TMZ is having a field day since it broke the story of the attorney last week who thought there was a racial pattern to the show's disqualified candidates.

Naturally, contestants ranging from Vonzell Solomon to Jacob Lusk to Casey Abrams and Melinda Doolittle are defending the show. And I would tend to agree. The show may not have been very open about gay candidates but when it comes to race, it's been pretty fair to everyone.

Still, it's also amusing that the season 6 Brittenum twins from Atlanta were seen on video a few months ago giving props to Nigel Lythgoe only to want to sue him now. Really?

If you can't remember them, here is their original audition:

And here's how "Idol' will work once they get down to the final 40, which will be pared down to 20 for the live shows.  This is a new set up:

AMERICAN IDOL (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Semifinalist Round, Part 1”

In a new twist, the competition moves to Las Vegas, where the Top 40 semifinalists will be split into guys and girls. Each night, 10 of the 40 semifinalists will perform and the judges will be faced with the tough decision of choosing which five will stay and which five will be sent home.

Wednesday, Feb. 20                         First Group of 10 Male Singers Perform
Thursday, Feb. 21                              First Group of 10 Female Singers Perform 
Wednesday, Feb. 27                          Second Group of 10 Male Singers Perform
Thursday, Feb. 28                              Second Group of 10 Female Singers Perform

*Each episode is 2 hours long.

ETA: Live shows begin on March 5 when the Top 20 perform for your votes.

Tuesday, March 5 Top 10 Male Semifinalists Perform LIVE
Wednesday, March 6 Top 10 Female Semifinalists Perform LIVE
Thursday, March 7 LIVE Results Show; Top 10 Finalists Revealed