Clay on the AP Wires

Record mogul Clive Davis returns to 'Idol'

Associated Press


NEW YORK - Record mogul Clive Davis is returning to "American Idol" to give his expert opinion on this year's remaining finalists.

Davis, who gushed over Fantasia last year before she was crowned champ, will appear on the Fox show Tuesday, a week before the season finale.

Davis, who heads the U.S. division of the BMG music conglomerate, has guided the debut albums of each of the "Idol" winners and that of runner-up Clay Aiken. Each of their albums has sold more than 1 million copies.

In a statement to The Associated Press, Davis - who launched the careers of Alicia Keys and Whitney Houston, among others - said he was excited to return to the talent competition.

"'American Idol' has confounded skeptics and unexpectedly given me special artists to collaborate with," he said Thursday. "I will be looking at this year's semifinalists with a sharp eye, hoping our amazing streak can continue."

The remaining "Idol" contestants are Bo Bice of Helena, Ala.; Vonzell Solomon of Fort Myers, Fla.; and Carrie Underwood of Checotah, Okla.

Anthony Federov was booted off the show Wednesday evening.