"American Idol" is the most popular TV show and even though the majority of viewers are just average Joe's, at least one important figure counts himself a viewer as well.  President George W. Bush has invited Taylor Hicks and the Top 10 American Idol finalists to the White House.

Bush will play host to American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, as well as the other Top 10 finalists, at the Oval Office next Friday.  

Taylor Hicks won the most recent season's contest May 24 after 63 million votes were cast for him in the season finale, reports Deadbolt. 
 
USA Today reports that "The meeting is scheduled for July 28, when the performers were scheduled to be in Washington for their American Idols Live show at the Verizon Center.

Hicks has a personal connection inside the White House: Susan Whitson, Laura Bush's press secretary, taught him 9th grade English at Hoover High School in Birmingham, Ala. The finalists will get a tour of the White House before their audience with the president.

It was unclear if runner-up Katharine McPhee would be among the group since she missed recent tour stops due to bronchitis and laryngitis."

-- Compiled from wire reports