Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Links to some of the latest Idol news …

* As I’ve reported previously, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta have already inked record deals with 19 Entertainment. Their albums are due out this fall. As for the other Idols? E! Online caught up with them at a recent tour rehearsal and asked. Here’s a link.

Bottom line: There’s not a whole lot to report yet. Many say they figure to work on record deals after the summer tour.

Most interesting tidbit: Megan Joy says she’s heard a rumor that Stevie Nicks wants Megan to play her in a movie. Hmm. What are they going to do about that sleeve tattoo?

* US Magazine reports that Ace Young has gotten engaged to Allison Fischer, one of his co-stars in “Grease” during its Broadway run, which ended in December. Here’s a link to a page of photos from an opening night party, which includes a pic of Allison and one of former Idol contestant Constantine Maroulis. Here’s a link to a page where you’ll find several photos of Ace in his role as Kenickie.

* Don’t confuse Ace’s “Grease” with the touring “Grease” that stars former Idol winner Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel. The Broadway show is over; the tour is still going strong. In fact, it lands in Philly for a two-week run beginning Tuesday. Here’s a link to the Web site and to ticket information. The show is playing at the Academy of Music Kimmel Center.

* Several reports have surfaced that Simon Cowell has been offered up to $144 million per year to stay with Idol after season nine, when his contract expires. Here, apparently, is the original source of the information, a story in The Guardian a UK publication.

The story also reports that Cowell made $36 million in 2008 and the show rakes in about $900 million.

Oh, and here’s an interesting blog from The San Francisco Examiner that says Simon’s ex-girlfriend thinks he needs to cut back on his workload because he’s getting too old for such a hectic schedule.