‘Idol’ Worship (Inside ‘American Idol,’ TV’s most addictive show)

Newsweek ^ | 05/26/03 | Marc Peyser and Sean M. Smith

[Pokey78]

So who’s it going to be: Clay or Ruben? Thirty million people can’t stand the suspense. Inside ‘American Idol,’ TV’s most addictive show

May 26 issue — Simon Cowell never lets you see him sweat, but at the moment he’s looking a little damp. It’s Tuesday afternoon, hours before the “American Idol” semifinal, and the last rehearsal is just beginning. Paula Abdul shows up with her ubiquitous Chihuahua, Thumbelina, chats with Randy Jackson and half-listens to the performances. Finally, Cowell can’t stand it anymore. “Can I give you some advice, Paula?” he says. “You look nice. Just don’t talk.”

SIMON’S NEVER BEEN much for chitchat, but he’s particularly on edge now because of something strange occurring onstage. Kimberley Locke, who most everyone believes is a long shot to make it to the finals, is singing the pants off Ruben Studdard. Clay Aiken isn’t at his best, but Studdard is really off. His rendition of Peabo Bryson’s “If Ever I’m in Your Arms Again” is so obviously uninspired that the judges are clearly worried. They even tell him to take off his distracting hat and sing again, even though the judges almost never comment on performers before the show. “We have a problem,” Cowell is overheard carping outside the soundstage later. “I want Ruben to be in the final two, and Kimberley just had a great rehearsal.”

[Pokey78]

Idol ping.

[Howlin]

Gee, why are you pinging ME to this.......LOL.

[ewing]

The Bachelor is much more addictive than American Idol (IMHO)

[RAT Patrol]

I don't know, they're both pretty addicting, LOL! So, which is it, Jen or Kirsten?

[RAT Patrol]

Thanks for the ping. I can't wait to see who wins.

[ewing]

Im guessing the darker haired brunette..

[Howlin]

Do you know the days and times for this week? We're going to try to do another live thread like we did last week -- over in General Interest.

I have a ping list for the American Idol final shows, so if anybody want ON or OFF of it, let me know!

[Pokey78]

Put me on it. RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUBEN!

[RAT Patrol]

I don't know the times yet but please ping me to the thread. Sounds fun!!!!!!!

[Howlin]

You're already on it. I made it from the thread last week!

[Howlin]

BTW, I'm canceling out your vote.......LOL.

GO CLAY GO!

[mom4kittys]

Can't stand her--the finale is tonight isn't it?

[RAT Patrol]

CLAY! CLAY! CLAY! CLAY! CLAY!

Actually, I won't be too disappointed if Ruben wins, but I think Clay sings better.

[RAT Patrol]

If he has any taste at all it will be Jen (imo).

[Pyrion]

Can't say I don't give a damn.

[Pyrion]

Whoops. Reality check -- I really don't give a damn.

*begins process of waking up*

[ewing]

Yep the two hour final is tonight..

[ewing]

Is Jen the one with the really cute squinty eyed smile?

[Mr. Jeeves]

ABC has done a good job of misdirection in this Bachelor series - I really have no idea. Brooks Firestone may be a RINO, but I doubt he would want his son marrying a "Valley Girl"-type like Kirsten, so I would bet on Jen...but who knows?

Clay should win American Idol. He has more talent and more potential than Ruben, but race may play a role. Fox might decide to forestall any Jesse Jackson theatrics by making sure the show doesn't have two white winners in a row.