Today In ‘Idol’: Kara DioGuardi Takes It Off For ‘Maxim’ While Simon Gets A New GF

:: Have your eardrums healed from last night’s butchering of “Bad Romance”? Well relive the tortured harmonies and high school-level drama that was group night in our recap. [Idolator]

:: Simon Cowell allegedly has a new girlfriend, Mezhgan Hussainy, a makeup artist for Idol. So, it’s okay for Simon to date behind-the-scenes staff members, but David Letterman can’t? [Daily Beast]

:: Is Kara DioGuardi still haunted by bodies issues a full season after the appearance of Bikini Girl? Kara dons a two-piece again for Maxim. Can’t wait to see Ellen’s inevitable photo spread in the men’s mag! [Maxim]

:: The reason that contestant Danelle Hayes didn’t perform in the Hollywood rounds is revealed: she’s still on probation from a 2007 DUI charge, and Idol rescinded her golden ticket to avoid the possibility of having to ask Washington State officials for permission for Hayes to tour. Guess it was just too much effort. Sorry, Danelle! [Fox 13]

:: The debate rages on—should Kara have compared Andrew Garcia’s “Straight Up” to Adam Lambert or Kris Allen? Choose your side! [MTV]

:: Danny Gokey continues his promotional tour for his debut album My Best Days—which apparently includes pursuing his own line of eyewear. [MJsbigblog]