'Idol' odds 'n ends: Simon done with 'Idol' next year?

The following are Idol-related odds and ends that happened this week:

>In a conference call with reporters on Wed., Dec. 17, Simon Cowell said he will "make a decision about (whether to stay with the show) next year," prompting many to speculate that Simon is tired of judging the show or perhaps there might be too much on his plate at the moment.

>There were a few Idol-related certifications issued this week by the RIAA. David Cook's David Cook was certified gold, while Jordin Sparks' Jordin Sparks finally received a platinum certification.

>Carly Smithson was featured on the front page of AOL.com today for a story by the company's Pop Eater blog on a story Carly did with the Los Angeles Times earlier this week. The Pop Eater story paints a bleak future for her and many other Idol alums. Carly was in the studio earlier this week working on a demo.

>David Archuleta performed at the last "jingle" ball/jam/etc. concert on his schedule on Wed., Dec. 17, this one sponsored by Atlanta's Star 94 FM. At the concert, his band gave him a birthday surprise - a big ol' birthday cake equipped with trick candles.

>Antonella Barba posted a blog entry on her official music MySpace page today to thank her fans and let them know that she will be in the studio working with Interscope/Aftermath producer and aFam Records CEO Bernard Edwards in two weeks.