‘Idol’ favorite’s dad loses backstage pass

Los Angeles – Backstage meddling has caught up “American Idol” favorite David Archuleta’s dad, who’s been banned from rehearsals, a person working for the TV talent contest said Friday.

Jeff Archuleta was told this week by producers that he can no longer join his 17-year-old son David as he prepares for the show, the person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. The person wasn’t authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Walters: Jones going through ‘difficult time’

Washington – Barbara Walters says she refuses to engage in a debate with Star Jones, who accused her of revealing a past affair with a senator just to sell books.

Walters said despite the public rift, she prefers to hold onto the good times the former co-hosts shared on “The View.”

“Star is going through a very difficult time right now, and I’m going to have very happy memories of how wonderful she was on the program,” Walters told AP Radio on Friday. “I don’t want to add to her difficulties.”