American Idol

Lakisha Jones hasn't been feeling well lately. "My allergies are kicking my butt," says the former American Idol finalist. But for the past month, the exhilarating experience of performing on the show's summer tour, which stops tonight at 1st Mariner Arena, has been the most effective medicine. If you go American Idol Live concert is at 7 tonight at 1st Mariner Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. Tickets: $37.50-$70.50. Information: 410-547-SEAT or ticketmaster.com.

Three Millersville bank employees went to Hollywood to visit their friend, American Idol contestant Lakisha Jones. They were ready for their close-up, their brush with fame and glamour, however secondhand. And, most of the time, that's exactly what they found. ON TV Another singer is sent home on American Idol at 9 tonight on WBFF (Channel 45). Tony Bennett is scheduled to perform.

"As of now, I've received no offers besides just singing at weddings and other local events." -- John Stevens, ousted from American Idol but still hoping for a record deal.

It's nice to have the Super Bowl, but even better to have American Idol during February sweeps. The key winter ratings period won't officially end until midnight tomorrow, but Fox has already been declared the winner, thanks in large part to the powerhouse performance of American Idol - and strong showings from such series as 24 and The Simpsons. Not only was Fox the most-watched network among all viewers during the period, it dominated the youth audience - winning with viewers 18 to 49, 18 to 34 and teens.

Concert Aiken performs Christmas music Clay Aiken, a favorite from American Idol, will perform a Christmas show at 8 p.m. today at the Lyric Opera House, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. Tickets are $50-$65. Information: go to ticketmaster.com or call 410-547-SEAT.

Again, American Idol has the last laugh. It was supposed to be all over in February when spunky backup singer Melinda Doolittle outsang everyone and their grandmothers. It was supposed to be ruined in March when Howard Stern and his Internet allies conspired to make the well-coiffed but talentless Sanjaya Malakar the winner. But tonight and tomorrow, the show -- still the biggest on TV -- is poised to have one of its most competitive finales ever as trendy beatboxer Blake Lewis takes on 17-year-old diva-in-waiting Jordin Sparks.

Constantine Constantine, the rocker from season before last of American Idol who wasn't the runner-up (that would be Bo Bice), performs at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place. Matt White and Jim Boggia are also billed. Tickets are $20 and are available by calling 410-244-1131 or going to ramsheadlive.com.

First, there were the three ? the brute, the diplomat and the flake. When Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul made their debut as the judging panel on Fox?s American Idol in 2002, they set the standard for snark ? and became the template for the umpteen reality competitions that have followed. Sometimes, the genders vary and sometimes judges fall somewhere between these archetypes, but generally, there?s a Simon, a Randy and a Paula appraising people?s talent, whether it?s dancing (ABC?

Grease: You're the One that I Want!, which kicked off on Sunday on NBC, will allow viewers' votes to cast the roles of Danny and Sandy in the coming Broadway production of Grease. So far, though, the show seems like a blatant rip-off of American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. Maybe that will change once they start looking for acting skills, too, but so far, it's all too familiar.