Next week on 'Idol:' Gwen

I promised some "American Idol" chatters yesterday that I'd let you know about next week's theme, so here it is: Pop songs. With guest host Gwen Stefani, who will perform "Sweet Escape" with Akon on Wednesday night.

Also: The LA Times has uncovered the mystery of crying Ashley. Apparently she's a real, regular person who had a ticket to the dress rehearsal. She sobbed at the dress rehearsal. The producers, smart fellows, smelled paydirt.

Also, Tuesday's show will run from 8 to 9:07 p.m., so they can fit everybody in without padding too much.