I just returned from a special entertainment-industry-only panel with the producers and stars of the second season of American Idol. There was a Q&A with the producers, judges Simon, Paula and Randy, host Ryan Seacrest and all 12 finalists for this season. The finalists performed three songs (which they will also perform on this week's shows) which nicely showed off their vocal strengths.

But definitely the best part for me was after the panel when the finalists signed a cast photo and posed for pictures with the crowd. Immediately aiming for my fave (Clay Aiken), I was prepared with a gift for him -- a teddy bear with a heart on its chest. As soon as I reached the front of his very crowded table, even before getting an autograph, I produced the bear and gave it to Clay, telling him he's been my favorite since his first audition and that he stole my heart when he sang. Smiling, Clay thanked me with a big hug and a special inscription on the cast photo. I told Clay that he had my several hundred votes for this competition and that I couldn't wait to get his album (when it came out). As he has been on TV and on the panel, Clay was gracious, poised, and completely appreciative and respectful when receiving praise. I think he's a real class act. After he'd signed my photo, given me a second hug and the bear was sitting on the table in front of him, another finalist (Charles) came over and saw the bear and smiled and said 'aww, who does that belong to?' Without missing a beat, Clay grinned and said '(TVGroupie's name) just gave that to me.' Which sent me away with a big smile that in the midst of the very large (several hundred+) crowd, he'd remembered my name.

After that, I went over to the table of my second favorite, Marine Joshua Gracin, complimented his voice and thanked him for his service to his country. He seemed quiet, but very nice. I wished him luck.

Finally, three out of three, I managed to work my way behind publicists' lines to where judge Simon was signing for the few fans who could get back to him. He was polite, friendly, with a big smile on his face, happily signing autographs and posing for pictures. When I reached him, I told him to "keep telling it like it is" and he grinned and said he would and that it would only get worse from here. I grinned back as he signed my cast photo and then told him that I just loved him. He looked at me and made warm eye contact, smiled genuinely and said thank you. He really seemed like a very delightful man. But then, I've always thought he was...