‘American Idol’ fashion police tell all

The sexy, red-satin corset top that Kellie Pickler wore on “American Idol” last Tuesday night set a record: It represents the most money ever spent by a contestant on fashion.

Pickler has become the show’s style stickler, and she has cranky Simon Cowell to thank for it.

The “Idol” judge was particularly crabby on March 14, when the 12 finalists in the Fox network talent competition hit the stage with fashion guidance for the first time.

Cowell told Pickler she looked like Dolly Parton, and she “freaked,” says Miles Siggins, the show’s wardrobe stylist for the past four seasons.

That night was full of style missteps. Pickler said her false eyelashes felt like “tarantulas.” Mandisa’s stilettos were unwearable. Cowell said Bucky Covington’s stylized mane made him look like Jessica Simpson, and then he embarrassed Kevin Covais, who has since been voted off, by asking: “Are you wearing makeup?”

In recent weeks, judges have been paying more attention to style, says celebrity stylist Gena Tuso, who has worked with the singer Pink.

“It’s the first thing you notice when someone walks on stage,” Tuso says.

This year’s finalists are the most style-savvy to date, adds Siggins, who gives fashion advice to “Idol” hopefuls (they still decide what to wear).

He says they’re also more apt than past contestants to supplement the undisclosed fashion stipend they get from the show, though he won’t disclose how much Pickler dropped on her top.

But the group still has had its fashion challenges:

• Size. Before her surprising elimination in last week’s voting, Mandisa’s Rubenesque figure had become a blessing, Siggins says; plus-size companies flooded her with offerings to wear on the show, “seeing that she is very comfortable in her style.”

Questions about her outfits have dominated Siggins’ “Idol” blog (www.idolonfox.com/style/).

• Balance. Contestants strive for a memorable look, but being too daring results in “cartoony” outfits that are more memorable than the songs, Siggins says.

When Paris Bennett wore a yellow frock as she crooned a ‘50s tune, he says, “she looked fantastic, but no one can remember what she sang.”

• Denim. Many in the 2006 class hail from the West Coast and the South, where denim rules. Tuesday’s country show was a planned showcase for denim, but singers stick to denim most weeks, anyway. “It limits what you can do,” Siggins says. “I’m all for dressing up.”

Despite spending “a fortune” and more than three and a half hours shopping for that corset top, Pickler’s look was still jeans and a tank top, Siggins says.

“It’s been frustrating” how she took Cowell’s comments to heart, he says, adding that she has worn only jeans since the critique.

Says Siggins: “Who listens to what Simon says about style?”