• 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.

• NBC begins production on 'Race For The Altar," announces Lisa Dergan as host

  May 2, 2003
  NBC has announced that it's new unscripted drama “Race to the Altar” is set to begin production, Sunday, May 4, 2003. Broadcaster and model Lisa Dergan has signed on to host the eight episode series in which eight engaged couples compete in a series of mental and physical challenges designed to test the strength of their relationship. Renowned event designer Colin Cowie will lend his expertise and style to the series, planning the live fantasy wedding that will be awarded as the Grand Prize to the winning couple in the final episode.

• Coming soon: 'American Idol' video game

  April 3, 2003
  The runaway popularity of Fox's American Idol series has led a British company to turn it into ... a video game? Reuters reports that Codemasters will release versions of American Idol and its British inspiration, Pop Idol, this fall for the PC and the Sony PlayStation 2.

• Angie Martinez quits 'American Idol 2' judging gig

  October 31, 2002
  Angie Martinez has quit "American Idol 2" after only five days on the job. She issued a statement saying that it was "too uncomfortable for me to tell someone else to give up on their dream, especially when I realized that many of them have supported my musical career. I thank everyone at Fox for the opportunity and wish every contestant the best of luck."

• New York DJ Angie Martinez rumored to be 4th judge of 'American Idol 2'

  October 26, 2002
  Variety reports that New York-based radio personality and recording artist Angie Martinez is close to signing on as the fourth judge on Fox's upcoming "American Idol" sequel. Martinez, who hosts afternoon drive on New York's WQHT-FM, "Hot 97," joins returning judges Simon Cowell, who re-inked earlier this summer, and Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, both of whom re-enlisted last week.

• 'American Idol 2' to feature new fourth mystery judge

  October 18, 2002
  Variety reports that Fox has confirmed that the next version of "American Idol" will welcome a fourth judge, who will "add a different and unique perspective" to the group. No additional details were revealed.

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