Tuning in

Phil, Mrs. film in D.C.

Dr. Phil McGraw and his wife, Robin, are returning to host TNT’s “Christmas in Washington” special, set to air Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. on the cable network.

The program, which will be taped at the National Building Museum, will feature a lineup of both Washington and entertainment heavy hitters - including President Bush and first lady Laura Bush, Tony winner and “The West Wing” cast member Kristin Chenoweth, rising singing star Julianne Hough, the Christian group Casting Crowns (not to be confused with Counting Crows), and the a cappella group Straight No Chaser, Broadcastingcable.com reports.

The show will benefit the Children’s National Medical Center, B&C; said.

An ‘Idol’ first

For the first time, Fox is using a former “American Idol” winner to promote a new season of its monster hit.

Reigning “Idol” David Cook has filmed a promotional spot for the show that will begin airing this week, Fox marketing chief Joe Earley told TVWeek.

Mr. Earley said the ad begins with the singer about to go onstage to perform his new single, “Light On.” After rewinding through images of his current life - limos, parties, paparazzi - Mr. Cook is seen lying in bed, dreaming about how his “Idol” voyage began.

Viewers then see clips from Mr. Cook’s appearances on the show, including “Idol” judge Paula Abdul asking him, “Are you the next ‘American Idol’?”

“He then steps onstage, and when he starts singing, you get that rush,” Mr. Earley said.

Fox began running the spots during Thanksgiving weekend, TVWeek said. The benefit for Mr. Cook, of course, is promotion for his new album, which was released Nov. 18. Overall, the singer’s self-titled debut sold 279,578 units during its first week, says Zap2it.com, citing data from Nielsen SoundScan.

Mr. Cook is the first former “Idol” contestant to cut a promo for the show, but he might not be the last.

“We’re looking at doing some spots with some other past ‘Idol’ contestants,” Mr. Earley said.

“American Idol” returns for its eighth season on Jan. 13.

‘Housewives’ score

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