third diva to perform is the third Idol on the show, Jordin Sparks. Note that this is a pretty darn young group of divas. Jordin will sing “S.O.S. (Let the Music Play)” from her new “Battlefield” album.

If this were an Idol competition, Jordin would get my vote based on the three performances so far.

Check out Paula’s Ellen DeGeneres imitation. Wow! Hope the Associated Press moves photos of her in that blond wig.

And how kind? She offers to give Ellen advice on handling Simon should the newest Idol judge encounter problems along those lines.

Here’s betting Ellen can handle herself.

Great news, Idol fans. Kelly and Jordin are going to take the stage for a second time in duets.

First, it’s Jordin doing a duet with Martina McBride. They’ll be singing “Broken Wing.”

Next up: Jennifer Hudson singing with Stevie Wonder.

Oh, no. Now Miley gets to butcher a Sheryl Crow song. Why? Why? Why? Couldn’t they just have let Sheryl sing solo?

And to close Divas, we get a duet featuring Kelly and Melissa Etheridge. They’ll sing “Bring Me Some Water.”

So what did you think of the show? Feel free to post a comment below.