Idol Chatter & Voice Views

First, we heard from Kelly Clarkson. Then Carrie Underwood.

Next week on the Idol results show, we’ll hear from Ruben Studdard, who will sing his new single, “Together.”

After all, it will be Motown Week on Idol, with Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy serving as mentors to the contestants. In fact, eight of the 10 remaining Idols traveled to Detroit Thursday to meet with their mentors.

Why only eight?

Well, according to a news report I read, Megan Joy and Michael Sarver were too sick to make the trip.

Remember Tuesday? Megan could barely sing because she had the flu. Guess that mask Megan wore during rehearsals this week to keep from infecting her colleagues wasn’t entirely successful.

Anyway, most folks are familiar with Smokey Robinson, who churned out a series of hits with the Miracles in the 1960s, including “I Second That Emotion,” “Shop Around” and “You Really Got a Hold of Me.” He’ll also perform on next Thursday’s results show.

Berry Gordy is the founder of the Motown record label. He’s the man behind such groups as Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Four Tops, The Jackson Five … well, the list goes on and on.

As for Ruben, “Together” is the first single off his upcoming album “Love Is,” scheduled for release May 19. The single came out this week, is now available for download, and you can hear it on Ruben’s MySpace page.

Now, a look at the Idols as they visited Detroit Thursday, in photos from The Associated Press.

Idol contestants (from left) Danny Gokey, Matt Giraud, Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Kris Allen, Lil Rounds, Adam Lambert and Scott MacIntyre stand outside Hitsville USA with Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson.

Adam Lambert poses for a photo with a fan Thursday, when the Idol finalists visited Detroit.

Allison Iraheta reacts to signing an autograph for a fan in Detroit Thursday.

The Idol finalists pose for photos outside Hitsville USA. In the foreground, from left, Scott MacIntyre, Allison Iraheta, Kris Allen and Matt Giraud.

Matt Giraud, Lil Rounds, Anoop Desai and Adam Lambert visit the Motown Museum.

Motown record label founder Berry Gordy (left) and Smokey Robinson will be guest mentors for the Idols.