Bennett to leave his heart on ‘American Idol’

LOS ANGELES - The nine remaining "American Idol" wannabes take the stage Tuesday night, but not before the latest castaway gives us an "Idol" preview.

"Tony Bennett is going to be there," last week's booted "Idol" Chris
Sligh told "Access Hollywood." "I was really excited, 'cause like the first time I ever did pop music, it was doing big bands and standards and stuff like that."

It will be an evening of standards, sans Sligh, as the top nine tackle the classics with the ultimate class act as guest mentor. And of course, it is no surprise that Bennett, 80, is a big "American Idol" fan.

He says the kids can learn a lot from working in front of a live audience.

"You learn things like knowing not to stay on the stage too long so you are always welcomed back," Bennett said. "I've learned everything from my audiences; they have become my best teachers."

And, of course, all eyes will be on Sanjaya Malakar on Tuesday night to see just what hairstyle he'll be shaping those signature locks into. Let's hope he steers clear of the faux-hawk.

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