Dunkleman: In!

He’s back! After taking Ryan Seacrest’s “out!” instruction too literally after just one season of American Idol,. co-host Brian Dunkleman has resurfaced. He’s part of www.idolgohome.com, a new web site where fans can essentially participate in "Fantasy Idol," selecting the contestants they think are the most likely to win and predicting how the season unravel go as the weeks go on. And while online contestants won’t win a recording contract or fun-to-watch scorn and ridicule from Simon, available prizes do include a Hollywood vacation, a Dell Inspiron laptop computer, an Xbox 360 and more. Brian will share his own predictions and observations on what’s happening this season on his own blog, also housed on the web site.

So what does Brian have to say about the season so far, you ask? Not too much. On a posting dated February 6, he tells visitors that he actually chose to leave AI to pursue a career in non-television hosting work. I find this hard to believe, given he always seemed so bitter about his AI experience when questioned, but whatever dunks your donut. The Dunkster promises, though, that he will provide his “unique, insider’s view on all the hijinks that occur” this season. Again, I find Brian’s self-imposed “expert” title a bit of a stretch – how do you consider yourself an insider when the show has gone on for the last four years without you? What could he possibly be privy to that is different than all the other AI watchers out there? Other than what season one contenders Justin Guarini and Nikki McKibbin are up to, given how easy it probably is to get access to them these days.

Registration is free and bets will be accepted starting on Wednesday, February 15. JT, out!