McCain's American Idol Make-Up Artist Makes Big Bucks

Note from Greetings: Now who is the REAL elitist? 7 homes.. and $8500/month makeup bill from the makeup artist for American Idol. (Sort of dwarfs that "$300 elitist haircut of John Edwards, now, doesn't it?") So here's the real "celebrity" with American Idol's makeup artist at his beck and call... and just why does he need all that makeup?

By Marianne Akers, The Washington Post
American Idol make-up artist Tifanie White has found some high profile work while the show is on break. (Altaffer/AP)

Remember last month when Republican presidential nominee John McCain got made up by the American Idol make-up artist?

Well, it wasn't a one-shot deal. The make-up artist to the wannabe-stars is getting paid beaucoup bucks to make McCain, 72, more telegenic.

Tifanie White, who reportedly has done makeup for the shows "So You Think You Can Dance" and "American Idol," was paid a total of $8,672.55 in September by the McCain-Palin campaign, according to the campaign's latest monthly financial report filed this week with the Federal Election Commission. She was paid $5,583.43 the previous month, records show.

We asked McCain campaign spokesman Brian Rogers whether McCain was happy with the American Idol make-up artist's work, and whether Ms. White also does makeup for McCain's naturally telegenic vice presidential running mate, Sarah Palin. Rogers replied via email, "No comment."

We refrained from asking whether McCain might have a future on "American Idol" if things don't break his way two weeks from today on Election Day. But at least he has an in if he so chooses.