NEWSMAKERS

Well, they haven't said anything bad about you.

That's nice. They like me now. Tomorrow might be a different story.

Clear to Resume 'Idol' Worship

Talentless singers of America, rejoice! Your staunchest defender, Paula Abdul, will be back to offer words of undeserved encouragement on "American Idol." That's because an independent counsel retained by Fox has vindicated her from accusations that she slept with and provided special guidance to ex-"Idol" contestant Corey Clark. The verdict was released late last Friday, suggesting that Fox might be hoping this will all go away quietly. In a statement released even later on Friday, Abdul said she was "grateful to have this ordeal over." Perhaps the only ones not grateful: the lawyers, who were able to bill 600 hours investigating sexual hijinks on a TV talent contest. Now that's easy money.

--Devin Gordon

Lindsay Sings Her Heart Out