Idol Update: The Big Event, Clay Christmas, The Return of Nadia, and More!

“Idol” producers are hinting at a big event that will take place in the middle of the season “that will blow America away.” Could this be the “Idol” answer to a possible showdown with “Dancing With the Stars”? I’ll let you know if I hear anything more…

Those of you who are longtime readers of my Idol Updates know that my season four nemesis was Nadia Turner (I still think Constantine getting voted off was a direct result of my enthusiasm at Nadia’s departure.). So imagine my consternation that Nadia is back and possibly in a big way. According to her website (although there is no confirmation on the ABC website), Nadia will co-host “The View” Thursday, December 21st. She is also scheduled to release her debut single in January and her debut album in March, though there’s no word on a label. “The View” airs at 11 a.m. on ABC (Check your local listings.)…

Friday, “The Megan Mullally Show” will feature pre-taped Christmas performances by both Clay Aiken and Kimberly Locke. You’ll also be able to enjoy the dynamic duo of Hall and Oates as well (Their outstanding Christmas CD is available now at FYE stores.). Check your local listings…

Speaking of Clay Aiken and Christmas, I finally got my hands on the Wal-Mart exclusive CD, “All Is Well,” which apparently is a little rare. Unfortunately, the CD is only available in stores, but if you can track down a copy, I encourage you to do so. Clay does a powerhouse rendition of the Michael W. Smith standard, “All Is Well” that shows off a low range he’s never displayed before. “The Christmas Waltz” is a cute choice, though it doesn’t really fit in with the other three songs. Clay chooses the Steven Curtis Chapman arrangement of “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” which sounds nothing like the original (which is not a bad thing). The CD closes with a solid rendition of “My Grown-Up Christmas List.” I’m hoping the choice of two tracks by contemporary Christian artists is a sign that we’ll get that contemporary Christian CD from Clay yet. I think it’s definitely something he’d like to do…

Here’s another note about Kimberley Locke. In the spring, she will appear on VH1’s “Celebrity Fit Club.” I’m a little disappointed that Kimberley is giving up her full-figured status since she was an excellent spokesperson for Lane Bryant. I’m also a little disappointed that she is appearing on the show while her career is still alive. Maybe it will help her promote her new CD, which is scheduled for release in March…

Another season two “Idol” contestant is looking to drop some pounds and he’s getting an entire state involved. Ruben Studdard will help spearhead the “Scale Back Alabama” campaign which kicks off next month…

This week’s Kmart ad is incorrect. Katherine McPhee’s CD will not be released until January 30th. Poor Kmart. They just can’t seem to get those Idol dates right…

Finally, Ryan Seacrest will be making the publicity rounds next week as he gears up to again co-host “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” with Dick Clark…