Clay: Idol's Lambert 'Frightening'

Singer apologizes but repeats ridicule of Lambert

(NEWSER) - Yesterday, Clay Aiken dismissed fellow American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert as “contrived, awful, and slightly frightening!” But today, Aiken is apologizing for his “colorful (and negative) choice of words,” the New York Daily News reports. “I hope he can forgive me,” Aiken wrote in a lengthy blog post. “I imagine he doesn't give a damn! God knows he shouldn't.” More»

(NEWSER) - Last night’s American Idol was more than just a reality-show finale: It was a symbolic victory of the religious right over the liberal left; red states over blue states. At least according to two bloggers. “For a theory about how Kris Allen pulled an upset over the wildly popular Adam Lambert, the Christian vote is a pretty good one,” argues Michael Giltz in the Huffington Post. More»

Plus, Winehouse hospitalized yet again, and more

(NEWSER) - Britney Spears’ legal battles continue—but this time it’s the pop princess who’s getting sued, by her former bodyguard, Us reports. Kerry Vine, who says he was hurt while working at Spears’ former home, is suing her for personal injury, battery, and negligence. Elsewhere:

• Amy Winehouse was hospitalized—for the third time in three months—after binging on alcohol in St. Lucia, the Sun reports.

(NEWSER) - Adam Lambert finds it “funny” that people are talking about him “coming out” in the new Rolling Stone. “I’ve never been in,” he tells Access Hollywood. Lambert says he didn’t discuss his sexuality during American Idol because he wanted people to focus on his talent. “I chose to kind of ignore the issue until after the voting ended,” says the second-place finisher, but he thought it wasn’t much of a secret: “I sang Cher during Hollywood week.” More»

Signs record deal, too

(NEWSER) - American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert finally came out to Rolling Stone, Us reports. “I don't think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear that I'm gay,” says Lambert in the June issue, out tomorrow. “I'm proud of my sexuality. I embrace it. It's just another part of me.” Lambert says he didn’t confirm sexuality rumors during the show because he didn’t want it to overshadow his singing. More»