All the tube news that’s fit to surf …

– R.I.P. Trapper John, M.D. and Bonanza star Pernell Roberts, who died Sunday after a battle with cancer. He was 81.

– Michael Lynche‘s dad probably shouldn’t be expecting a great Father’s Day gift this year. Lynche has reportedly been bounced from the American Idol top 24 for season nine after his dad broke a confidentiality agreement and talked about his son’s participation to a newspaper. Meanwhile, if you want more AI spoilers, check out Rickey.org for names and photos of the alleged top 24.

– Conan O’Brien‘s ratings for his final Tonight Show on Friday? Triple what he had been averaging, and better than most primetime shows in the coveted 18-49 demo for the week. Hopefully that’ll help him land a great post-Tonight Show gig. And about that, Fox, FX, USA, TNT, TBS, Comedy Central, HBO and Showtime are among those who’ve expressed interest in a new Coco show.

– Returning Tonight Show host Jay Leno, meanwhile, will chat with Oprah on Thursday. Hope it’s not a fluff piece and that she asks him about his hypocritical decision to return to the show after saying no one but Johnny Carson could host the late-night series in their 60s.

– Is Twitter the new way to audition for a TV role? It worked for American Idol season six winner Jordin Sparks, who’ll guest star on Bones after Twittering her love of the show.

– Meanwhile, AI season four winner Carrie Underwood is guest starring on a March episode of How I Met Your Mother.

– Liza Minnelli will play Justin’s drama teacher on Ugly Betty.

– And, another sad TV death: All My Children star James Mitchell, who played plotting business tycoon Palmer Cortland on the ABC soap for 30 years.

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• Filed in American Idol, Late Night, TV News
• Tags: American Idol spoilers, American Idol top 24 season nine, Conan O'Brien ratings, Jay Leno Oprah, Palmer Cortland All My Children, Pernell Roberts