NEW YORK — Joaquin, you have competition.

In a radio appearance reminiscent of Joaquin Phoenix's on David Letterman's TV show, Billy Bob Thornton gave a puzzling interview yesterday.

On Canada's CBC radio, Thornton evaded simple questions and criticized the host for mentioning that he is a movie actor and screenwriter.

Thornton was on the show with his band, the Boxmasters, on tour with Willie Nelson. When host Jian Ghomeshi asked Thornton when the band formed, Thornton said, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Thornton mostly gave monosyllabic answers and took offense at questions about his influences. The actor said: "Would you ask Tom Petty that?"

'IDOL' CONTESTANT TAPS SONG'S COVER VERSION

NEW YORK — An obscure singer-songwriter deserves some of the credit for a rare standing ovation by "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell.

Adam Lambert's haunting performance of the Tears for Fears song "Mad World" was an arrangement by Gary Jules, who covered the '80s hit on his 2001 album, "Trading Snakeoil for Wolftickets."

Lambert, 27, has emerged as a front-runner on the Fox network contest. Meanwhile, the competition is over for Scott MacIntyre. The 23-year-old piano player from Scottsdale, Ariz., who sang Survivor's "The Search is Over," was voted off last night.

DOWNEY DONNING 'IRON MAN' SUIT AGAIN

LOS ANGELES — Robert Downey Jr. is officially back in the superhero business.

Production started yesterday on "Iron Man 2," a sequel to his 2008 blockbuster about the Marvel Comics character.

Downey reprises his role as a billionaire genius who fights bad guys in a high-tech metal suit.

Mickey Rourke plays a villain, and the cast also includes Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson.

JOAN RIVERS TO GET ROASTED ON NATIONAL TV

NEW YORK — Comedy Central will roast Joan Rivers. The 75-year-old, raspy-voiced comedian will be held up for comedic slaughter in a special to be taped July 26 in Los Angeles. It will air Aug. 9.

FORMER U.N. CHIEF SIGNS DEAL FOR MEMOIR

NEW YORK — Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has signed a deal to publish his memoir.

The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ghanaian statesman will detail his interactions with world figures.