FOX toasts the 'American Idol' Top 13

If I'm Michael Corleone (and I'm not) trying to go legit, Katrina "Bikini Girl" Darrell is my Mafia. Every time I think I've gotten my last use out of Darrell's bikini-clad "American Idol" audition photo, she *pulls* me back in.

I would have guessed that Bikini Girl and I were just about through after she was finally eliminated from "American Idol" mid-way through the Hollywood Round. After all, even with a great willingness to disrobe, how many minutes of fame are "American Idol" rejects entitled to?

For Darrell, the answer appears to be "More."

Bikini Girl, it turns out, is now a legitimate reporter.

Darrell, eschewing her familiar two-piece in favor of a far more professionally responsible ensemble consisting of a skin-tight, green leopard (or fish) print mini-skirt and high heels, was working the Blue Carpet at FOX's Thursday (March 5) night party celebrating the "American Idol" Top 13.

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I don't want to overstate Darrell's importance at the FOX party. She was just one of many journalists leaning over railing trying to get quotes from the "American Idol" hopefuls. Also, from little acorns, great oak trees something-or-other. I mean, four or five years ago, you'd have mocked the journalistic credentials of Kim Caldwell and Justin Guarini, but they've become the Woodward and Bernstein of former "Idol" contestants.

But Darrell was certainly attracting more than her share of attention, with her fake tan, fake extensions and, unless I'm missing my guess, recently enhanced bosom. In fact, the only person on the premises wearing more makeup than Bikini Girl was "American Idol" finalist Adam Lambert. No. Seriously.

That Darrell was carting a microphone for E!, hardly an illegitimate outlet, caused a little ire amongst other reporters who, like me, know more than a few reputable, trained and over-qualified scribes on the bread-lines.

"I went to school for this," said one ink-smudged scribe of superior breeding. "F*** you, Bikini Girl."

There were several looks of incredulity from the Top 13 contestants when they reached Darrell's place in the media line, replaced quickly and professionally.

I didn't work the Red Carpet at this year's party largely because it's an arduous and endless process and between my "American Idol" recap and my "Survivor" recap, I knew I'd have to arrive early and leave early. My goal was really just to get a sense of the event.

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