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Credit: Out magazine

Maroon 5's Adam Levine has always been in the spotlight. I mean, look at that face. In what fantasyland is that not the face of a superstar? But since his stint on NBC's "The Voice," Adam's celeb status has skyrocketed, which means he's gained a larger platform on which to voice his opinions (puns!!).

And voice them he does. In the latest issue of Out magazine, Adam discusses everything from his thoughts on "The Voice" competitor "American Idol" to his openly gay brother to his own sexuality. He also appears shirtless in the photo spread (PRAISE BE!).

“What’s always pissed me off about 'Idol,'" said Adam, "Is wanting to mask that, for [sexuality] to go unspoken. C'mon. You can’t be publicly gay? At this point? On a singing competition? Give me a break." You tell 'em, Levine. This issue might be especially frustrating to Adam because he grew up with an openly gay brother, about whom he says, "I can single-handedly dispel any ideas that sexuality is acquired. Trust me, you're born with it. My brother is gay, and we knew when he was 2."

And when it comes to his own sexuality, Levine confessed what we kind of already knew: "That doesn't mean that I haven't been totally promiscuous and slutty in my lifetime, because I have." Adam, say it ain't so! I thought you were saving yourself for marriage (to me)! Well, whatever -- dude still managed to write some catchy-ass love songs, even while macking it all over town.

+ Read more of Adam Levine's Out magazine interview, and see more photos from his shoot.

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Tags Adam Levine, American Idol, Maroon 5, The Voice

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Remember when we asked you if you could recall any of the ninth-place contestants on any season of "American Idol"? Well, now we're asking if you can recall any of the ninth-place contestants on any season of "Idol" who look as gorgeous as Pia Toscano does in her first-ever music video.

In her first single, "This Time," written and co-produced by Ester Dean (Rihanna's "Rude Boy," Katy Perry's "Firework"), "Idol" finalist Pia Toscano sings of an ex who screwed her over. I'm gonna pause here to examine one huge flaw in the song's concept: Would any real live male actually dare to screw over Pia? I mean, look at that fresh-out-of-the-ocean hair? You just don't eff over a woman with fresh-out-of-the-ocean hair.

Power-driving with the top down in her blue vintage convertible, Pia finds herself at a perfectly sunlit deserted beach. As she draws lines in the sand and wistfully frolics in the ocean, we see this music video novice command the lens and come into her own. As she throws her hands up, she declares she's "gonna go back to the girl I was on the night you found me." Actually, we think this new Pia is doing A-OK.

Next, Pia leaves the beach and heads to her very own private city block where she tackles the ever-effective and super classic "I'm triumphantly singing in the middle of the street with a microphone" scene. Hey, it's her first video -- she's gotta check off a few traditional moves before she can time travel and stuff.

+ Watch Pia Toscano's video, "This Time."

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Tags American Idol, Ester Dean, Pia Toscano

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+ In today's "That's gotta feel really good" news, Kelly Rowland's Here I Am is expected to debut on the Billboard 200 next week at No. 2! And once again, yet another place where Destiny's Child's "Survivor" lyrics are appropriate. (Neon Limelight)

+ Finally! Rebecca Black's "My Moment" video has been broken down frame by frame! Black talked to MTV News about her second single and about the concept behind the video, which was actually supposed to be serious: "Having to be kind of sullen was hard." OMG totes. (MTV News)

+ Ruh roh. Nicki Minaj was forced to pay a fine in Jamaica after the country found a recent performance of hers to be "peppered with expletives accentuated by sexually suggestive dance moves." Um, you guys were aware you invited NICKI MINAJ to play, right? (Rolling Stone)

+ If you guys haven't been keeping up, let us remind you: Katy Perry is about to tie the one and only Michael Jackson in her quest to get five consecutive No. 1 singles off of one album. If "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" hits No. 1, she'll be in the record books! (Idolator)

+ Congrats to the 2010 winner of "American Idol," Lee DeWyze -- he's engaged! And he popped the question at Disney World. Awwww. (People)

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Tags American Idol, Buzz Bites, Katy Perry, Kelly Rowland, Lee Dewyze, Michael Jackson, Nicki Minaj, Rebecca Black

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+ In a radio interview with Omaha's KAT, Lady Gaga opens up about filming her upcoming video "You And I" in Nebraska, and about how she feels a strong sense of connection to the friendly, Midwestern state. She's just another meat dress-wearing girl-next-door at heart, guys. (Idolator)

+ Jay-Z and Kanye West get a "thumbs-up" from Otis Redding's daughter Karla on their new single "Otis," which features a sample of one of her father's classics, "Try A Little Tenderness." "I just think the collaboration was certainly a tribute to him, and it's really great." (MTV News)

+ It's been announced that Chris Brown and Kelly Rowland will tour together starting this September. If you were ever looking for an R&B-themed date, this is the place. (Idolator)

+ "American Idol" finalist Haley Reinhart just scored a record deal with Interscope Records! We look forward to hearing that raspy voice of yours soon, lady. (Neon Limelight)

+ It's official: Robyn can do no wrong. Hear the Swedish singer cover Coldplay's "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall," and bow down to the queen! (BuzzFeed)

+ Just days after her passing, Amy Winehouse's 2007 release Back To Black made its way back to the Billboard Top 10. I don't know about you guys, but that album has been in my personal Top 10 ever since 2007. (ONTD)

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Tags American Idol, Amy Winehouse, Buzz Bites, Chris Brown, Coldplay, Haley Reinhart, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Kelly Rowland, Lady Gaga, Otis Redding, Robyn

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Not trying to be rude here, but does anyone remember the name of the ninth-place finalists from past seasons of "American Idol"? Chances are, probably not, but we have a feeling that Pia Toscano's going to change that. She clocked in at ninth place on the 10th season of "Idol," but her first single, "This Time," could make her a household name.

Written and coproduced by Esther Dean (Rihanna's "Rude Boy," Katy Perry's "Firework"), "This Time" is the quintessential mid-tempo pop ballad ideal for a former contestant attempting to make a play at a lasting music career. Pia is personally mentored by "Idol" guru Jimmy Iovine (who signed Pia to Interscope Records). The song serves as a great middle ground for the singer, who was blasted by the judges for playing it safe and relying on slow ballads throughout the season.

Known on "Idol" for tackling big songs like Celine Dion's "All By Myself," "This Time" showcases Pia's powerhouse vocals, and allows her to belt out those monster notes she favors. The lyrics hold their own weight as well: "Now I'm standing up to you/This time, I'm gonna do it my way/This time I'm finding out the hard way/This time, I'm gonna go back to the girl I was on the night you found me."

Pia Toscano already has a pretty large fanbase, especially for someone who didn't even come close to winning "American Idol." And maybe with the release of "This Time," ninth place might prove to be better than first.

+ Listen to Pia Toscano's "This Time."

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Tags American Idol, mark ballas, Pia Toscano

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+ Oh noes! Taylor Swift is sick! Due to a bad case of bronchitis, the "Mean" singer was forced to cancel several dates on her summer tour but is set to resume on July 14 in Montreal. Get well, Taylor. (MTV News)

+ Lily Allen reminds us once again that she is in fact a cutie on the cover of August's Elle UK. Inside the issue, Lily opens up about marriage and motherhood. But what about more music, Lily?! (Idolator)

+ Former "American Idol" favorite Pia Toscano has signed a recording contract with Interscope Records, and we can expect a new single from her next week. Stay tuned for "This Time," her first song, out July 12. (Neon Limelight)

+ Sounds like a break is on the horizon for the Black Eyed Peas. Will.i.am tweeted yesterday that the group is planning on taking a respite soon. But keep your (dancin') pants on; they're not gone forever. (SOW)

+ We know she's your queen, Little Monsters, but Lady Gaga did not in fact invent the sax solo. Here's a list of 12 Awesome Sax Solos for you to shake your hair to in slow motion. (ONTD)

+ Is the "Queen Of Pop" debate settled once and for all? Rolling Stone asked readers to vote on who the ultimate pop goddess is, and Madonna grabbed the top spot. Also on the list: Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Katy Perry, Beyoncé and more. Click through to see how they ranked. (Rolling Stone)

+ Oasis brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher were like Lil' Kim and Nicki Minaj of '90s rock -- they basically hated each other. Now Noel is speaking out about the fight that tore Oasis apart once and for all. Spoiler alert: Physical violence was involved. (The Hollywood Reporter)

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Tags American Idol, Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas, Britney Spears, Buzz Bites, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil' Kim, Lily Allen, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Oasis, Pia Toscano, Taylor Swift, Will.i.Am

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GAH I just wanna squeeze those cute David Archuleta cheeks! Phew. Exhale. OK he's 20 now, so he can't really be considered a kid. But look at that punim! I can't help it! I get maternal! So sue me!

As cute as he may be, the "American Idol" alum's new sound is more mature as ever. After leaving Jive Records, Archuleta was reported to have been working overtime on his new material. Though "Everything And More," which premiered on a Singapore radio station this week, is not a particularly innovative ballad (weird, since he co-wrote it with Grammy-winning songwriter Victoria Horn), we do have to give Team Archie credit. He knows what works for him and rarely strays from his sweet spot. Even while on "Idol," David's best performances (probably The Beatles classic "Imagine" and Elton John's power ballad "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me") were centered around soft melodies and touching lyrics.

And if we know anything about Arch, it's that this is exactly the type of heartfelt and wholesome song genetically engineered to make us fall in love with him all over again.

+ Listen to David Archuleta's new song, "Everything And More."

Tags American Idol, David Archuleta, video

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While he was here doing an exclusive live performance for VH1's "Top 20 Live," we asked David Cook what he's reading these days. That's not just a weird, nosy thing we do where we go around asking musicians which books they couldn't put down. The last time we interviewed David Cook, the "American Idol" season 7 winner revealed himself to be an avid reader. So, naturally we were curious to see what he's added to his reading list.

"The Last Goodbye" rocker makes reading a priority, even when he's out on the road. A self-professed JFK buff, David Cook told us he's almost finished with "The Kennedy Detail," a book which discusses the Kennedy assassination through the eyes of Kennedy's Secret Service. (God, he's cultured.) And he told us that his favorite book of all time is Chuck Palahniuk's "Survivor." "Chuck Palahniuk is an incredible author," he said.

Chuck is great and all, but what's incredible to me over here in Swoonsville, is how intelligent this guy is. David Cook, that is. Chuck Palahniuk is obviously intelligent. David, if you need anyone to help you... I don't know... organize your Kindle, we're just a tweet away.

+ Watch David Cook discuss his favorite books, and check out his exclusive "VH1 Top 20 Live" performance of "Come Back To Me" and a cover of Radiohead's "High And Dry" below. And check out more of his "Top 20 Live" performances here.

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Tags American Idol, David Cook, video

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We understand the irony of a guy who's made a career out of yelling "WHAAT?" and "OKAAY!" over hip-hop tracks showing up at the finale of the nation's premier singing competition. We really do. Those kids practiced for years to get their voices where they are, and in typical Lil Jon fashion, Lil Jon just kind of shows up at the finale and says "YEEAAAHHH" in his signature spastic-chill way. Because when you're as unflappable as Lil Jon, even a show as huge as the "American Idol" finale simply ain't no thang. Who are we kidding? Lil Jon could show up anywhere and make it that much more awesome.

Lil Jon introduced the amazing TLC last night on the show. "Idol" judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler (and also Jack Black, of all people!) were also on the red carpet for yesterday's finale, where 17-year-old country singer Scotty McCreery became the 10th "American Idol" winner. This is the first season that former "Idol" judge (and "Idol" impresario) Simon Cowell has been off the show since he left to work on his new singing competition franchise, The X Factor, which, by the way, made headlines yesterday when it was announced that Pussycat Doll frontwoman Nicole Scherzinger would be taking the place of British pop royalty Cheryl Cole as one of the judges. Which got us thinking...

Hey "Idol," why don't you have Lil Jon on as one of the judges? He's already got a built-in grading system. "WHAAT?" if it's bad, "OKAAY" if it's, well, and "YEEAAH" if it's great. See? Genius.

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Tags American Idol, Jennifer Lopez, Lil Jon, Nicole Scherzinger, Star Spotting, Steven Tyler, The X Factor, TLC

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This season of "American Idol" has been a nonstop emotional roller coaster, you guys. We're pretty positive that Scotty "The Body" McCreery already has the whole competition on lock, with perhaps an upset by glammy James Durbin, if anyone. Like the rest of America, we were shocked to see both torch singer Pia Toscano exit so early and Casey Abrams stick around long enough to make our skin scrawl with those weird, jazz-inspired gnarls and murderous stares into the camera.

And then there's Haley Reinhart. Where'd she come from? (Illinois, actually.) The petite 20-year-old somehow managed to escape elimination several times already. It's almost as if she's sought redemption from "Idol" viewers, continuing to impress them with her mature grasp on songs with her rich, bluesy growls (take note, Casey). In fact, on last night's show, Haley trotted out a cover of "You And I," a Lady Gaga ballad that hasn't been released yet.

The judges weren't necessarily keen on the performance, considering it was not only bland, but that the only people who've been formally introduced to the song are those who have heard Mother Monster perform it live. But, in an almost holy twist of fate, Haley closed out the show with her second song, a rousing cover of The Animals' "House Of The Rising Sun." Possibly a "game changer" (yes, it was that good), Randy Jackson called it the best performance of the night. And that says a lot, dawg.

+ Watch Haley Reinhart perform Lady Gaga's "You And I."
+ Watch Haley Reinhart perform The Animals' "House Of The Rising Sun."

Tags American Idol, Haley Reinhart, James Durbin, Lady Gaga, Pia Toscano, Scotty McCreery