• ABC's 'Extreme Makeover' returns with new episodes (and a new airtime) on Thursday, September 18

  September 17, 2003
  Following nationwide open casting calls and over 20,000 applicants, the first lucky individuals - Caroline, Catherine and Dan - were chosen for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to participate in "Extreme Makeover." The series of self-contained, one-hour episodes -- which will each feature people in their "before" phase, then as they undergo their various procedures and, finally, when the end results are revealed to their families and friends -- premieres on a new day and time, Thursday, September 18 (9-10 PM ET), on the ABC Television Network.

• Kelly Clarkson to perform on August 6th '2003 Teen Choice Awards'

  July 10, 2003
  FOX has announced that in a classic cross-promotion move, "chart-topping recording artist and four-time Teen Choice Awards nominee" (oh, and "American Idol" winner too) Kelly Clarkson is set to perform at the "2003 Teen Choice Awards" on Wednesday, Aug. 6 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. The Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles will play host to the special, celebrating the hottest teen icons in film, television, music and sports.

• Simon Cowell commits to judging 'American Idol' until 2006

  July 8, 2003
  At the end of the finale of Fox's American Idol in May, acid-tongued judge Simon Cowell discussed his possible departure from the show. Was it merely a negotiating ploy, or was he really burning out from the demands of Idol, its British version Pop Idol, and his new CBS show Cupid? Now we know -- it was merely a negotiating ploy.

• Paula Abdul turned down role as 'American Juniors' host

  June 9, 2003
  Looks like Simon Cowell isn't the only American Idol judge feeling burned out right now. Prior to the launch of Fox's American Juniors, a spin-off from Idol, no one was certain who the host was going to be, which is highly unusual in TV-land. FInally, the day before Juniors debuted, Fox announced that Ryan Seacrist would host. Now we know the cause of that delay.

• 'American Idol' Judges' Chairs to be Auctioned

  June 9, 2003
  The American Idol publicity machine cranks on. The Washington Post reports that Idol is going to donate the chairs used by the three judges -- Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, each autographed by the respective judge -- to various charity auctions.

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