Jessica Sanchez and Daughtry perform at tonight’s Memorial Day concert in Washington DC. It airs on PBS at 8 pm.

Will Phillip Phillips — And ‘American Idol’ — Find Success After Season 11? – On Wednesday, American Idol crowned its 11th winner, when 21-year-old Phillip Phillips triumphed over Jennifer Holliday’s apparent new BFF, Jessica Sanchez, 16. Now, Phillip — a native from Leesburg, GA, who often drew comparisons to the likes of Dave Matthews during his run on the show — will test the tricky waters of life after American Idol, a place where some Idols have flourished (Kelly Clarkson; Carrie Underwood) and others have, well, floundered (Lee DeWyze; Ruben Studdard). – Read more at Celebuzz

Jessica Sanchez and Chris Daughtry rehearse for Memorial Day concert via @PBS

@Chris_Daughtry tweets, “Just met @JSanchezAI11 Sweet girl!”

‘Idol’ semifinalist Colton Dixon lets family, faith guide him – MURFREESBORO — There are a few things that are not debatable about ‘American Idol’ contestant Colton Dixon. He has a contagious smile, a great talent for both singing and playing music, and he is strong in his faith. From the beginning of his journey on Fox’s longtime running show, Dixon was open and honest about his faith, not only from a song choice perspective, but from his interviews, instigating prayers before and after tapings, and more. “I was raised in the Christian faith,” Dixon said. “My parents taught me the core belief system from a very young age. It is a part of who I am.” – Read more at DNI.com

Reinhart greets fans at Wheeling store – Haley Reinhart may not have received the “American Idol” title last year, but you wouldn’t know it from the devoted fans who showed up Saturday to see the Wheeling native at her hometown Wal-Mart. Among those fans were early risers Bill and Andrea Levey of Streamwood, who arrived at the Wheeling store about 7:30 a.m. Saturday for an afternoon meet-and-greet with the 21-year-old who appeared there to promote her debut CD, Listen Up! – Read more at Daily Herald

Kelly Clarkson: The superstar next door – It’s been ten whole years since the big-voiced singer Kelly Clarkson, 30, shot into the spotlight as winner of the first ever season of American Idol. At the time, experts gave her little chance of staying the course. Too girl-next-door, they said. Not polished enough. Not thin enough, either. But Kelly
has proved them wrong with a string of worldwide hits that includes ‘Since U Been Gone’, ‘My Life Would Suck Without You’ and the recent ‘Stronger’. Here the refreshingly down-to-earth Texan-born star talks about her relationship with music mogul Simon Cowell, how she’s learnt to handle the media scrutiny surrounding her weight and personal style – and how she finally found love. – Read more at DailyMail.co.uk

‘X Factor’ Tension: Simon Cowell Tells Demi Lovato To Sit In ‘Naughty Chair’ (EXCLUSIVE DETAILS) – Demi Lovato has done more than ease into the vacated X Factor judge’s chair — she’s also assumed Nicole Scherzinger‘s role as head honcho Simon Cowell‘s chief antagonist. The 19-year-old’s first day of judging the hit Fox show in Austin, Texas, involved a day of put downs – not just reserved for contestants. She put Cowell, 52, in his place too. A source at the auditions told Celebuzz: “Demi has really been brave with Simon, constantly reminding him how young she is and how old he is. “At one point she told the audience, ‘He’s just old and impatient.’” – Read more at Celebuzz

Glee star Cory Monteith takes a stand for at-risk youth – Before 30-year-old Victoria native Cory Monteith was belting out ballads on the hit TV musical comedy Glee, he was a troubled youth struggling with drug addiction and the issues that too often come with a broken home. These days he’s a goodwill ambassador for RE*Generation, a initiative to address youth homelessness supported by Virgin Unite, the charitable arm of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group of companies. Metro sat down with the six-foot-three triple-threat in Vancouver on Friday to talk about how more than $50,000 in grants from Virgin Unite will help local at-risk youth. The money is going to the Broadway Youth Resource Centre, and a theatre program for youth called Project Limelight. – Read more at Metro News

Ricky Martin and Lea Michele backstage at Evita in NYC

Glee star, Lea Michele, took in a Broadway show over the weekend. She saw Evita, starring her friend, Ricky Martin. He tweeted, “With my beautiful friend @msleamichele! I’m glad u liked ?#Evita? Now go and enjoy ur vacations! U deserve them baby! :0) ”

Chris Colfer Throws Himself a 22nd Birthday Party

Glee star, Chris Colfer celebrated his 22nd birthday by throwing himself a pirate ninja disco rollerskating party. Here he is with Glee co-star Darren Criss and in the background, Max Adler, who plays bully/closeted teen, Karovsky.

‘Idol’ Champ Phillip Phillips Celebrates His Win with a $25k SURPRISE! – “American Idol” champ Phillip Phillips is celebrating his win by PARTYING LIKE A ROCK STAR IN VEGAS … at least that’s what he should be doing, but instead he’s hanging out with his parents and giving them his brand new car! Sources tell TMZ … the brand new 2013 Ford Fusion (valued at $25,000) Phillip was given for winning the competition will actually be a gift to his parents … because he’s perfectly happy driving his 2001 Ford Ranger truck (see below) and refuses to give it up. – Read more at TMZ