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LOS ANGELES – Ellen DeGeneres makes her much-anticipated debut on “American Idol” on Tuesday, shaking up the dynamics on the show’s judging panel and auditioning her own talents for the biggest TV audience in the United States.

The arrival of the popular talk show host and comic is expected to boost viewership on the Fox television network’s aging singing contest, now in its 9th season and facing challenges to its coveted spot as the No. 1 show on U.S. TV

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Not even a good cause can quell Simon Cowell’s competitive drive. The “American Idol” judge and music exec recently coordinated an all-star single to benefit Haitian earthquake victims. Now he’s ready to take on his next challenge: ensuring that his production of R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts,” featuring Susan Boyle, Mariah Carey, Miley Cyrus and many others, outsells Quincy Jones’ new star-studded rendition of “We Are the World.”

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Changing of the guard: Derek took over as Chief of Surgery, while Richard was given a choice between entering treatment for alcoholism and surrendering his medical license. Derek wanted him to choose treatment, but Richard was much too angry at him to listen. It was Bailey who got Richard to admit that he simply feared not being able to drink. Bailey told him to “be the chief” she knows he is, and he eventually signed off on the treatment option.

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Thousands of hopefuls. Hundreds of songs. Seven cities. Four excruciating weeks. A dude in a two-piece bikini. One pair of pants on the ground. On Wednesday, “American Idol” wrapped up the auditions for its ninth season, and judging by the numbers — or, really, any other quantifier — it was a pretty interesting ride.

From the news that Simon Cowell would be leaving the show at season’s end, to the spate of celebrity judges lined up by show producers (Neil Patrick Harris, we love you), “Idol” generated more than a few headlines, and in the auditioners rolled out for our viewing, uncovered some genuine diamonds in the rough.

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Fox devoted eight days to the “American Idol” audition round, but there were only seven cities on this year’s cross-country vacation for host Ryan Seacrest and the judges. That gave the show an extra hour to fill, which made Wednesday a clip show that focused mainly on singers who did well enough to make it to Hollywood.

Sixty more minutes of heartwarming tales and nervous-sounding voices … who could ask for anything more?

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Los Angeles, California (CNN) — Dr. Conrad Murray expects to surrender to Los Angeles authorities this week on charges relating to the death of Michael Jackson, his lawyer said Tuesday.

“Dr. Murray is more than ready to surrender and answer to any charges,” attorney Ed Chernoff said.

Prosecutors have not announced any charges, however, and Murray has not been told how or where he should surrender, according to Miranda Sevcik, spokeswoman for Murray’s legal team.

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CNN) — The nominations for the 52nd Grammy Awards are listed below, with winners italicized in bold and asterisked:

Album of the year

“I Am…Sasha Fierce,” Beyoncé
“The E.N.D.,” The Black Eyed Peas
“The Fame,” Lady Gaga
“Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King,” Dave Matthews Band
[WINNER] “Fearless,” Taylor Swift *

Record of the year

“Halo,” Beyoncé
“I Gotta Feeling,” The Black Eyed Peas
[WINNER] “Use Somebody,” Kings of Leon *
“Poker Face,” Lady Gaga
“You Belong With Me,” Taylor Swift

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Los Angeles, California (CNN) — The most memorable moment of the 52nd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday may be the onstage appearance of Michael Jackson’s two eldest children to accept their father’s lifetime achievement award.

“To all his songs, his message was simple, love,” 12-year-old Prince Michael said. “We will continue to spread his message and help the world.”

With a voice that sounded more mature than his age, he then thanked “God for watching over us these last seven months and our grandma and grandpa for their love and support.”

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LOS ANGELES – The last time Mel Gibson starred in a movie, he was grappling with alien invaders and a misplaced faith in the sci-fi thriller “Signs.”

That was seven and a half years ago. In the intervening time, Gibson became a cultural firebrand, directing the controversial 2004 box-office hit “The Passion of the Christ” and the violent 2006 action epic, “Apocalypto.”

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Los Angeles, California (CNN) — Singer Etta James is hospitalized for treatment of a serious infection, but her son said Friday he’s more concerned with her Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

James, 72, was diagnosed with MRSA — a bacterial infection resistant to many antibiotics — by doctors at a Los Angeles hospital where she was admitted for treatment last week, Donto James told CNN.

Life has been difficult for James, best known for her 1961 hit “At Last,” since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease a year ago, he said.