'Idol' odds 'n ends: Ratings improve for second episode

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

>Although there was much ado about Season 8's premiere's ratings, which were the lowest since 2004 when the third season's special Monday premiere drew 30 million viewers even. Tuesday's premiere garnered 30.1 million, but Wednesday's follow-up episode was able to take in 30.2 million, up ever so slightly. The episode is the single-highest rated episode of any show on any network for the current TV season.

>Jennifer Hudson may not be singing the National Anthem at the Inauguration as some had speculated, but she will be fulfilling the duty at the Super Bowl on Sun., Feb. 1, in Tampa, Fla. She follows in Jordin Sparks' footsteps as the second Idol alum to receive the honor.

>Playbill.com yesterday announced that Diana DeGarmo will be starring as Dorothy in the Texas tour of the new show Oz the Musical. It will run from Feb. 5-28 and will be directed by veteran producer Todrick D. Hall, who also directed Oprah's The Color Purple on Broadway.

>Taylor Hicks appeared on Chicago's WGN News today to promote the release of his upcoming single and album in addition to his current national tour with Grease. Watch him perform "Gonna Move" below:

He also played the Grand Prize Game, for which he donated $500 to Chicago's Boys and Girls club for every ball he made in during the game.

>Mikalah Gordon is celebrating her 21st birthday Idol style. The Gone Country star will party at Mood in Hollywood tomorrow night beginning at 10 p.m., with Antonella Barba fulfilling hosting duties and Chikezie providing entertainment for the affair. It is open to the public.