So for those who want to know – Nigel Lythgoe has let the “cat out of the bag” as far as money bags Simon Cowell goes.  Nigel confirmed (apparently wanted to get those jealously flames going) that Simon’s going rate is about $22,000 per minute (an estimate by Nigel).  “I think Simon is now earning something like $36 million a year from Fox alone, but they can afford to pay him that because at one point we heard Fox were getting something like $900,000 and $1 million per 30 seconds in advertising revenue,” to quote Nigel.  And he says that Cowell is worth every penny.  And while Cowell is getting a nice portion, Abdul and Jackson have apparently been left with crumbs—at least seven-figure crumbs, but crumbs in comparison.  Nigel states that:  “[Jackson and Abdul's] salary has never been advertised and Simon has been in Forbes, which is why I am talking about it,” continued the ax-grinding Lythgoe, whose exit from the show was supposedly due to money matters.  But there is always jealousy in every job. Why is he getting more than the other two judges? Because it is believed that he brings more to the table.”

Blake Lewis, runner-up on season six of American Idol  will perform at The Jewish Mother in Virginia Beach on Wednesday night.  Lewis, known for his beatboxing and innovative arrangements, emerged as one of the most popular performers ever on the hit reality show. He will perform at The Jewish Mother (31st and Pacific Avenue in Virginia Beach) at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Tickets are $10.  (Kimmy, here’s your chance.)