The Country Music Awards are set to air on November 12 - and, as usual, American Idol champion Carrie Underwood will be in contention for two of the biggest.

Carrie's "Carnival Ride" has been nominated for album of the year. It will compete against:

• Kenny Chesney (Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates)
• Alan Jackson (Good Time)
• George Strait (Troubadour)
• Brooks & Dunn (Cowboy Town)

Underwood is also up for rntertainer of the year. Those daring to challenge her in this category include:

• Chesney
• Strait
• Brad Paisley
  Sugarland
• Keith Urban

We wish Carrie the best of luck!

We always knew Ryan Seacrest and Randy Jackson were good friends.

We just had no idea they were this close.

Here's a shot of the American Idol personalities during a recent appearance on the Rachael Ray show. They're looking mighty cozy...

Sarah Palin must be a big fan of Jordin Sparks. Bristol Palin? Not so much.

At last night's MTV Music Awards, host Russell Brand made a few jokes at the expense of The Jonas Brothers. He wondered why they wear purity rings when - considering their age, popularity and looks - they could be having so much sex.

Sparks, also a purity ring wearer and well-known virgin, took exception to these swipes and said so before introducing T.I. to the crowd for a performance.

"I just have one thing to say about promise rings. It's not bad to wear a promise ring," Sparks said, "because not everybody – guy or girl – wants to be a slut."

Amen, Jordin! We admire her for speaking out on such a controversial subject.

Taylor Hicks is now a New York City resident.

In a new interview with OK!, the former American Idol champion talks about dating in The Big Apple. Take notes, ladies.

On dating in NYC: It’s been really tough… If you go out with a big group of friends, and you see another group of people that you know, it’s basically like one big date... I think it’s really cool because it takes the edge off it.

His type of girl: I think down to earth is always key. It’s always good to be down to earth, Musical, not nessecarily she has to play a musical instrument or be Mary Poppins, but definitely fun to have a good time with. You never there, there are plenty out there right now so I’m definitely I’m actively seeking.

What he's like on a date: The perfect date is being who you are. I don’t think where or how, I think great food and great service in a restaurant always helps. But even just, I think really showing a true colors. And really being a Southern gentleman.

Can Jennifer Hudson deliver a top-notch rendition of the National Anthem?

YES SHE CAN!

The American Idol finalist and Academy Award-winner proved as much at last week's Democratic National Convention. Check out the performance now:

In a recent interview with celebrity gossip tabloid OK!, Kellie Pickler was asked about two things close to her heart:

1. Make up
2. Men

As for the first issue and how she typically gets ready for a photo shoot, the former American Idol finalist said:

"Well, I have a team of highly-trained professionals that get me ready because I can’t do it on my own," the singer said. "When I’m out on tour, I usually just do it myself but for TV and photo shoots I usually have people that help get me ready because it’s so stressful anyways."

For for men, Pickler is currently - and quietly - dating Nashville musician Kyle Jacobs. The couple keeps it casual when she's home from tour, chilling on the sofa instead of hit up wild night clubs and fancy restaurants.

"When I come in off the road, I like to crash and be a bum and sit at home on the couch and just talk," said Kellie. "We don’t really have to be doing anything. We usually just enjoy each other’s company and make each other laugh."

Here's your first look at the new quartet of American Idol judges together.

Kara Dioguardi joined Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson at auditions in Manhattan yesterday for season eight. It begins in January.

Paula Abdul may have needed a day or two to fully embrace new judging partner Kara DioGuardi, but Simon Cowell let his excitement about the addition shine through during her first public appearance with fellow American Idol judges yesterday.

The quartet were on hand in Manhattan for a round of season eight auditions, as Cowell talked to reporters about his new pal on the panel.

"It's like, you know, having dinner with three people for seven years, and getting quite bored of each other," Simon said. "So it's having a fourth person, new opinion, I think it's gonna be interesting."

Moreover, Cowell said: "Kara has a good reputation of A, having hits; and B, having an opinion. And that's a good combination. And she's cute."

Simon Cowell is excited to have Kara DioGuardi on board.

Paula Abdul has known new American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi since 1999.

Now, the somewhat insane singer tells Perez Hilton that she can't wait to work alongside Kara, despite rumors claiming she's concerned over the addition of a fourth panelist.

"I've been talking about her for years," Abdul said. "I hope the audience gets excited and accepts it. Sometimes its been hard when we've had four judges in the past. They always wanted four judges since the beginning. It'll be good to have two girls, and two guys. Kara's like a sister to me."

Are you excited for Kara DioGuardi on American Idol?

Having already voiced her support for Barack Obama, American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson will now have a chance to sing her support. For the entire country.

The nominee for President has asked Jennifer Hudson to sing the national anthem on Thursday, the day of the candidate's address to the Democratic convention in Denver.

"His reps called and said we'd love for you to sing the anthem on Thursday," Hudson's rep said. "She's thrilled and excited. It's a tremendous honor."

Jennifer Hudson is honored to support Barack Obama and sing at the Democratic National Convention.