‘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.”

[Velveeta]

Would you add me to the ping list, please?

[Cordova Belle]

Simon: "Clay, by a whisker."

I'll vote for that.

[JesseShurun]

ah the fix has been in since the beginning and the reason for putting Rueben on the hot seat one night was only to make it look real. Even Cowell was reportedly heard saying that he can't believe people think it's real

[cgk]

Wow. This is exactly the kind of mindless drivel I have to fight to convince my 12 year old daughter is better left turned off.

[Ima Lurker]

Ruben is a likeable guy, but he doesn't hold a candle to Clay in the talent department. He may win simply because TPTB want him to. However, Amazon.com is taking orders for the first singles for each and says Clay is leading 2 to 1.

[cyncooper]

This is exactly how the show turned out (I didn't click on the article to read the rest. Maybe they mentioned it). Ruben was just OK, I wanted to like Clay's performances better than I did, and I thought 2 out of 3 of Kimberly Locke's performances were great.

Having said that, I am going to vote for Clay because I resent the obvious pushing of Ruben, though Simon has a monetary stake in it, so I can understand his wanting a particular contestant to win.

[RAT Patrol]

She's the blonde. I don't remember if her eyes squint. LOL! She's the sweet one that is good friends with the other girls, not the one they all hate.

[cyncooper]

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

I've managed to be bored by the five minutes I gave to The Bachelor this time around.

At least kids can watch AI.

[Cordova Belle]

That's what I'm afraid of.

BTW, anybody else (like me) dial for ONE SOLD HOUR and never get through??? I finally gave up after a full 60 minutes.....

[RAT Patrol]

I agree on Clay (major talent) and the Bachelor.

[cyncooper]

Ping for Ruben hype out in the open.

“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.”

[republicandiva]

Please add me to your ping list.

GO CLAY!

Pokey78 -FYI-RUUUBEN isn't even his real name - it's Christopher Studdard and Clay's last name's been changed as well.

[mom4kittys]

I'm hoping he chooses Jen. I liked Tina Fabulous, but she's out now. Kirsten couldn't manage to make one friend in that whole house so that tells you something.

[Cordova Belle]

At least kids can watch AI Amen.

I tried watching "The Bachelor," but found it deeply offensive. Why these women would do this (and ditto for the men on Mr. Personality) except for a blatant grab for cash, is beyond me.

The entire premise is humiliating to women, in my never-to-be-humble opinion.

[Howlin]

Done!

[cyncooper]

Wow. This is exactly the kind of mindless drivel I have to fight to convince my 12 year old daughter is better left turned off.

American Idol? Why?

I watch it with my daughter and we have fun doing it. We rate the performers and she is learning how a person can graciously accept criticism. If a contestant gets smart alecky when criticized, it is my nine year old who deducts points.

It really is harmless fun and while I certainly am not saying you should watch it (who cares), it is not mindless drivel. (Unless all entertainment falls into that category for you.)

[Cordova Belle]

The redeeming factor about American Idol is that the participants do, actually, have a tremendous amount of talent, and the reward for watching is to enjoy seeing amateurs go on live TV and render performances to equal what we've heard from mega-stars. I have tremendous respect for them---not to mention thoroughly enjoying the musical performances.

On the other hand, The Bachelor offers no such rewards--unless you enjoy watching cat-fights, women denigrating themselves, and men acting Dumb and Dumber.

[rvoitier]

Pokey,
It seems I've been hearing about American Idol for about 2 years now and want to know if this is the first finals ever OR is this the first finals of this season?

Thanks.

[Ima Lurker]

The entire premise is humiliating to women...

Agreed. I watched part of one show and couldn't believe those women were actually crying over some jerk they really didn't even know and who apparently couldn't get a date without the help of some TV show. It's good for laughs maybe, but nothing more.

[mom4kittys]

LOVE your tag line!