David Letterman's Advice to Siobhan Magnus ~ "Don't Inhale!"

During a whirlwind press junket that has included The Ellen Degeneres Show, Wendy Williams, People Magazine and numerous FOX News outlets, American Idol's Siobhan Magnus stopped by to chat with David Letterman and perform with Paul Schaffer and his band.

Letterman and Schaffer joked around, trying to figure out the math - so Siobhan was the American Idol Season 9 Top 5 "7th finalist voted off." Letterman also made jokey reference to all her tattoos, asking what she had on her legs. And for all the fans old enough to remember President Clinton's campaign, Letterman told Siobhan the number one rule, "Don't inhale."

Siobhan gave another amazing performance of "Paint it Black". "Paint it Black" has essentially become Siobhan Magnus' signature song, where she can show off her amazing range and awe-inspiring "scream." Siobhan first performed "Paint it Black" when the Top 12 Idols kicked off the Season 9 finals with songs by The Rolling Stones.

That night, American Idol Top 12 finalist Siobhan Magnus drew comparisons to both Adam Lambert and Jersey Shore's Snooki after her performance of the Rollings Stones' "Paint it Black". Magnus delivered a theatrical version of the 60s classic in a prom dress and combat boots, and garnered unanimous praise from the American Idol judging panel.

Kara DioGuardi told Siobhan Magnus: "I'm having flashbacks of Adam Lambert and the stares and the drama. And I have to say, the best interpretation tonight. You did the most with the song, most interesting."

Ellen Degeneres was giddy after the performance, and drew a loving comparison between Siobhan Magnus and the hairdo of Jersey Shore store Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi: "I love the way you look tonight. I love the way you sound. I love the way you did that song. You just-you rise above. In a sea of people-like Snooki's poof. You just stand out and I like it."

Simon Cowell was equally effusive with his praise, stating:

"I think it was the standout performance of the night. What I like about what we're seeing now is that now I see the development form where we were on those middle shows to tonight. You look interesting. I mean, it's almost like you're going to have to now scream at the end of every song, but it kind of works. But I also think, and I think this is important for any artist, there are a lot of people who are going to love that and genuinely there's going to be a lot people who are going to hate it. Um, and that to me is actually quite a good place to be which is better than being indifferent and boring."

Although American Idol was unable to get any of The Rolling Stones to perform at the Top 12 show, American Idol Season 7 winner David Cook joined in on the tribute to The Rollings Stones with his version of "Jumpin' Jack Flash" during Wednesday night's elimination show.

"Paint It, Black" was released as the first single from The Rolling Stone's fourth album "Aftermath"(1966). The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, though Brian Jones contributed to the song's signature riff. Bill Wyman claims in his books that the song was a collective effort of the group, a 'Nanker-Phelge' one, but mistakenly credited to Jagger/Richards at the end.

The single of "Paint it Black" reached number one in both the U.S. and the U.K. charts in 1966. In 2004 it was ranked #174 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In the U.S., it was the first #1 pop single to feature a sitar on the recording.

Although it is a Rolling Stones song, many people immediately think of "Paint it Black" in conjunction with The Animals. Eric Burdon and The Animals covered it in 1967 for their debut album, "Winds of Change". They performed it at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. This version was cut and included in the motion picture of the festival. The Animals also performed it on the BBC.

Paint it Black- Siobhan Magnus (AI9) vs Sumera (Xfactor 2010)

A lot has been said about XFactor's Sumera ripping off American Idol Season 9 Top 6 favorite Siobhan Magnus' performance of "Paint it Black."

Paint it Black was originally sung by The Rolling Stones. Many versions were made but this arrangement has been the most popular. Though Siobhan made a few small changes to 'make it her own', Sumera definitely seems to be copying the 'Siobhan' version.

Do we need ask...Which performance do you prefer, Siobhan's or Sumera's?

Siobhan Magnus ~ Basking in Happiness

Siobhan Magnus on a 'American Idol' summer trail to stardom
By DARA KELLY, IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

So how is life post American Idol treating Siobhan Magnus? Quite well, it turns out. Along with runner-up Crystal Bowersox, Magnus has begun to assert her own unique spirit live on stage during the 'Idol' tour.

'My songs are a bit in-your-face and dramatic, but that’s what I love to do,' the 20-year-old told the press this week. 'That’s the kind of music that makes me feel on top of the world.'

Magnus’ set begins in theatrical high gear with flashing white lights and smoke pouring off the stage aided by a Goth soundtrack that slowly resolves itself into her take on the Rolling Stones’ 'Paint It Black.'

The whole performance is way over the top and much more theatrical than anything Magnus did on Idol.

"On the tour, we had a lot more leeway in choosing our own songs and would throw ideas back and forth with the managers looking for things that worked, not only for the audience, but for us," she said. "My favorite is ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ by Muse. I love the contradiction between the heavy guitars and melody. It’s kind of reminiscent of Queen, very bombastic and still very musical."

USA Today considered her set one of the highlights of the show but The New York Times said she was an example of "the concert’s critical lack of joy." Ouch. Magnus doesn't care though. She’s busy basking in the happiness of being free of Idol’s formula.

"It’s nice not worrying about being voted for," she said. "I hate to say, but sometimes you almost have to do compromising things on the show. I’d be shopping with the show’s stylist and she’d say, "Well, maybe not that because people are still voting." I’d have to say, "OK, you’re right." But I was hoping for an outfit a little more scary."

Magnus will have to wait until September to find out if Idol-creator Simon Fuller’s 19 Entertainment is going to sign her to a management deal. If not, she’ll strike out for a deal on her own.

Until then, she’s enjoying her new-found stardom.