THEc0l0rPlNK
Administrator
Posts: 405
(7/31/05 5:58 am)
Reply
|
Each season has had its highs and lows
Each season has had its highs and lows
SEASON ONE — 2002
Winner: Kelly Clarkson
America's first encounter with the reality show based on the British hit "Pop Idol" left the country buzzing — mostly about evil-tongued judge Simon Cowell, who seemed to thrive on eviscerating the show's contestants. His "feud" with sensitive judge Paula Abdul would become an ongoing theme for the show. "AI's" debut also featured two dorky co-hosts — Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman — and spawned the embarrassing film "From Justin to Kelly," which took its name from winner Kelly Clarkson and forgettable runner up Justin Guarini.
Guest judges: None.
SEASON TWO — 2003
Winner: Ruben Studdard
Down to only one host — Ryan Seacrest — season two of "AI" was scandal-ridden. Semifinalist Frenchie Davis had some impressive pipes but was kicked off the show when topless photos of her surfaced. Corey Clark made it to the final 10 before he was disqualified for not revealing his police record to the show's producers. Season two's final pitted soulful Ruben Studdard against pop-friendly Clay Aiken. Studdard squeaked his way into the winner's circle with only 130,000 votes out of 24 million separating the two.
Guest judges: Lamont Dozier, Gladys Knight, Olivia Newton-John, Verdine White, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Diane Warren, Neil Sedaka and Robin Gibb all joined the show's judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell at one time or another.
SEASON THREE — 2004
Winner: Fantasia Barrino
Ultimately, Fantasia Barrino's breathtaking R&B vocals were the highlight of "AI's" third season. But it was also this installment of "AI" that was responsible for some major duds, including goofy Top 10 contestant Jon Peter Lewis and the audition that made William "She Bangs" Hung into a household name.
Guest judges: Nick Ashford, Valerie Simpson, Quentin Tarantino, Barry Manilow, Gloria Estefan, Donna Summer and Clive Davis.
SEASON FOUR — 2005
Winner: Carrie Underwood
Several tweaks were made for season four. First, the show's age range for contestants was raised by two years, meaning those between 16 and 28 were eligible to audition. In addition, guest judges were invited to voice their opinions during the audition process, but all except music mogul Clive Davis were axed from the actual contest. Finally, men and women were separated by gender until the final 12. Another first: Runner-up Bo Bice became the first "American Idol" contestant to perform a cappella. There were scandals, too. Former Idol contestant Corey Clark's allegations of having an affair with judge Paula Abdul; Bice's history with drugs and alcohol; and Scott Savol's previous arrest for domestic violence.
Guest judges: Mark McGrath, Gene Simmons, Kenny Loggins, LL Cool J and Brandy (auditions) and Clive Davis (competition).
SEASON FIVE — 2006
Who knows what will become of "AI" this time around? Auditions will take place later this summer and fall in Memphis, Chicago, Denver, Boston and other yet-to-be-named cities. The Chicago audition is Sept. 16 at Soldier Field. Other info is at www.idol onfox.com.
— Amy Carlson Gustafson
www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/entertainment/12248104.htm
|
Email This To a Friend
Topic Commands
Click to receive email notification of replies 
Click to stop receiving email notification of replies