American Idol Audio

Eurovision, otherwise known as Europe's " American Idol ," is no stranger to political gamesmanship. But a new documentary claims that British singer Sir Cliff Richard was robbed of victory in the 1968 Eurovision Song Contest after Spanish dictator General Francisco Franco fixed the vote. Time Out New York editor Elizabeth Vincentelli takes us inside a 40-year-old controversy.

Rock radio is in tough shape. Once a playground for local programmers, stations are now virtually indistinguishable from one market to the next. Blame for the situation is often laid at the feet of media conglomerate Clear Channel. Alec Foege , author of a book about the company, Right of the Dial, explains how Clear Channel kept a vise grip on the format – with the help of some willing partners. Our blog : John Schaefer on Clear Channel

In 1975, music critic Greil Marcus published Mystery Train , which for the first time placed rock 'n' roll within the context of American cultural archetypes, from "Moby-Dick" to Jay Gatsby. Thirty-three years later, the book remains a benchmark of criticism and has inspired countless music scribes. He joins us on the occasion of the book's fifth printing to discuss how artists like Elvis Presley and Sly Stone are continuing to impact American culture. Weigh in : Does rock 'n' roll music still matter today? Our blog : John Schaefer on pop music and the cultural landscape .

Pope Benedict's first visit to the U.S. was a resounding success-- or so say the dailies. How did the Pope's visit make you feel? We want to know. Call in and tell us what kind of impact, if at all, his visit had on your life.

Pennsylvania has become a toss-up state in presidential politics. On this week’s States of the Union, a look at whether the Keystone State will continue that tradition in November 2008. Pennsylvania’s Democrats have said that the economy, the war in Iraq and health care are their most pressing concerns. We find out what role these issues could play in the state’s April 22 primary. Thomas Fitzgerald writes about state, local, and national politics for the Philadelphia Inquirer . Tom Barnes of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has covered Pittsburgh city hall and now reports from Harrisburg on the governor and state legislature. States of the Union fact of the week: Pennsylvania leads the country in the production of mushrooms. (No, not that kind.)

Soundcheck Smackdown: Mariah Carey – Bimbo or Brilliant? The pop star just surpassed Elvis Presley for most singles on the top of the charts and is releasing today her new album “E=MC²”. Pop music critic Jody Rosen and freelance writer Evelyn McDonnell square off to debate Mariah’s singing style and her power in pop music. Tell us what you think : Mariah Carey: Bimbo or Brilliant?

A day after he was sworn in as New York’s new governor, David Paterson was quick to acknowledge that he and his wife had extramarital affairs. Today, we confess the "dirty secrets" in our pop music past -- the albums, concerts and fan letters that even our closest friends don't know about. Cintra Wilson , New York Times and Salon.com contributor, and Anne Midgette , the Washington Post's acting chief classical music critic, share their darkest musical secrets. Plus, we take your confessions …er, calls. Tell us : We all have a bad album, concert or fan letter waiting to be exposed. What's a dirty secret from your pop-music past?

Join Leonard for his annual Easter gospel music special. Here’s the playlist: ”Take the Lord Along With You,” Alex Bradford (music played under billboard) “One Day,” Angelic Gospel Singers and the Dixie Hummingbirds “The Hammer Rings,” Mmr. Edna Gallmon Cooke “Salvation is Free,” Mahalia Jackson "One Day," RH Harris and the Soul Stirrers "Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone?" Sam Cooke and Paul Foster with the Soul Stirrers “Out on a Hill,” Johnny Taylor with the Soul Stirrers “What About Me?” Swanee Quintet “At the Cross,” Clara Ward “Can’t No Grave Hold My Body Down,” Marion Williams "What Manner of Man is This?" Jackie Verdell with the Davis Sisters “Can’t No Grave Hold My Body Down,” Sister Rosetta Tharpe “The Sun Didn’t Shine,” Alphabetical Four

Making sense of the Iraq War on film, in rock music, and on-stage. The director Kimberley Peirce tells a hidden war story in "Stop-Loss." The band Black 47 writes songs for a surprising fan base: combat soldiers. George Packer transforms his article on Iraqi translators into a stage play. Plus, songs and stories from Stew, the creator of "Passing Strange," the new rock musical that’s revolutionizing Broadway.

Making sense of the Iraq War on film, in rock music, and on-stage. The director Kimberley Peirce tells a hidden war story in "Stop-Loss." The band Black 47 writes songs for a surprising fan base: combat soldiers. George Packer transforms his article on Iraqi translators into a stage play. Plus, songs and stories from Stew, the creator of "Passing Strange," the new rock musical that’s revolutionizing Broadway.