'Idol' odds 'n ends: Alums get NAACP Awards noms

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

>The list of nominees for the 40th annual NAACP Image Awards was made public this week, and Jennifer Hudson leads all nominees with seven nods. Other Idol alums to receive nominations for the show, which will air Thurs., Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. on FOX, were Jordin Sparks, Fantasia and Idol's band leader Rickey Minor. Idol itself also got two noms - one for the seventh season and one for the latest "Idol Gives Back" special.

>Davd Cook posted a "Happy New Year" vlog from his house last night on his official YouTube account in which he mentioned a college tour beginning in mid-February, the availability of merchandise at the shows and online and the introduction of his new puppy, Dublin. Watch the vlog below:

>Jordin also made headlines this week when she taped a congratulatory message to the Jonas Brothers for their Grammy nomination before performing with them at a variety show in Nashville. After being told she had to restart her message, she says something that sounds very much like the F-word, but she claims that she did not say it in a status alert from Jan. 6 on her MySpace:

What the heck!? I didnt say the F* word!!! Can we just make that clear?! Geez.

Jordin has spoken so we believe her, but you be the judge.

>TimRyansReelHawaii.com yesterday reported Katharine McPhee has signed on to star as one of the three lead roles in the film Wedlock, which will begin filming on Oahu in mid-February or early March. The $6 million budget film centers around the daughter of a Croation mob boss (Kat) trying to seek citizenship in the U.S.

>New judge Kara DioGuardi gave an interview with The New York Times that was published yesterday about her stint on the upcoming season of Idol. She said that if Simon does not let her speak it will be an issue. She also said the following interesting point:

"If rock was in style, I would do rock songs," she said. "If R&B was kicking, I would do R&B." It was a decision born of creative interest but also personal need. "I wanted to be independent. I didn’t feel it like a girl having pressure. I felt man pressure."

Another interesting fact about Kara is that she had a record deal with MCA Records early in her career but nothing ever came of it.