‘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.”

[cyncooper]

I know you asked someone else, but the first American Idol started last summer. The finals for that were in early September, if I recall correctly. The winner for that was Kelly Clarkson.

This season started a few months ago (we started and won the war and still don't know the finalist here!). In fact, I'm out west and American Idol was interrupted to show Baghdad on that famous Wednesday night.

So anyway, the answer is they've had one winner, and this is season two. If you watch the finals next Wednesday night Kelly will be appearing (as she has a few times during this season).

[Mr. Jeeves]

Why these women would do this (and ditto for the men on Mr. Personality) except for a blatant grab for cash, is beyond me.

Well that is the real point - ABC coaches them how to get into catfights and act crushed when they lose, and they get TV exposure and a chance to parlay their appearance into a television career. Plus, the losers will have several million men anxious to meet them, so it isn't a total loss if they don't "win" the competition - in fact, given the show's track record in making successful relationships, the winners may be the real losers.

The Bachelorette, where the woman chooses between 25 men, seems more like the way it works in real life, anyway...LOL!

[ewing]

Andrew Firestone is not marrying any girl he met on a TV show, unless he gets and iron clad pre nup..

[george wythe]

Thanks for the ping. I enjoyed reading this excerpt:

And after Clay’s near-fatal flubbing of “Vincent” last week, Ruben was waiting backstage to give him a 20-second Velvet Bear hug.

It helps that Studdard and Aiken are both Southern gentlemen, despite the cutthroat competition. “Sometimes I feel really bad, like I took someone else’s spot,” Aiken says. “To see my name in lights has never really been a dream of mine. I’m perfectly happy teaching. I really, honest to God, am.”

[rvoitier]

hehehe...thanks.

[rvoitier]

Thanks a lot! And I now remember Kelly Clarkson.

[RAT Patrol]

Yeah, Tina Fabulous was a lot of fun.

[ewing]

Andrew and Tina fabulous would have made a good couple, but Tina just couldn't let her guard down given the rules of the show (and I dont blame her)

[Howlin]

You know what, that just makes me SO mad; they continue to put forth the statement that Clay made that mistake, when, in fact, the AI people threw HIM the curve ball.

The more times I read that statement, the more times I wonder how much other stuff AI has "fudged."

[RAT Patrol]

As for wholesome.....I didn't watch the first Bachelor because I hate to support trash television. I just peeked at the second one out of curiosity and was instantly hooked. It isn't that trashy except for the part where he is kissing all the ladies and lying to them (well....). But other than that it's surprisingly mainstream and sweet. I loved the Bachelorette even more. Ryan was such a charmer. This one isn't quite as interesting but I still like it.

[RAT Patrol]

when, in fact, the AI people threw HIM the curve ball.

Explain. Actually, I couldn't tell that he forgot the words because I wasn't that familiar with the song.

[MattAMiller]

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

Ruben is really his first name, but he usually goes by his middle name which is Christopher. Aiken is Clay's mother's maiden name which he uses because he doesn't get along with his father.

[billbears]

Join the club. Never watched American Idol or the Bachelor, and don't want to. This goes for the rest of these 'reality' based TV shows. The only thing I do watch reality based, besides the news of course and a few documentaries, is the Police Chases program just to hear the narrator try to make incidents sound a lot worse than the video shows

[MattAMiller]

That picture makes me realize that somewhere someone is writing AI slash fiction, and that they must be stopped.

[ewing]

'The Bachelor' is definitely crack cocaine television..80% of the people who watch are instantly hooked

[Howlin]

On these threads last week, people were saying that because they were running ahead of where the show should be timewise, they added an extra verse or two to Clay's song as he walked onto the stage -- he didn't even have a chance to rehearse! They said that they told the audience that, but they KEEP on saying CLAY MESSED UP.

[mom4kittys]

I think so too. I didn't like her at all at first--thought she waas snobby and then found her really down to earth and funny despite her "fabulousness" I loved the fact that she could dress to kill and ride that mechanized bull with those heels! Unfortunatley I saw myself in her after that!
I am challenged in the heighth department and I was born in high heels!

[thegreatbeast]

Who cares? As soon as the attractive blondes were cut I was out of there.

[ewing]

I thought Tina was a little too 'Paris Hilton' celebutante for Andrew, but then he figured out it was all an act hiding behind a tough exterior.

I was hoping TF would make it to the final 2...

[OldFriend]

If you are referring to IDOL, you couldn't be more wrong. It is about the only thing that crosses all age groups, can be watched without embarrassment by the whole family and is good for sharing with your kids, in or out of town. Many people I know talk with their grown kids on the phone during IDOL and many of us email our kids all about the show and who we liked and why. It's great family stuff and you are missing the fun.

But that's what makes it so great, watch or dont watch.......just please don't think there's something wrong with US watching.