March Madness betting may be approaching fast, but right now, it’s hard to escape the clutches of America’s favorite - and one of its longest-running - reality TV talent shows, American Idol and its subsequent American Idol odds.

While I’m hardly moved by the sounds of bad Michael Jackson covers (hey, even the real MJ doesn’t do it for me) and I spend more time wondering just what narcotic Paula Abdul is on (and where I can get some), it’s hard to disregard how quickly the competition moves here. We’re already into the top 11, with BOTH Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez being eliminated from this week’s round (the unfortunate Michael Jackson edition). With the added twist that the judges can veto any elimination they can all agree on - which may be easier this season, given how cuddly and touchy-feely Simon’s been getting with Paula, ewwww - there should be more debatable decisions than ever.

American Idol season 8 odds have been predicting a female winner - as I mentioned to you back in November - and right now, I’m liking the looks of Megan with her awesome tats and cute appeal. There’s the slim chance that, buoyed by the votes of thousands of teenybopper girls, Adam will get the lion’s share of the votes (I’m an admitted sucker for the guyliner-rocker types, but I can’t vote against the contestant I’ve got my wager placed on! :P). Also, Scott may come from behind due to the stay-at-home mom vote — not just because he’s legally blind, but because he’s got a great set of pipes to make up for it.

Make sure you get your props wagering on at the sportsbook, and tune in every week so you’re up to date on the office water-cooler talk…

American Idol: probably one of the most loved and loathed reality TV shows out there. But whatever side you fall on with one of the grandaddies of talent shows, it’s hard to deny that the sportsbooks are all over the odds for this thing. (Although I think that, with the last election, America finally has more political voters than AI voters. Or maybe it’s an even split now, I dunno.)

We’re now into season 8 of the show and, as it seems to be losing steam ratings-wise, the producers are utilizing new additions that will hopefully punch up their numbers. The addition of a fourth judge! The wavering success of former winners! The cameo possibilities! The impeding downward spiral of Paula Abdul’s substance abuse! (okay, so I don’t think that one’s intentional, but you have to admit watching Paula’s on-camera breakdown is entertaining)

Right now, the American Idol 8 betting lines are evenly matched at -115 for a male or a female winner. My girl Summer even managed to find some time out from her busy schedule of tanning and driving her convertible to do up a piece on American Idol 8 odds, so props to her (she’s predicting a female winner, by the way). Could do with some more pics of David Cook, though.

That’s better.