American Idol premired last night on FOX: CLICK HERE to see some of last nights video. 

Guess this means we shouldn't expect to see Kid Rock turn up as a mentor on this season of American Idol. Or open up for Aerosmith on their next inevitable tour. Or ask Steven Tyler for professional advice. The Detroit rocker gave voice—rude, disrespectful, not-his-place voice, but voice nonetheless—to something plenty of fans have no doubt been thinking ever since the lippy frontman was announced as one of the new judges on American Idol:

 What on Earth was he thinking? "I think it's the stupidest thing he's ever done in his life," Kid told Entertainment Weekly. CLICK HERE to read more.

Fans who love Chicago's single "If You Leave Me Now" will have a shot to perform that 1976 hit live on stage with the band.  Spinner.com reports that the soft rock group has partnered with the American Cancer Society for the promotion, "Sing With Chicago."  The fundraising idea allows fans to bid via eBay for the chance to sing "Leave Me Now" live on stage with Chicago on a date during the group's U.S. tour.  The winning bid will be donated to ACS.  Robert Lamm, Chicago's keyboardist and singer said of the idea, quote, "It stems from the work we did last year for World Hunger Year.  It got such a great response and it really did so much good that when the opportunity came to work with ACS this year in regards to breast cancer, it was sort of natural."

Chicago comes to Michigan on July 14th, along with the Doobie Bros. to the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston!

A piece of candy has landed one Texas third-grader in hot water.  KHOU.com is reporting that Leighann Adair was given a week's detention last Monday for eating a Jolly Rancher.  The Brazos Elementary student was having lunch when a teacher spotted the piece of candy and confiscated it.  School officials defended the punishment saying they were just obeying a state law that limits junk food in school.  Jack Ellis, superintendent of the Brazos Independent School District, remarks, quote, "Whether or not I agree with the guidelines, we have to follow the rules."  The child's mother, Amber Brazda, believes the punishment is too harsh proclaiming, quote, "I think it's stupid to give a kid a week's worth of detention for a piece of candy.  The whole thing was just ridiculous to me."

A leading neurologist is confirming details about Bret Michaels' ongoing treatment for a subarachnoid brain hemorrhage.  Dr. Joseph Zabramski, Chief of Cerebrovascular Surgery at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, is confirming that the Poison frontman is undergoing treatment there.  He says Michaels will undergo additional testing and that his condition is "serious."  Dr. Zabramski comments, quote, "Bret's sheer will to live and fully recover is undeniable.  He has an unbelievable fight in him and told me what kept him alive at the moment of the hemorrhage was that he did not want his family to wake up and see him lying unconscious in the middle of the floor."  The physician states that Michaels' determination to stay conscious through his hemorrhage allowed the team at Barrow to stabilize his condition.

Dr. Zabramski has confirmed that Michaels' medical team at Barrow will host a press conference Tuesday at noon.  At that time, details about the 47-year-old rocker's condition and prognosis will be discussed.

Officials in India are examining a man who claims he has no use for food or water.  According to the "Daily Telegraph," Prahlad Jani says he has not had anything to eat or drink in 70 years.  Jani left home at the age of seven and began a life as a wandering holy man.  He believes he is fed by a goddess who pours an "elixir" through a hole in his palate.  Scientists have been monitoring Jani for approximately a week, and say his body has yet to show any effects of hunger or dehydration.  Officials with India's Defence Research Development Organization are hoping to learn new ways to teach soldiers to survive without food and water. 

The team surrounding rocker Bret Michaels believe he's on the mend.  MTV.com reports that the 47-year-old has been upgraded from "critical" to "stable" condition following his hospitalization late last week for a subarachnoid brain hemorrhage.  In a statement on Michaels' official website, his touring team wrote, quote, "While Bret is recovering we obviously have some shows that are being rescheduled. We are working to reschedule dates from now until May 21.  At this time we are planning to resume the tour May 26 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, provided there are no further complications or setbacks."  Postponing the shows gives Michaels less than four weeks to get back on his feet and prepare for a live concert.  The statement added that -- as of now -- Michaels will hit the road with Lynyrd Skynyrd in June and July as previously scheduled.

If all goes as planned, Bret will play with Lynyrd Skynyrd at DTE Energy Music Theater on June 24th!  Be sure to check out our Concert Calendar.  There are a heckofalotof great shows coming to Michigan this summer!

There's new information regarding rocker Bret Michaels' medical status.  Phoenix TV station KTVK reports that the 47-year-old is being treated at an undisclosed facility in Arizona.  KTVK also reports that in a phone interview, Michaels' father said that Bret was making some progress toward recovery following his hospitalization late last week for a brain hemorrhage.  An update on Michaels' condition was posted on his official website and Facebook page early Monday morning confirming that he remains in ICU under 24-hour surveillance.  The post also stated that further medical testing this week will be completed to locate the source of the bleeding.

Poor guy.  The fact they still don't know where the bleeding is coming from does not bode well for Bret.  Here's hoping they find the source and that he regains his speech and motor skills.

Thanks for all of your prayers and support for the loss of our father.  It was a beautiful funeral and a real celebration of a life well lived.  Andrew Vogel was my husband's hero and will be greatly missed, but we're happy to know that he's taking his well deserved rest and now resides with the Lord.

Andrew Vogel

VOGEL - Mr. Andrew Vogel, age 90, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, April 20, 2010. He was born on December 2, 1919 to Peter and Nellie Vogel in Fremont, Michigan. He proudly served his country in the US Navy as a Chief Petty Officer aboard the destroyer USS Cowie during WWII, (1942-45) crossing the Atlantic ocean 23 times and seeing action involving the African and Sicily invasions. Left to celebrate his life are his loving wife of 63 years, Bernice (Calkins); sons, Donald (Bonnie), Robert (Karen), Richard (Nelva), Douglas (Jane) and Dennis(Lynn) Vogel; six grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; sisters, Irene Vanderwal, Cora Vogel, Julie Vogel, Esther Meeuwenberg, Elaine (Rev. Ralph) Bruxvoort; and brother, Alfred (Eleanor) Vogel; sisters-in-law, Dana (John) Nykamp and Joy (Larry) DeBruyne; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, Abe, John, and Ernie. He will be very much missed and fondly remembered, for his humor, gentle manner, and above all, his never ending patience. Funeral and committal services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 23, 2010, at the Calvary Church of Wayland. Rev.'s Ralph Bruxvoort and Pastor Mike Hasper officiating. Visitation will be at the church, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., prior to the service Friday. Interment will be held at Maplewood Cemetery, Hopkins Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Rest Home of Grand Rapids, or the Calvary Church of Wayland. Arrangements by: Archer Hampel & Kubiak Wayland Chapel (269)792-2237

A British man recently managed to make getting arrested for DUI an even more embarrassing situation. The "Daily Telegraph" is reporting that Paul Hutton was arrested for driving a children's Barbie car near his home in Essex, while drunk. The former aeronautical engineer had been helping his son with a "car mechanics course" and decided to take their finished product out for a spin. He was pulled over while on the road and found to have a blood-alcohol-content nearly twice the legal limit. Hutton, who has admitted to being a "complete twit," has been banned from driving for the next three years. He will also have to pay a small fine. The car has been confiscated by police for the time being.

What next?  DUI's for riding a skate board?  Riding in your Red Flyer?  How about roller skates?  Will you lose your license over that one?

Apparently you don't need a pulse to be a mayor in Tennessee. The "Daily Telegraph" is reporting that Carl Geary was elected as the mayor of Tracy City, Tennessee even though he died last month from a heart attack. Geary collected 285 votes, while the current mayor, Barbara Brock, garnered just 85. Local business owner Chris Rogers explains his vote saying, quote, "I knew he was deceased. I know that sounds stupid, but we wanted someone other than her." He adds, quote, "If he were to run again next week I'd vote for him again." Brock says she's surprised she lost, stating that she thought the town would prefer someone who is planting flowers not "pushing up the daisies."

Geary is remembered as a politician with integrity, but many say the vote was directed against Brock. Being beaten by a dead man has sure sent a clear message to the town's current Council. Ironically, Brock was elected Mayor over a year ago after the incumbent mayor died of a heart attack.

We talked a little this morning about the Pope giving the Beatles his blessing on the 40th anniversary of their breakup.  Here's what Ringo has to say:

Ringo Starr isn't exactly impressed with the Pope's recent praise of The Beatles.  The Vatican marked the 40th anniversary of the legendary band's breakup with an article in "L'Osservatore Romano" heralding the group as a "precious jewel," but a seemingly skeptical Starr tells CNN, quote, "Didn't the Vatican say we were satanic or possibly satanic -- and they've still forgiven us?"  The famed drummer also notes the Pope's opinion today of his former group likely isn't the biggest issue the Catholic church needs to address, adding, quote, "I think the Vatican, they've got more to talk about than the Beatles."

Ahead for Starr is another All-Starr Band tour, in support of his latest CD "Y Not."  He notes he didn't have any material prepped when he began the project, explaining, quote, "We had no song and we just played something and kept it moving and that's how it all happened."  The album boasts contributions from a variety of stars, such as Joe Walsh, Edgar Winter, and Dave Stewart, while the first single, "Walk With You," features Paul McCartney.  Ringo and his latest All-Starr Band, which includes Winter, Gary Wright, Rick Derringer, and others, will begin their tour in Canada with two shows in Niagara Falls, Ontario on June 24th and 25th.

Now THAT'S great news!  My hubby saw Ringo's All-Starr Band tour years ago.  Billy Preston, Dr. John and others whose names I can't remember all came along for the ride, and he still raves about what a phenomenal concert it was to this day.  I've looked and there aren't any dates scheduled yet, but you can bet I'll be keeping an eye on this tour and posting any stops that even come near Michigan on our concert page!

                 THE HOUSE SMELLED LIKE THIS CAT LOOKS!

A dirty home in Westland, Michigan was recently mistaken for a drug lab. WLBZ2.com is reporting that Sue Walters called the authorities believing that the former tenants in her home were running a meth lab. Walters entered the home on Monday for the first time in 20 years and discovered a horrific smell. Walters thought she smelled ammonia - a key ingredient in homemade meth - and called the police. The fire department, cops, and the Hazmat team arrived, but wound up discovering that the odor was actually caused by cat urine. One member of the Hazmat team remarks, quote, "Not a meth lab. Just an un-kept house with a lot of cats. The cats' urine turned to an ammonia-smell." Walters says she now plans to hire a crew to clean the home and hopes to rent it out again in the near future.

She will never, EVER get that smell out.  Just tear it down.