the buzz log

Now that "American Idol" is down to the Top 5, questions of leadership are being asked. 

The president can audition like everybody else
No sirree, Fox is putting its foot down: No more free time for Barack Obama. The network finally said no to the leader of the country who had the temerity to ask for yet another primetime spot..and during ratings sweeps week. The 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET would only disrupt "Lie to Me," but who knows: No. 44 could go on and on, right into "Idol" territory. And Fox producers know the dangers of having a show runs overtime.

Seacrest's not-so-secret crush
By golly, Ryan Seacrest has some weight to throw around this reality competition, and if his Twitter or emails have any sway, Susan Boyle—the Cinderella story of this season's "British's Got Talent"—could be standing by his side. That would only do good things for "Idol," as none of their contestants have stirred up the Web frenzy that Boyle has. Perhaps there should be a diplomatic trade... maybe once Sanjaya's done with his latest reality show.

What do you do a problem like Iraheta?
Allison Iraheta delivers impressive vocals week after week, and arguably has shown much more growth than early favorites like Danny Gokey. The judges consider her a serious contender, but the flaming red-head consistently hogs the bottom-three stools. Yes, it's a tough field this season, but surely Iraheta deserves better? Could her rough-hewn, Joplinesque be a little too mature for a homeschooled 17 year old? She's delivering the heartache in Bonnie Raitt numbers and an ache in Donna Summer hits; but calling a pre-teen "hot stuff" can sound a little creepy.

iTunes anti-climactic revelation
New York Post exposed the "glitch" revealing which were the best-selling "Idol" downloads on the Apple online music store. Kris Allen surpassed Gokey...is this really a "shocker?" Nah. That's about how passions are running online too: So far in April, the Arkansas newlywed's searches have squeaked by Wisconsin church music director's 14 days out of 27, and his latest lead has been consistent since April 21. But, both of them combined still doesn't come close to the front runner...

...that leads us to the most searched Season 8 contestants....

Top 5 "American Idol" Contestants on Yahoo!, past 7 days

1. Adam Lambert
2. Kris Allen
3. Danny Gokey
4. Allison Iraheta
5. Matt Giraud