• Simon Cowell to have tie-breaking authority for 'American Idol 2'

  October 30, 2002
  With the addition of Angie Martinez has the new fourth judge for "American Idol 2," the New York Post reports that the rules of the game have changed slightly. With four judges instead of three, obviously the potential for a tie 2-2 vote exists. According to the Post, if the four judges come up with a split decision, judge Simon Cowell will get the final say.

• 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.

• 'American Idol' judge Simon signs runner-up Justin Guarini to contract

  September 7, 2002
  E! Online reports that 'American Idol' judge Simon Cowell says he will sign Justin Guarini to a management contract. Cowell has already signed 'Idol' winner Kelly Clarkson and semifinalist Tamyra Gray to management contracts.

• 'American Idol' judge Simon Cowell re-ups for 'Idol 2,' gets $1,000,000+

  September 4, 2002
  The Hollywood Reporter reports that Simon Cowell, the British music executive who shot to fame as "Idol's" brutally frank judge, has signed up for the second season of the reality hit, set for broadcast on Fox early next year. One insider said Cowell will net at least $1 million for "Idol 2," though network officials would not comment on that figure or whether the deal had officially closed.

• Christian says Simon's crush may have cost her 'Idol' prize

  August 16, 2002
  Zap2It.com reports that ousted 'American Idol' contestant Christian thinks that judge Simon Cowell's crush on her might have cost her the title of American Idol.

• Song of 'Idol' winner to be in stores three weeks after winner picked

  July 24, 2002
  Variety reports that viewers of Fox's summer megahit "American Idol" won't have to wait long to hear the first single from whomever wins the competition.

• Source Says Fox Near Deal for Second 'American Idol'

  July 19, 2002
  Reuters reports that a source familiar with the situation says the FOX television network is close to signing a deal for a second homage to its breakout summer reality series "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar."

• 'Making The Band II' to premiere October 10th, co-star Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs

  July 19, 2002
  Zap2It.com reports that MTV has announced that Sean "P. Diddy" Combs will be featured in the network's reality show, 'Making the Band II.' Production of the series will begin later this month in New York City. The half-hour show will document the creation of a mainstream hip hop/R&B group, starting with the audition process working up to a record deal, all under the guidance of P. Diddy himself.

• 'American Idol' Premiere Tops Charts

  June 12, 2002
  Zap2It.com reports that it's too soon to say whether FOX's "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar" will become the pop-culture phenomenon that its predecessor did in the United Kingdom. But it at least has a chance.

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