‘American Idol’s’ Katie Stevens, David Hernandez, Expert Richard Rushfield on Friday’s ‘Idol Hangover’ Show

This week, controversy rocked American Idol with shocking news of the disqualification of Season 11 finalist Jermaine “Gentle Giant” Jones. THR “Idol Hangover” hosts Shirley Halperin and Joseph Kapsch will delve into the turn of events surrounding his dismissal with Friday’s guests.

Season 9 finalist Katie Stevens, filling in for THR‘s special “Idol” correspondent Didi Benami this week, will stop in to bring viewers highlights of her one-on-one backstage interview with Thursday night’s elminated contestant.

David Hernandez Top 12 finalist of Season 7 will also take a seat on “Idol Hangover’s” cozy couch to chat about the new crop of contenders, his latest music and recent gig on the Dancing With the Stars tour.

Plus, Richard Rushfield — “American Idol” expert and author of “American Idol: The Untold Story” (“Rushfield Babylon“) — will get down to brass tacks on his opinion of the current state of American Idol.

Watch THR‘s “Idol Hangover” Live Show on Friday, March 15, 2012 at 11 a.m. PST/2 p.m. EST. at THR.com or on The Hollywood Reporter’s official UStream Channel.

Please tweet questions to @Idol_Worship #idolhangover now and during the show at 11 a.m. PST/2 p.m. EST and some will be answered on the show live.

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Watch previous episodes of THR’s Idol Hangover Hosted by Shirley Halperin and Joseph Kapsch here:

THR Idol Hangover: Episode 2 with Stefano Langone, Songwriter Bonnie McKee

THR Idol Hangover: Pilot Episode with Blake Lewis, Didi Benami and Expert Fred Bronson