Semi-spoiled?

A major newspaper name-checks Bucky (and Kellie) in an article about a mainstream country act, and in a neutral way at that. Color us surprised...

To really gauge Rascal Flatts' stature, look no further than American Idol. Both contestants who have since landed on the country charts — 2003 finalist Josh Gracin and last season's winner, Carrie Underwood — performed Flatts songs during the contest. (Kellie Pickler and Bucky Covington should take note.)

Gracin credits the trio's 2001 single "I'm Movin' On" with rekindling his interest in country music. The former Marine performed the song on the show while the members of the band were watching in their tour bus and discussing the likelihood of hearing one of their songs. Underwood sang "Bless the Broken Road" on the show's themed top-40 night, then did it later in the season with the group.

"It was really cool to do American Idol," LeVox says. "That's a lot of folks sitting there, listening to country music."

Very interesting, indeed. This has been one of the least spoiler-filled weekends to date; we had an artist hint at TWoP , but Bucky's actual song choice has yet to be confirmed. If we get news, we'll surely point you in that direction, while we cover our eyes in hopes of staying unspoiled for Tuesday's show. (Rascal Flatts might be a good idea for Bucky down the road, though, if the fortunes of Josh and Carrie are any indication...)

And if you're in the market for some more general--and more saucy--speculation, don't miss MJ's Big Blog, where the much-discussed (and apparently now deleted) "Idol Informant" post that hit the Fox boards earlier today is preserved for posterity. (Insider info? Maybe. Something tells us this poster will morph and resurface. We'll stay tuned.)

We were a little mystified as to what Bucky might try for the upcoming Queen night. (It's fair to say that everyone's first thought, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", has been a) done to death on Idol and b) is probably the subject of a major six-way "I want to sing that!" song fight behind the scenes, yes?) But there's optimism--and glee, even!--at some of our favorite lurking spots. Hey, after the surprisingly Southern-fried fun that was "Superstition", we're convinced Bucky can handle a good Queen tune with a twirl of a microphone...

Enjoy the day--see you soon!