President George W. Bush will come face-to-face with American Idol winner Taylor Hicks and the other Top 10 finalists from this past season at the White House Friday.

It will be the first time contestants from the Fox hit television show have been invited to meet the president.

Hicks won the fifth season and was given a guaranteed record deal after 63 million votes were cast for him in the May 24 finale. That's more than the 59 million that Bush got in 2004, which is a little frightening. Not because the Idol winner got more votes than the U.S. President, but because 59 million people actually pulled the lever for the guy in the Oval Office. Astounding.

Voters can cast more than one ballot on American Idol, of course. Also attending the White House reception will be runner-up Katharine McPhee, who has been on the mend, along with Chris Daughtry and Kellie Pickler -- all of whom were recently given record contracts as well.

While all the Idol participants will be warmly received in Washington, the top dog may get an extra-special welcome. The Boston Globe reports that Hicks has a personal White House connection in Susan Whitson, his ninth-grade English teacher at Hoover High School in Birmingham, Ala., and Laura Bush's current press secretary!

Taylor Hicks performed on Good Morning America Friday, singing "Do I Make You Proud," the B-side to his first single. Here's a picture of Taylor on stage:

Just because he's risen to fame doesn't mean he's set for life. What if an accident happens? What if he has a wife and kids someday. We all love the glitz and glamour of American Idol, but these are real people just like us. They need to ensure that they are financially secure not just now, at the peak of their fame, but down the road a ways.

The average American needs life insurance to protect the loved ones he or she will leave behind. But let’s say you win the lottery, or even better, American Idol! Does Taylor Hicks really need life insurance? After all, he just won a recording contract, a new Ford Mustang and many, many American dollars.

The answer may surprise you.

There are several types of life insurance, the most popular being term life, which is sold in increments of 10, 15, 20 years, etc., i.e., for a specific term. Term life insurance is a great fit for families since it provides affordable coverage and can protect a family from the loss of primary wage earners during the critical years when children are dependents living at home.

Hicks, as all you female fans know, is single, with no family, no loving wife, no children depending on his recording career to keep them afloat. So he naturally doesn't need life insurance, right? Wrong. If you win American Idol, the lottery, or any other substantial cash prize, you might think you are set for life.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

The record contract an Idol might sign with Simon Fuller might have some clauses that would require the winners’ estate to pay back money in case of an untimely death, such as one that occurs in the middle of a tour or even a recording session. Once Hicks or a plain old lotto jackpot winner spend all of that money, there might not be enough left over to cover funeral costs, medical bills, or provide for future generations for many years to come.

Taylor, if you are reading this, and we know you are, you probably want to purchase term life insurance in the near future. Trust us.

Perky blonde / professional ditz Kellie Pickler has become the fourth contestant from last season's American Idol to land a record deal, signing yesterday with country label BNA Records and (Idol creator) Simon Fuller's 19 Recordings Limited.

Her debut album is scheduled for a November 14 release. Pickler is currently with her fellow Idols on their barnstorming cross-county American Idols Live tour.

Meanwhile, Pickler's recent guest-host stint on The View went so well that Rosie O'Donnell, the show's soon-to-be co-host, gushed about it. O'Donnell commented on the appearance on her website yesterday, giving Kellie P. quite the enthusiastic review.

THAT KID/TODAY ON THE VIEW/PERFECTION/TRIPLE LOVE HER.

Eloquent, Rosie.

In other Idol news, the lovely Season Five runner-up has rebuffed reports that she has ditched the concert tour altogether.

Katharine McPhee, sidelined by bronchitis and laryngitis for the last few weeks, posted a letter to her admirers on the fan site katharinefans.com.

"I have heard a rumor that I will be missing the entire tour, I can assure you that that is completely false. I am looking to join the tour around the 21st. That is the doctors [sic] orders, not mine," she wrote.

McPhee has been ordered by her physician to keep completely silent for the last week and half, but old guy boyfriend Nick Cokas has been acting as her interpreter and man-servant. Nice of him. Katharine will test out the ol' pipes on Wednesday when she co-hosts The View herself. Good luck!

Ailing American Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee has been getting a little extra TLC from her boyfriend, actor Nick Cokas, People reports.

The 22-year old singer, who has sadly missed the first dates of the totally awesome American Idols Live tour due to bronchitis and laryngitis, stopped by Cold Stone Creamery in Studio City, Calif., with her beau for a cool treat on Thursday. Presumably, the treat was ice cream or something similar.

Ever the gentleman, the 41-year old Cokas held the door open for his recovering sweetie as they entered the store, then held her purse as she snapped a photo with a fan.

Cokas has been acting as McPhee's caretaker and interpreter, since she can't talk and all (fortunately, an AIM interview was still possible). Cokas says that under the doctor's orders, McPhee will miss another few days of the tour, but hopes to join her fellow Idols by the time they reach Rochester, N.Y., on July 21.

It's nice to see that Katharine is being treated like a princess by this guy. We would certainly treat her right, if you know what we're saying. We're saying we love you, Katharine!

Thank goodness for Entertainment Weekly. The magazine reviewed a concert from the Season Five American Idol tour last week. With Taylor, Chris and the crew at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, NJ, here's one critic's take on various performers:

Most likely to succeed: Based on audience feedback, Chris Daughtry may be poised for the biggest post-Idol career. It doesn't hurt that the guy is sex on a stick - parents should probably to cover the wee ones' ears and eyes during his cover of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" - but he's also the most polished, confident performer of the bunch.

Most embarrassing: Ace Young will never advance beyond cheesy Idol also-ran status, if only for his painfully literal on-stage gestures. He traced a tear down his face on two separate occasions - singing the words "cried" on "Father Figure" and "cries" on Maroon 5's "Harder to Breathe." He also tapped his head meaningfully on the word "mind." That's just wrong.

Most surprising: Tenth-place finisher Lisa Tucker had the night's strongest showing among the women, sitting down at the piano to offer a restrained, heartfelt rendition of Elton John's "Your Song" - with no accompaniment from the band.

Most disappointing: Since her grandma Ann Nesby is apparently unwilling to say it, I'll deliver a much needed newsflash to Paris Bennett: "Young lady, you are not, nor will you ever be, the next Beyoncé Knowles." Paris' shenanigans on "Crazy in Love" provided too much awkward wiggle, and almost no vocal sizzle.

Most in need of a good life coach: After hearing his awesome one-two-three punch of "Moody's Mood for Love," "Never Too Much," and "Trouble," who could deny that Elliott Yamin is the best singer on the entire Idol tour? However, even after winning over millions of fans en route to a third-place finish, the guy still looks vaguely skittish at center stage. It might help if he traded a solo career for fronting a smooth jazz-R&B band.

Most sincere: It was actually Kellie Pickler. She sounded sincerely genuine thanking her fans for giving her a chance at fulfilling her dreams.

Most puzzling: No doubt, Taylor Hicks has a fine voice. And no doubt, he's going to sell boatloads of records. Still, this year's champ offered up a set that was just slightly underwhelming. Perhaps he's a little burned out from taking the lion's share of tour publicity, but after opening strong on "Jailhouse Rock" and Bob Seeger's "Hollywood Nights," he seemed oddly detached on "Sweet Soul Music" and "Don't Let Me Down."

A representative for Glacéau derided a July 7 story in the New York Post claiming the company ordered Vitamin Water spokesperson Kelly Clarkson to shed some pounds.

"[It's] absurd and totally untrue. Kelly is beautiful and healthy and has looked to Vitamin Water for years because it provides her with the nutrients she needs to lead a healthy lifestyle," the company's consumer rep said in a statement.

Glacéau will kick off an ad campaign starring Kelly next month. Clarkson recently began her summer tour, celebrating the continuing success of her 2004 album, Breakaway, which has sold more than five million copies, the New York Times reports.

As her tour gets underway, the first winner of American Idol is displaying the guileless approach -- and refusal to cultivate any mystique or semblance of controversy -- that has made her a superstar. She smiles a lot, dances as if no one were watching, and entertains crowds with cheery banter in between songs.

For instance, even as Clarkson tries to introduce fans to songs from her next album, she assures them that the karaoke favorites are on the way. Some performers try to build suspense in their shows, but Kelly would rather cut the B.S. and announce them casually in advance.

“We’re gonna be doing the ‘Since U Been Gone’ ’s, the ‘Breakway’ ’s, the ‘Because of You’ ’s [in a little bit],” she said.

That's about the only way in which the Kelly Clarkson tour is predictable. It includes a risky, but successful run of acoustic songs, reports the Times, performed against a swampy backdrop. Clarkson proved flexible, sounding just as good singing her old hit “Miss Independent” as she did on an acoustic version of the ballad “Breakaway” or romping through her rock smash “Since U Been Gone.”

Her most popular new song? “Go,” the theme, as she readily admits, from a commercial for Ford, her tour sponsor. She sang it while the screens showed a Ford Mustang ad starring... who else, Clarkson. While some pop stars might be embarrassed to sing a four-minute commercial, but Kelly is her typical unabashed self.

No wonder Ford loves her. They get what they pay for.

A former American Idol contestant has apparently been accused of having sexual relations with two teenage girls, and videotaping them to boot.

Now Daniel James "DJ" Boyd has been served with an indictment on child pornography charges. He pleaded not guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court to the disturbing charges of production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. A trial date was set for September 18, and Boyd faces some stiff punishment -- up to 40 years in prison -- if convicted.

The contestant on the popular TV talent competition from two years ago was arrested last month in West Valley City, Utah, after a 14-year old girl contacted police. Yes, 14. He has remained in the Salt Lake County Jail since his arrest. The Salt Lake County district attorney's office also charged Boyd with unlawful sexual activity with a minor, along with the unlawful supply of alcohol to minors.

Boyd, 27, is scheduled to appear in district court July 25 for a preliminary hearing on all charges.

Auditions for the sixth edition of Fox's American Idol kick off August 8 at The Forum in Los Angeles, and will then continue at the following venues/dates:

• The Alamodome, San Antonio, Tx. -- August 11
• Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, N.J. -- August 14
• The BJCC, Birmingham, Ala. -- August 21
• FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tenn. -- September 3
• 
• Target Cente, Minneapolis, Minn. -- September 8
• Key Arena, Seattle, Wash. -- September 19

Think you've got what it takes to be the next Kelly Clarkson? Or Carrie Underwood? Well, you don't. Who are you kidding. But, there's no harm in giving it a shot. Everyone has the right to dream. Maybe you know a friend whose talents are just waiting to be discovered. Or maybe you're the next William Hung and can snag your 15 minutes of fame. Just go!

Despite crooning - in his cover of Bon Jovi classic, "Wanted Dead or Alive" - that he's rocked a million faces, Chris Daughtry hasn't entertained quite that number of fans just yet.

Thanks to a new record deal, however, that may be changing soon.

The North Carolina native has inked an agreement with RCA Records chief Clive Davis and Idol creator Simon Fuller's label, 19 Recordings Unlimited. It's the same company fellow stars Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee have joined.

Davis launched the careers of singers such as Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys. The Daughty deal will place American's new favorite rocker in front of a band, while a recent RCA statement said he "has already begun to work with A-list collaborators" to write and record new material.

Daughtry, famously, turned down a deal from rock group, Fuel, soon after his shocking Idol exit. While considering the offer, Chris, who is raising two children with wife Deanna, told People:

"They're good friends of mine, and right now I'm just thinking everything through and making sure that I make the right decision for me and my family. Those things take time."

He eventually declined. But it's apparent this is a man with a head on his shoulders as good as his voice.