American Idol winner Jordin Sparks mourned when her idol Whitney Houston died on Feb. 11, but paid tribute to her Sparkle co-star at Thursday#39;s Essence Black Women in Hollywood luncheon in Beverly Hills, People reports.

It#39;s good news for 25 -- not just 24 -- singers on quot;American Idol.quot; After the quot;Hollywood Weekquot; and Las Vegas performance rounds, quot;Idolquot; judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler narrowed the field from 42 contestants to 24 semifinalists on Wednesday#39;s installment of the Fox singing competition, but they apparently cut too many.

The show#39;s most brutal week is a metaphor for the dilemma facing aspiring pop stars: there is no glory without sacrifice. But why can#39;t the show find some middle ground?

American Idol : #39;American Idol#39; wraps Hollywood Week and decides Vegas hopefuls

American Idol : #39;American Idol#39; wraps Hollywood Week, determines Vegas hopefuls