The way country singer Matt Buckstein sees it, he's been practicing to compete on American Idol for seven years - before the wildly popular show even existed.

This good ol' Denver cowboy has practiced in front of the crowd most Wednesdays during karaoke night at The Old Hole, a joint on Leetsdale and Oneida. He figured the practice paid off after he got a look-see from Idol producers last season, when a trio of contenders formed the Brokenote Cowboys. They were eliminated from the competition, but were asked back to perform on the show during finals week.

Buckstein figured that attention-getter would get him another Idol nod. This time, he made the final 40, but was knocked out when contestants were whittled down to the final 24 on the Fox show this week.

Boulder's Tami Gosnell was also axed, but former Coloradan and Cherry Creek High grad Rudy Cardenas made it to the group of 24, who now compete until there's only one singer standing.

Buckstein, a 25-year-old sheet metal worker and George Washington High alum, says he's OK with the rejection, but wants to let America decide whether he should pursue a music career. Starting Tuesday, Buckstein, who's dubbed himself The Lost Idol, will film his performance at the Old Hole and post it at myspace.com/mattbuckstein, asking his Web audience to vote.

"I was inspired by a lot of people out there who are disappointed about me not being in the top 24," he said.

"I wanted the chance to give America the opportunity to tell me what they think of me."

He's also asking myspace visitors to leave comments, which he'll post on the Web site. "As long as the response is good enough, I'll stay in and keep going back to the Old Hole."

KERI MARRIES: Highlands Ranch High grad and former Felicity star Keri Russell said "I do" to longtime contractor beau Shane Deary during a Valentine's Day wedding in a New York City snowstorm, according to news reports.

The couple, both 30, are expecting Baby No. 1 this summer. Us Weekly reported the post-nuptials reception was held at the Red Cat, a French restaurant in New York's Chelsea district.

Russell, who was born in Fountain Valley, Calif., grew up in Dallas, Mesa, Ariz., and finally Highlands Ranch, where she was spotted by a Denver talent scout.

KIDS' CORNER: Two Colorado notables, American Idol's Ace Young and Last Comic Standing winner Josh Blue, today will lend their famous voices to Alice-FM 105.6 radio's 36 Hours for Kids radiothon, which benefits the Children's Miracle Network. The fundraiser will be broadcast live from Children's Hospital, but the event is not open to the public.

Make a donation by calling 800-458-KIDS or online at alice1059.com.

EAVESDROPPING on a man with a strong southern accent at Cucina Colore: "You have to be a real redneck to buy your girl roses for Valentine's Day."

Penny Parker's column appears Tuesday through Saturday. Listen to her on the Caplis and Silverman radio show between 4 and 5 p.m. Fridays on KHOW-AM (630). Call her at 303-954-5224 or e-mail parkerp@RockyMountainNews.com.