With American Idol season 12 kicking off, the search begins for the next big star.

While taking the crown on the FOX singing competition can certainly be a singer’s breakout moment, a win doesn’t necessarily spell success.

After each Idol season adjourns, victors venture into the wider world of in the music industry, some making quite a splash — like chart-blazing inaugural champ Kelly Clarkson — while others simply sink.

Sometimes, even as title holders lose that Idol lunar pull as runner-ups — like season two’s second-best Clay Aiken or seventh-place finisher Jennifer Hudson — stand the test of time.

So as the FOX jaugernaut prepares to premiere — revealing a revamped judge’s panel, with pop diva Mariah Carey, raptress Nicki Minaj and country star Keith Urban joining Idol veteran Randy Jackson — it feels only fitting to look back at all the Idol alums who have made a mark on music.

Who has been the most successful Idol of all-time? Take a gander at the gallery, above, to find out who holds the honor.

Then weigh in: Who is your favorite Idol? Explain why in the comments, below.

Which is more racist? A) Creating an environment where African-Americans don’t feel welcome, or B) pointing out when someone does A)?

That’s the lofty philosophical debate at the heart of the Twitter feud that erupted Tuesday between music stars Clay Aiken and John Rich. And by “lofty philosophical debate,” we mean petty name-calling and insults.

The occasion? The Republican National Convention, airing on TV for several nights this week, and featuring crowd shots of delegates and politicians on the arena floor where, as Aiken pointed out, there seem to be few black faces. But the way Aiken brought up this point made Rich livid.

What did Aiken and Rich say to each other in their war of words?

Aiken began by writing the following:

Playing drinking game with my brother now. We drink every time we see a black person on screen at the RNC convention. #soberasamormon

— Clay Aiken (@clayaiken) August 29, 2012

Rich, whose group Big & Rich includes self-proclaimed black Republican Cowboy Troy, shot back with three tweets in response and brought Troy into the conversation:

“@clayaiken:@cowboytroy We drink every time we see a black person at the RNC//CLAY! You should be ashamed for racist comments like THAT!WOW.

— John Rich (@johnrich) August 29, 2012

I wonder how long it will be till @clayaiken takes that idiotic post down. Clay, you’re better than that…I hope. Sincerely, JR.

— John Rich (@johnrich) August 29, 2012

Between the hashtag “negrospotting” and what I’ve read ever since, I’ve just had enough of this racist nonsense. It’s sick. PLS STOP. — John Rich (@johnrich) August 29, 2012

Aiken replied, in turn,

My charity is. Why isn’t your party? ;-) @johnrich: @clayaikenI thought your charity was for inclusion, not EXCLUSION. What happened?

— Clay Aiken (@clayaiken) August 29, 2012

Aiken and Rich were once pals, or at least close enough for Aiken to solicit Rich’s advice on competing on Celebrity Apprentice. (Rich won his season; the next, Aiken was runner-up to Arsenio Hall.) Both stars have long been outspoken about their politics.

The “#negrospotting” hashtag that so offended Rich may have begun with Jared Rice, who is a city councilman in New Rochelle, N.Y. and who is also a member of his local NAACP chapter. He, too, was watching the convention crowds:

I’m watching the RNC convention and am looking for black faces but am hard pressed to find them. They say this is called #negrospotting lol.

— Jared Rice (@CouncilmanRice) August 28, 2012

Whether you side with Aiken or Rich — and there were plenty of bitter fans on both sides chiming in on Twitter — it does seem true that there were few black faces on the convention floor. Watching the primetime network coverage last night, a viewer might have glimpsed several shots of former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in the audience, but very few other African-Americans among the rank-and-file delegates.

Aiken wasn’t the only media figure who found the convention hall less than hospitable to black people. A black camerawoman for CNN found herself pelted with peanuts by a pair of conventiongoers who said to her, “This is how we feed animals.” (Convention organizers expelled two attendees for their behavior in this incident.)

And Conan aired a bit in which staff writer Deon Cole, who is black, got kicked out of the hall by Secret Service — though Cole may have been pulling viewers’ legs a little here.

After many grueling months duking it out in Donald Trump‘s boardroom, Arsenio Hall and Clay Aiken are the only ones left to take it all for this season’s Celebrity Apprentice.

Late night legend Arsenio, 56, is only one contestant away from walking away with tons of cash for the Magic Johnson Foundation. Although he hasn’t always gotten along with his teammates, Trump think he has what it takes to win and fired second-place runner up Aubrey O’Day in the latest episode.

Meanwhile, former American Idol contestant Clay has also been playing a strong game. As of the finale, the 33-year-old has raised $66,000 for the National Inclusion Project.

However, tonight’s winner won’t be the only one receiving the big bucks tonight!

Thanks to Marissa Falin, the winner of our #NextCelebuzzApprentice sweepstakes, Celebuzz will be donating $5,000 to the Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson Research on her behalf!

Who do you think should win Celebrity Apprentice tonight? Be sure to cast your vote in the poll above.

It’s no surprise that many celebs get their 15 minutes of fame and then go unnoticed by the media’s eyes as attentions shift elsewhere. In Hollywood, fame is fleeting! Recently, a select few have made a surprising and attention grabbing comeback.

From our favorite American Pie cast to ”Octomom” Nadya Suleman, these celebs made headlines back in the day — and now they are back in the limelight! Some of these stars are striking up controversy, while others are bringing back great memories from the past. 

The American Pie cast teens were the ‘it’ crowd when the first movie came out in ’99. Tara Reid was the party girl, Chris Klein was a 90′s heartthrob, and Sean William Scott was the hilarious hunk who we loved in Dude, Where’s My Car. Now they’re all back and looking great, we might add, to relive their American ways in American Pie: Reunion.

Major controversy arose when Levi Johnston got Bristol Palin pregnant during her mom’s Sarah Palin‘s vice presidential campaign. The two young lovers got publicly engaged, then just as publicly separated with major drama between both families. Levi tried his hand at acting and modeling, but he eventually moved back to Alaska. Now he’s back in the news with reports that he’s soon to be a dad once again. After being together for over a year, 21-year-old Levi and 20-year-old girlfriend Sunny Oglesby are expecting a child.

Lots more more celebs are giving us a blast from the past, so check out the gallery to see who. Let us know your thoughts on “Octomom,” Shannen Doherty and more!

Meow! Clay Aiken pulled his claws out on Watch What Happens Live last night, throwing the gauntlet down to Rihanna! 

When asked what current pop star would fail to make it past the American Idol audition rounds, Clay took aim at the Barbadian beauty — after dissing the current crop of singers on the charts.

“There’s too many, I’ve stopped listening to them because they can’t sing” he quipped. He then selected Rihanna as the one most likely to fail, because she has “some pitch problems.”

Ouch! While a bit of a put down, it reminds us of another American Idol alum…Paul Abdul! Could Clay (who is currently on Celebrity Apprentice) be vying for a spot at the judges table — there are spots open on Simon Cowell‘s new show X-Factor, and he could be the feisty addition the series needs this season!

On Labor Day, why not make yourself hate your job less and remember that most celebrities don’t start out as richly-rewarded, fabulously glamorous objects of the public’s affection. Before they hit it big, they were working stiffs just like the rest of us.

Click through the photo gallery to see how Chace Crawford, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Evangeline Lilly and many others made ends meet before catching their big break.

• Robert Pattinson can’t wait for his co-star Kristen Stewart to experience the miseries of vampirism in Breaking Dawn. (Hollywood Life)
• Spencer Pratt says he’s homeless. Apparently, the grim economic times have even affected the seemingly recession-proof jerkwad industry. (PopEater)
• Has Lindsay Lohan been doctor-shopping? Would anything about this girl surprise you at this point? (Wonderwall)
• Hugh Hefner talks about his Viagra-fueled sex sprees. Just in case you decided you never wanted to sleep again. (Huffington Post)
• Clay Aiken is single again! Don’t everybody all rush at once, now… (Starpulse)

• Jessica Alba announces her intent to adopt. Guys across the country quickly move to disown their parents. (Socialite Life)
• Olivia Newton John‘s ex is alive and well, and he really doesn’t want to talk about the whole faking-his-own-death thing. (PopEater)
• Erykah Badu has been charged for getting naked in Dallas, where law-enforcement officials apparently don’t have anything better to do. (Idolator)
• Clay Aiken has released a new album in a transparent effort to wrest attention back from Ricky Martin. (Dlisted)
• Scarlett Johansson is in a skintight catsuit on the new Iron Man 2 poster and America just invaded Canada because you’ve already clicked on the link, haven’t you? (Huffington Post)

These days, no one would think it strange to see celebrities getting their bodies tattooed—in fact it’s pretty much the Hollywood norm.

But what about fans getting themselves permanently inked with the faces of their favorite celebs? Check out our gallery of these celeb-tattoo-enthusiasts and tell us what you think in the comments section.

Intriguing new developments have popped up in the curious story of Adam Lambert‘s supposed bad attitude.

Earlier this week, a report surfaced that American Idol runner-up Lambert had turned into a terror on the publicity trail, with people who had supposedly worked with him characterizing the singer as “such a diva” and “rude to everyone.”

And now, claims the blog Clay Aiken 411, the true source of the story has been revealed.

The site says that fans of former American Idol contestant Clay Aiken—popularly known as “Claymates”—orchestrated the story in an effort to “get even” with Lambert.

There’s been increasing bad blood between Aiken and Lambert in the past couple of weeks. After Aiken slammed Lambert’s performance on his Web site, Lambert cheekily shot back that Aiken was trying to “ride my coattails.” 

And now, it appears, the escalating feud may have led Clay’s fans to engage in a touch of character assassination.

Luckily, Adam has the support of good friends to get him through these difficult times.

Readers, have your say in the comments section: Do you think the Claymates are responsible for smearing Adam Lambert’s reputation, or do you think the diva tag is warranted?

Last week, Clay Aiken made headlines when he slammed American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert. 

The former gay Idol revealed he only tuned in to one episode of the talent show this season, and was turned off by Lambert’s over-the-top antics. Clay spoke about Lambert’s rendition of “Ring of Fire” and said, “At that moment, [I] thought my ears would bleed. Contrived, awful, and slightly frightening.”

Adam responded yesterday on Access Hollywood, saying, “I don’t know Clay. I’m glad he’s getting headlines now though, because he wasn’t before. If he wants to ride my coattails about it, good for him.” 

Oh, snap!

Lambert also addressed rumors that voting on last week’s finale was swayed towards Kris Allen by AT&T employees. 

“There are plenty of standards and practices set up where they make sure that there’s no foul play. And I don’t think it’s a conspiracy,” Lambert said. “I think people are making a big deal out of nothing. A couple of employees handed out a couple of phones and showed people how to use them. I don’t think that’s a conspiracy of any kind.” 

Have your say in the comments: Who do you think is coming out on top in the Clay Aiken/Adam Lambert feud? 

Aw, yeah; it’s an American Idol runner-up face-off!

Former American Idol contestant Clay Aiken has taken to his blog to trash this season’s AI runner-up, Adam Lambert.

“I only turn the show on once a season, and only to see what the set looks like each year,” Aiken writes. “This year, I happened to turn it during the minute that Adam Lambert was singing ‘Ring of Fire’ and, at that moment, thought my ears would bleed. Contrived, awful and slightly frightening!”

Aiken makes a point of noting, “I couldn’t be happier about the way AI ended this year.” Meaning, presumably, with Lambert’s defeat.

Ouch! And Clay always seemed like such a nice guy.

Even harder to comprehend, how did Aiken manage to type his post with his claws so obviously extended?

UPDATE: People magazine reports that Aiken’s split with RCA was due to a breakdown in contract negotiations.

“We were unable to come to terms in a recent contract negotiation, and decided that it was best to move on,” Aiken’s rep, Cindi Berger, tells the magazine.

Claymates, man your battle stations! Sources say that red-headed singer and gay dad Clay Aiken, 30, has parted ways with his record label RCA.

Billboard magazine reports that the split occurred a couple of months ago, though news of the split first broke wide when MTV reported that no mention of the “Invisible” singer was made in recent Grammy press materials sent out by the label, and he had been erased from their Web site.

Reps for the label and for Aiken are remaining mum.

Aiken’s last album, On My Way Here, was released in May 2008 and has sold just 159,000 copies, compared to the 2.78 million units sold of his 2003 debut, Measure of a Man.

Aiken made headlines last September when he finally ended years of speculation and came out of the closet.

He is father to one child, Parker Foster, 7 months, that he conceived with best friend and producer Jaymes Foster.

Potentially sad for Aiken, but he always has a career on Broadway to fall back on.

Clay Aiken, 30, will be guesting on the 12th cycle of America’s Next Top Model in an episode where he will help the contestants work on their acting ability.

Aiken, traditionally known as a singer and newly out gay father, has honed his own theatrical skills on Broadway in Spamalot.

EW reports that Aiken will guest in an April episode of the long-running reality pose-off/ bloodbath that has him overseeing an acting challenge and then serving as a judge on the panel.

R&B singer Ciara will also appear in the same episode.

The show’s new cycle kicks off on Feb. 25 on the CW.

What’s better than a stunning portrait of American Idol heartthrob Clay Aiken hanging on the wall?

Why, the real Clay Aiken, standing right before your eyes, of course!

Sardi’s, the world-famous restaurant near Broadway in Manhattan, just added a caricature of Clay, 30, to its walls. The eatery has hundreds of such portraits hanging inside.

The out-of-the-closet and newly-coupled Aiken was honored by Sardi’s for his Broadway debut in the musical Spamalot, which the red-headed star will end his run in on January 4.

The man himself was personally on hand for the unveiling of his drawn likeness.

Meanwhile, Aiken recently looked back on 2008 in an interview with People magazine.

“At the end of the day, [my son] Parker is the most important thing of the year, and of my life, without question,” the singer reveals. “Having a son and that type of responsibility is obviously going to be something that I remember forever.”

Clay’s best friend Jaymes Foster gave birth to their child Parker Foster Aiken on August 8.

If anyone’s had a momentous past 12 months, it’s been Clay Aiken.

First the flame-tressed American Idol fave became the proud papa of a newborn son, Parker.

Then the 30-year-old crooner shocked the world by coming out as a gay man.

And recently, it’s been reported that he’s entered a loving relationship with dancer Reed Kelly.

Now Aiken is reflecting on the personal rollercoaster ride that was 2008 to People magazine.

“At the end of the day, Parker is the most important thing of the year, and of my life, without question,” the singer reveals. “Having a son and that type of responsibility is obviously going to be something that I remember forever.”

Still Aiken is quick to admit that his coming out had a major impact on his life. And, he hopes, on others.

“We’ve been very impressed and my heart has been thoroughly warmed to find people very supportive,” Aiken says of the public reaction to his personal revelation. 

He’s also thrilled to believe that his experience may be inspirational to other gay men and society at large. “I’m very humbled by that. I really don’t know what to say about that,” Aiken offers. ”I think that hopefully less than inspiring people I will have an opportunity to open people’s eyes to different viewpoints and different possibilities in their life.”

And he’s also aware he may have inspired other gay men to come out. “I’m very humbled by that. I really don’t know what to say about that. I think that hopefully less than inspiring people I will have an opportunity to open people’s eyes to different viewpoints and different possibilities in their life.”

But enough about 2008; what does 2009 hold for Clay Aiken?

He says he’ll be taking time off from his career and moving to North Carolina with Parker’s mother, 50-year-old producer/friend Jaymes Foster, to focus on his role as a new dad. The relocation will occur after January 4, when Aiken’s run as Sir Robin in the Broadway production of Monty Python’s Spamalot. 

“I want to spend time with Parker. He’s still uber-dependent,” he reveals. “I’m ready for him to start talking. I’m ready for a little action!”

The list of eligible show-biz bachelors has just gotten shorter by one, Star Magazine reports.

A source for the magazine says that proud father and reluctant truth-teller Clay Aiken is in a relationship with Broadway dancer Reed Kelly (known for his work in the hit play Wicked).

Aiken was presumably drawn to Kelly bu the hoofer’s boyish good looks and obvious talent.

“Everybody knows Reed as Clay’s guy,” a Broadway insider reveals. “Clay met him when he was doing Spamalot in early 2008, and that’s one of the reasons [Aiken] came back to the show again.”

The pair was spotted together at Rosie O’Donnell‘s Building Dreams for Kids gala last month. Says an attendee of the event, “It was obvious they were a couple.”

Aiken, 30, crooned his way into the nation’s hearts as an American Idol runner-up on the show’s 2003 season.

The carrot-topped North Carolina native came out as gay this September, following the birth of his son Parker Foster Aiken, with best friend/producer Jaymes Foster.

At the time, Aiken explained, “I cannot raise a child to lie or hide things.”

Good luck, you crazy lovebirds!

Just like fellow singer Lance Bass, American Idol‘s Clay Aiken chose People magazine as the forum in which he would reveal his true sexuality to the world.

Two months ago, the singer came clean to his friends, family and fans with a secret that he had been holding inside for years. The cover read, “Yes, I’m Gay,” and the exclusive interview showed a side of Clay that no one had really seen before.

His main reason for coming out was to be honest with his newborn son. Whatever the reason, it’s refreshing and heart-warming to see someone rise against the odds and be brave enough to take the risk of coming out, especially in a country so divided on the issue.

We’re proud of you, Clay!

Clay Aiken has a legitimate army of followers called “Claymates,” whose hopes and dreams of being with the American Idol star are bizarre to the average person. Perhaps emboldened by Lindsay Lohan‘s recent lesbian revelation, the new dad finally spoke up: 

• The AI alum decided to come out of the closet in this week’s issue of People. Lance Bass 2.0!
• His inspiration for opening up to the world came from his pledge to be truthful to his new son, Parker Foster Aiken.
• Who will be next to come out? 

Summer ’08 hasn’t been too kind to the cougarific Sharon Stone. The fur-loving, single mom is dealing with a lawsuit from victims and family members affected by this spring’s Chinese earthquake, and was hit with more bad news this week: 

• Looks like the busty blonde just wants attention, as witnesses saw her dining alone at the secluded and private Ivy restaurant on Robertson Blvd. Never heard of it! 
• On Tuesday she reportedly lost custody of her 8-year-old son, Roan, as an L.A. judge ruled that the boy would be better off with ex-hubby Phil Bronstein. 
• Yet, the supposedly unfit mom shrugged off the negative press and hit up Coffee Bean just a day later. Wonder who kept her up all night?