David Archuleta goes to Washington; forget about 'the new Simon'

Some tidbits of "American Idol" news to start your week:

Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta performed several songs, including "The Other Side of Down" and "Falling Stars," at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Challenge in Washington on Saturday (Oct. 23). The event raised money for the Special Olympics and Best Buddies. [MJ's Big Blog]

Put those worries about who "the new Simon" will be this season, "Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe says. "There are no roles to play," he says. "... Randy [Jackson] has become the elder statesman now. He is the one that says, 'What do you think?' He's taken control of the panel." [E! Online]

Simon Cowell has taken exception to Elton John's recent comments that shows like "Idol" and "The X Factor" are "brain-crippling" and don't make stars. "What he's slightly missing the point on -- and you always hear this resentment from bigger artists nowadays -- they don't like the fact a show can make an artist. ... If Elton feels that strongly about it then my message to him is, You show me how to do it." [Sunday Mirror]

Hey, want to buy Ryan Seacrest's Hollywood Hills house? The "Idol" host has put his 10,000-square-foot home on the market, and for a mere $15 million, it can be yours. [Los Angeles Times]

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