Lifestyle

  • ‘American Idol’: Meet 14 of the Top 24
    Wednesday night, ‘American Idol’ revealed all but eight of its 24 semifinalists, then left viewers hanging on the fate of a 15th.

  • Oscar night stage is Billy Crystal’s comfort zone
    Hosting the Academy Awards might be the 63-year-old comic’s calling. This year marks his ninth outing on the marquee awards show stage.

  • Handicapping the Oscars: ‘The Artist’ leads the race
    USA TODAY’s Scott Bowles surveys the favorites and dark horses in the top categories.

  • Simon Cowell is the man with ‘X Factor’ plan
    Expect two new hosts, two new female judges and a little more of an American feel. Other than that, Simon’s not saying much.

  • Adele, Whitney climb up the charts
    After the Grammys, ’21′ is first. After Houston’s death, her ‘Greatest Hits’ is No. 2.

  • Nielsens: ‘Amazing Race’ leads, but ‘Cougar Town’ limps
    ‘Survivor’ premiere was down slightly, but ‘Undercover Boss’ employed surprising ratings.

  • You’ve got (real) mail: Letters from writers
    With The Rumpus, you can get real letters from writers, via the U.S. Mail.

  • Sharon Tate’s family bares ‘Restless Souls’
    To her family, the most famous victim of Charles Manson lives on in spirit.

  • Critic’s Corner Thursday: ‘Winter Wipeout,’ ‘The Mentalist’
    See what’s worth watching, or what may not be, in prime time.

  • New cable networks go after Hispanic audience
    Many of the projects are aimed at the next generation of English-speaking Latinos.