MATT GIRAUD FOLLOWS SEACREST'S LEAD

American Idol finalist Matt Giraud is not planning to give up singing anytime soon, but he will add "host" and "mentor" to his list of accomplishments.

This week Giraud will host "Make the Cut" when it airs on YOBI.tv. This show, like American Idol, provides aspiring singers a platform for showcasing their talent.

The show is being touted at "the first online reality vocal TV show."

Giraud, from Kalamazoo, is currently on a whirlwind national tour with American Idol Kris Allen and other American Idol Top Ten finalists. Giraud, who has said that he can hardly believe that "I was doing this in a hotel lobby a year and a-half ago, on Twitter wrote that the tour is the "most fun I've ever had in my life. THIS is my dream job f'sho!"

Individuals who are interested in competing to appear on the show are asked to submit videos to YOBI.tv by the stated September deadline. Judges will select a group of competitors to be judged by YOBI.tv members. The show's viewers will then watch as the top dozen finalists receive advice and guidance from Giraud in professional recording studios in Michigan -- and the eventual winner of the competition will win the chance to actually "Cut a Record," the show revealed.

"I think anyone's good enough to audition," said Giraud, "even the ones we might think are silly. It's fun. Everyone should get out there and try it."

The competition is open to individuals who are at least 18 years old, a legal resident of the U.S. or of a country with diplomatic relations with the U.S. and not already a 2009-10 Season 2 YOBISing Semifinalist. Additional information and rules can be found at http://yobi.tv/make_the_cut/ Sphere: Related Content

KRIS ALLEN HAS CANCELLED TONIGHT SHOW APPEARANCE BECAUSE OF A DEATH IN THE FAMILY

American Idol Kris Allen has cancelled his scheduled appearance on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien because of a death in the family, but last-girl-standing in the competition, Allison Iraheta will step in to take his place.

It is, however, expected that Allen will participate in all American Idol Tour concerts.

Kris is mourning the loss of his grandmother, said a representative of the American Idol television show.

"I know I was supposed to do conan on wed, but there was a death in my family," Kris told his fans on social network Twitter. "But everyone watch Allson on Wed. She is filling in." And he continued, "and by filling in I mean (she) is gonna rock Conan's face off on Wednesday."

After an outpouring of love and support for fans, Allen sent his most recent message, "Thanks eveeryone for the love."

And Allen's fellow American Idol contestants were quick to offer their condolences and ask fans to keep his Kris and his family in their thoughts.



Allison, on Twitter, wrote, "Love ya man .. Keep yo head up."

And Idol contestant Matt Giraud wrote, "Just heard about the death in Kris' family. Keeping him in my thoughts."

Another contestant, Anoop Desai, expressed, "I know kris appreciates all the concern -- keep his family in your thoughts." Sphere: Related Content