David Archuleta's self-titled debut album landed at number-two on The Billboard 200 album sales chart last week. It sold 183,000 copies during its initial week of release.

The American Idol runner-up's debut sales numbers were far higher than that of sixth-season second place finisher Blake Lewis, whose debut "Audio Day Dream" sold 98,000 units.

Archuleta's first-week debut album sales are the best for an American Idol runner-up since Bo Bice in 2005. Well done, Archie!

David Archuleta has a message for his fans:

“I hope everyone’s liking the album! And thanks for sending in your opinions on what songs you like the most! I love hearing about what you guys think, and really appreciate the great comments you’ve all been making.”

The season seven runner-up was also generous in the recent interview, encouraging fans to purchase David Cook’s album, which came out today:

“I just want to remind everyone that Cook’s album is coming out tomorrow! So don’t forget to show your support, and be prepared to listen to some awesome stuff!”

It's nothing against Kara DioGuardi.

But former executive producer of American Idol Nigel Lythgoe says he never would have added another judge to the show's panel.

"I think she's a lovely lady, and I think she's relevant and up to date, but, personally, I would never have done it, Lythgoe told The New York Post this week.

And why is that?

"I don't like fourth judges," Lythgoe said. "I think once you've been told 'You suck,' you don't need to be told another three times."

Do you think American Idol should have added Kara DioGuardi as a judge?

Tragedy struck American Idol this week:

Season five contestant Paula Goodspeed - a mentally troubled Paula Abdul fan - was found dead outside the home of the American Idol judge.

"Ms. Goodspeed's mother had gone to [the sheriff's department] to report her daughter missing, and advised them that she might be suicidal," said Los Angeles police Capt. James Miller. "The sheriffs determined that Ms. Goodspeed may be up in the vicinity by Paula Abdul's house. Our officers discovered her vehicle parked on the street, and found her inside. She was unresponsive to officers."

The death has been ruled an apparent suicide.

Here's a video of Goodspeed's failed audition. In light of recent events, it's disheartening to hear how obsessed she appeared to be with Abdul:

Paula Abdul was excited to see Barack Obama elected as the future President of the United States last week.

Actually, that emotion might not cover it.

“I was crying!” said the American Idol judge. “You feel such a sense of pride that you can’t even articulate how good you feel. It’s unbelievable! I have chills. I was just so excited. I was texting everyone: ‘Peace has begun.’ And then I was texting everyone, ‘I don’t have to move to Vancouver now!’”

Abdul extrapolated on what she liked about Obama:

“[He is] so calm, and so serene, and he is so confident and sure of himself. There’s a calming effect that just feels so good. I feel like it’s a universal shift towards kindness, towards patience, towards peace. That’s the only way I can explain it.”

Mark your calender, readers!

American Idol will premiere its eighth season with a two-night, four-hour premiere on January 13 and 14!

We're exactly two weeks away from the release of David Cook's debut album.

The first official single off that CD is titled "Light On" and you can check outs its music video below:

David Cook is the musical guest on tomorrow night's Saturday Night Live, which will be hosted by Ben Affleck.

How is the American Idol champion feeling about such an honor?

"I grew up watching it like everybody else so to be apart of it in any capacity is obviously a huge honor," he said, before adding that he's "really nervous."

But Cook has a model goal for the evening:

"I'm going to make sure my shoelaces are tied so I don’t trip and fall on the floor!"

Jordin Sparks is among the numerous singers and judges from American Idol sending well wishes to Jennifer Hudson and her family.

"I just want to tell her that I love her and I'm praying for her," Sparks said this week. "She's one of the sweetest people I've ever met, so I hope I get to see her soon.

Sparks added:

"I'm pretty sure she got strength from her Mom. Now that she is not here anymore, I'm pretty sure she's drawing it from her other family members, her really close friends and the people who are telling her she can do it."

In light of the tragedy that befell Jennifer Hudson and her family, everyone associated with American Idol are reaching out to the former finalist.

“This is a horrific tragedy and my thoughts and prayers go out to Jennifer and her entire family,” Paula Abdul said. “The time I had to get to know Jennifer and forge a wonderful friendship with her while she was on Idol was very special to me, and I personally can’t imagine a greater loss for any family.”

Simon Cowell echoed those sentiments: :

“I was horrified when I heard the news. This is an appalling tragedy. My thoughts right now are with Jennifer, and her family.”