Idol Update: A "Dreamgirl," Carrie's Milestone, The Truth About that Meatloaf Duet, and Kelly & Clay Make Appearances

So who would you say is the most successful “Idol” alum? Kelly Clarkson? Clay Aiken?

Well in a few months, you might be saying Jennifer Hudson.

This week’s “Entertainment Weekly” names Jennifer as a best bet for a Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her role in “Dreamgirls.” The magazine also named “Dreamgirls” as a best bet for Best Picture.

Jennifer, an alum of the third season of “Idol” is most remembered for her shocking elimination when “the three divas” (Jennifer, LaToya London and Fantasia) ended up in the bottom three. Interestingly, the movie’s director, Bill Condon, tells “EW” that he had to teach Jennifer how to be a diva, because she was being too nice. “Dreamgirls” opens December 25th. And yes, Jennifer did beat out Fantasia for the part.

Jennifer is not the only “Dreamgirls”-“Idol” connection. Her co-star, Anika Noni Rose, played Kelly’s best friend, Kya, in “From Justin to Kelly”…

Last week, Carrie Underwood’s CD, “Some Hearts,” was certified as quadruple platinum. This makes it the second-best seller among the Idol albums (Kelly’s “Breakaway” is #1.). According to her label, this is only the second debut country album by a female artist to achieve that status (Gretchen Wilson has the other.).

Speaking of Carrie, she has received a People’s Choice Award nomination for Female Singer and another for favorite country song for “Before He Cheats.” “American Idol” received a nomination for Competition/Reality Show. You can vote for Carrie and “Idol” at http://www.pcavote.com/. I only ask that you kindly vote for Kiefer Sutherland while you’re there (for Male TV Star). “The People’s Choice Awards” air January 9th on CBS…

Kelly Clarkson will sing “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” on “CMT: Giants,” a special tribute to Reba McEntire. “Giants” airs November 18th at 8 p.m. on CMT…

Clay Aiken will appear on “Live With Regis & Kelly” this Friday, November 17th…

Fantasia’s forthcoming CD, “Fantasia,” will feature three tracks co-written and produced by Missy Elliott and another written by Diane Warren and produced by Babyface. The first single, “Hood Boy” features Big Boi of Outkast. The CD drops December 12th…

While doing publicity for his new CD, Meat Loaf offered some insight into last year’s “Idol” finale. Apparently, Prince didn’t show up until seven or eight minutes before he was supposed to go on. They were working up a number with Burt Bacharach and all the special guests when he showed up.

And what about that frightening duet with Katharine McPhee? Meat Loaf told VH1 he’s “never hated anything so much in [his] whole life.” He says he could never get the monitors right and because he couldn’t hear, his performance anxiety kicked in, making it an even bigger mess. He also says there was a “very strange vibe” backstage because it was a competition…

Remember that the “Idol” CD extravaganza kicks into high gear next week with the release of “Daughtry”…

(CD Photo courtesy of Amazon.com)