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Simon Cowell

"Extra" was backstage with Simon Cowell in London. We joined the original "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson as she took her talents to the U.K. She says, "Conquering the world with my music, that's just important to me."

Kelly made her European performance debut and quite an impression on the Brits.

Backstage and back home was none other than Simon Cowell, supporting his Idol and his habit of cheeky one-liners. He says, "I'm in a bad mood cause I'm back in bloody London."

It’s time for "The World According to Simon."

About being back in the U.K., Simon says, "I'd rather be back in Los Angeles as quickly as bloody possible. It's more fun."

Simon on Kelly's European debut, "I've heard her sound better, but the acoustics weren't great. If this record doesn't go to number one, I will be nice the rest of my life. I will turn into Paula Abdul."

Simon on Ruben and Clay vs. Kelly, "Ruben and Clay are going to have to make great records. You always judge it on the record."

Simon on "Pop Idol," "I can judge this now on a totally different level. I'm going to judge the Brits vs. the Americans so I’m going to be really horrible."

Simon on Ryan Seacrest hosting "American Juniors," "I think that's a very good career move for Ryan... Intellectually he is going to be able to communicate better with kids... Every day I wake up I think, ‘Why can't I be judging six-year-olds who can't sing?’ I can't think of anything worse."

And finally, Simon on doing "American Idol 3," "I haven't said no and I haven't said yes."

for interested folks in the NY area--

Ruben, Clay play deejay

WHTZ (100.3 FM) has recruited the two recent "American Idol" finalists - who seem to be joined at the hip these days - for its "Reality Radio" segments, where a guest programs an hour of personal selections. Hear Ruben Studdard at 3 p.m. today, then 1 and 9 p.m. tomorrow. Clay Aiken is at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. today, then 4 p.m. tomorrow.

For folks who are interested in a little fun stuff, today is singles release day for the AI duo.

American Idols begin chart battle

Clay Aiken (left) is reported to be outselling Ruben Studdard
American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken could upstage winner Ruben Studdard in the charts as the pair have released their debut singles on the same day.
Aiken's cover of Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water is reported to be outselling Studdard's Flying Without Wings, originally recorded by Irish boy band Westlife.

Online retailer Amazon's sales chart puts Aiken at number one, with Studdard trailing at number nine.

In the American Idol 2 final on US television in May, Studdard beat Aiken by just 130,000 votes out of a total of 24 million.

Album plans

More than 38 million people tuned in to watch them compete after thousands of hopefuls had been whittled down to just two.

Studdard and Aiken will be guests on The Oprah Winfrey Show on US TV on Tuesday.

Justin Guarini - the runner-up in the first American Idol series - is also due to appear on the show. He is releasing his debut album on the same day.

Meanwhile, Studdard and Aiken are looking to September to release their first albums.

A third series of American Idol is being planned for 2004.

Thought you'd be cheered to read these reviews from buy.com

3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.

Kat from DeLand, FL rated this CD 5 of 5
"This is the Night" is to Die For!
This single, which actually consists of Bridge Over Troubled Water and This is the Night, is incredible. Although "Bridge.." is not well mixed, and Clay Aiken's voice is somewhat drowned out, it's still a fabulous rendition. But the real treasure is This is the Night, a heartstoppingly beautiful song, maginficently sung by Clay Aiken. Clay fans will love this single, and many people will become new Clay fans when they hear it.

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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.

A Listener from Phoenix, AZ rated this CD 5 of 5
Clay Aiken
Both songs on this cd are beautiful. Stunning performances by Mr. Aiken!

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pam.taylorlatreille@sw.ca from Oakville, Ontario rated this CD 5 of 5
LET CLAY BE HEARD!!
Wow...Clay Aiken music is a dream come true! I only wish a lighter hand was used with the back-up vocals and choir. Clay's angelic voice continues to thrill and chill us nevertheless. An awesome listening experience for fans and first-time listeners alike. I'm convinced this is only the beginning for this very talented singer. Sure made my day! Thank you Clay and RCA!

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