‘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.”

[RAT Patrol]

I forgot about Amazing race. I only watched a couple of weeks but it was pretty cute.

[OldFriend]

Star Search.....so you don't mind the host getting much too close to the girl contestants. You don't mind the red haired judge (can't remember her name) asking the kids if they have criminal records......(taking a slam at some of the kids who have been thrown off Idol)

I don't see anything admirable about Star Search at all.

Yes there is talent there but the host is a creepy pervert, IMHO

[cgk]

"This ain't your mom's Star Search".

I honestly haven't watched it since what... the 1980's? I had no idea what you're talking about was going on. I thought it was the same - same name and all. Do they really ask them if they have criminal records?!

[OldFriend]

It's a new show........copying Idol. The judge asked the question of a little girl, just to be snide.......

[MississippiMan]

Sure hate it's the way it is. Has me quite bummed out over my favorite show in years. I think the show's huge appeal is the fact that you can feel like you're playing a part in a normal person getting a shot at fame through merit. If this crap continues to get out, the show is going to lose a lot of its appeal IMO.

MM

[justshe]

Early on, in this current Idol season, I sent off a blasting email to the show....telling them that if they continued to allow the 'blasting of the judges' by the contestants, they would lose MANY viewers. If I wanted to tune into bad manners and rude, crude behavior, I would watch NETWORK television.

Have NO idea if my email made a difference, but I have noticed the contestants, as the weeks went on, HAD toned down their attacks on the judges.

And to be honest, that was my MAIN problem with being able to see Kimberly Locke's talent....as my opinion of her was so colored by her attacks on Simon Cowell (sp?) early in the auditions. I thought it very 'cheap'......and she obviously didn't realize Simon is the man who is putting up the million dollar record deal. If she objected to his comments, she could have smiled....and let it go.

She 'indulged her emotions' and thought herself 'cute' because of it. She doomed herself from that point forward with me...and many others I know.

[duvausa]

Agreed—I had a bad impression of Kim for the same reason—but I wonder if the producers didn’t encourage the kids to act up a bit at that time—it seemed to me that Ryan was egging them on sometimes. Confrontation makes better tv—or so they say. But then when they first sang “Proud to be an American” and Kim had tears rolling down her cheeks, I changed my mind about her.

[justshe]

Good point, re: Proud To Be An American.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

the fix has been in...

Yep, that's TV. But the public laps it up. (My personal fav is "Survivor.")

But I'm always astounded by the power of the medium to fool, bequile and mislead.

I've spoken with dozens of people who think actors make up the dialogue themselves as the show progresses.

Little do they know most actors can't even read, let alone write.

We love our flickering peepshows.

[Celantro]

Voting for Clay ten times at least.

[Zevonismymuse]

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?

Brooks is a RINO, but a nice guy. I live in the Santa Ynez Valley and although I am not friends with any Firestones I have several friends who know the family well. I have met most of the family and the are well respected people.

I think this is just a way to get a 30 minute infomercial every week for their beer and wine. The family denies this is a publicity stunt but I cannot believe Andrew Firestone will marry anyone he met on a reality show.

[speekinout]

my MAIN problem with being able to see Kimberly Locke's talent....as my opinion of her was so colored by her attacks on Simon Cowell (sp?) early in the auditions. I thought it very 'cheap'

I agree. But she did take his advice, and I think she truly was the most improved performer between the beginning of the show and the final rounds.
Maybe those with the spunk to fight back are the ones who can really profit by the criticism. Kimberly did, and so did Clay.

[mel]

I think you are absolutely correct, it is really a great show far more interesting than The Bachelor et al, at least these people do have a talent. I like it and I am really pulling for Clay, he is awesome. It is something the entire family can watch.

[pbear8]

This is from Drudge's website:

XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX SUN MAY 18, 2003 19:45:37 ET XXXXX

RIGOROUS SCHEDULE, STRESS: 'AMERICAN IDOL' FRONTRUNNER HEALTH FEARS

With recording legend Luther Vandross still hospitalized after a severe stroke, concern over AMERICAN IDOL finalist Ruben Studdard's health and well-being has become a priority with recording executive Clive Davis, sources tell the DRUDGE REPORT.

Pound-progressive Studdard is often captured on TV sweating profusely after only a few notes. "He sometimes can be terribly lethargic, he moves slow," one top insider explains.

[Howlin]

Pound progressive? I'll have to remember that.

This is just what we discussed last week!

[4mycountry]

I know. But the Mole in the celeb addiction was just creepy. I couldn't believe it. Remember how they showed her cutting the ropes on the raft when no one was looking? Oooooh, spooky... O O;;

[Pokey78]

Put Ruben on stage in a Lane Big man's recliner and he'll sell out the whole tour. hehe

[Howlin]

If he lives through it. :-)

[rintense]

I can honestly say I haven't watched one week of this show. Not a single one.

[4mycountry]

OMG, major spelling error on my part:

addiction=edition

THIS IS WHY I DON'T POST AT NIGHT!!!