American Idol finalist and runner-up Adam Lambert hit up the big Chi this week for the Idols 2009 Summer Tour at Allstate Arena.

Glambert and his fellow American Idols checked into The James Hotel Sept. 2 for their two night stay in Chicago. The runner-up, who has a reputation for rarely showing up to meet and greets, was seen greeting fans, shaking hands, signing autographs and chatting with hotel guests, according to eyewitnesses.

On Thursdsay night, Lambert dined at SushiSamba Rio with his cousin and parents an enjoyed a wide range of the menu including shrimp tempura roll, el topo, neo tokyo, rainbow dragon, among other tasty treats!

“He was laughing, smiling, and having a great time,” guests at the restaurant said.

All ten finalists met with die-hard fans in an official meet-and-greet after the show, and - shocker! - even Lambert made an appearance to show Chicago fans some love!

Friends of The Boots Girls got the chance to talk make-up with Glambert! After complimenting our friends on their hot eyeshadow, Adam told them that although he uses all kinds of eyeliner, he prefers MAC! LOL! So do we!

Adam’s make-up is always on point! If his singing career fails we’re totally willing to hire him as our personal make-up artist!

Paula Abdul opened up to late night host David Letterman Thursday night about her future on American Idol.

Although the American Idol judge loves her job, it has yet to be decided whether or not she’ll return next season.

“I never said [I wasn't returning]. I just said that I’m not sure,” Abdul told Letterman. “It’s called, um ‘negotiating’,” she joked.

Hmm, interesting. Sounds like she’s either asking for a pay increase or wants new judge, Kara DioGuardi, off the show!

Surprisingly, when asked about DioGruardi, Abdul couldn’t have been nicer.

“Kara’s great. I don’t understand why they do this to women; they love to pit women against each other. Maybe because it’s sexier, I don’t know. Maybe mud wrestling, the whole thing.”

Mud wrestling, Paula?! Maybe your contract is currently under negotiation because they’re tired of your crack-head antics!

The American Idol tour kicked off last night in Glendale, Ariz. and season 7 winner David Cook didn’t disappoint! Cook rocked out to one of the audience favorites, Billie Jean.

The quality isn’t the greatest, but the video is definitely worth checking out!

American Idol loser David Archuleta is a winner now! The 17 year-old singer got a record deal.

“Signing a record contract with 19 Recordings/Jive Records is truly a dream come true,” Archuleta said in a released statement. “I’m really excited to start working on everything.”

His album is expected to drop this fall and this summer he’ll be busy performing with The Idols Live Tour. When’s he gonna find time to record???

American Idol David Cook posted a video on his on Monday in which he thanks his fans, talks about the American Idol tour and his first single Time Of My Life.

Cook promises to make frequent videos to keep his fans updated, so be sure and check it out.

Don’t get too excited about the movie yet. It’s all hypothetical.

Extra’s Terri Seymour asked Simon Cowell who he would cast if there was ever an American Idol: The Movie and his answers don’t surprise me!

Cowell said he would cast John Candy in the role of Randy Jackson and Dudley Moore as Ryan Seacrest. LOL!

For Paula Abdul Cowell said, “Elizabeth Taylor….now.” Ouch!

And what about himself? “Bella Lugosi…He was a silent movie actor who played the first Dracula. Very, very good looking guy,” Cowell proclaimed.

After a record-breaking 97.5 million votes, David Cook was named this seasons American Idol.

The finale show was packed with star power with artists such as Carrie Underwood, the Jonas Brothers, Mike Meyers, Seal, George Michael, Bryan Adams, Donna Summer, OneRepublic and Jordin Sparks.

Cook beat out David Archuleta for the title by a margin of 56 to 44 percent.

        

In case you missed the battle of the Davids last night on American Idol, watch the video above to see their final efforts in becoming the new American Idol.

I think no matter who wins they’re both gonna come out of this with amazing opportunities and record deals!

Tonight is the first of a two-part season finale of American Idol and it’s David vs. David.

My bets are on David!

David Archuleta is the 17 year-old phenom with a crazy stage dad, and David Cook is the hot 25 year-old rocker from Missouri.

Who will you be voting for?

It’s getting down to the nitty-gritty with only three American Idol contestants left. As predicted, the two David’s are still going strong with Syesha Mercado as the third.

Last night was “judges choice”, so all songs were chosen by Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.

Watch tonight to see who the final two will be!