• '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.

• FOX cancels full theatrical trailer for 'American Idol' movie 'From Justin to Kelly'

  June 6, 2003
  The "buzz" surrounding the American Idol spinoff movie From Justin to Kelly, starring Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini (the final two from the first season of Idol), continues to signal deep trouble for the twice-delayed flick. The Website FilmJerk.com reports that Fox has declined to make a full theatrical trailer for the film's upcoming June 20 release. In addition, Fox has decided to scrub most of the promotional material that would normally be produced for a probable hit and will produce only a basic press kit, ad slickers and one poster.

• 'American Idol' spinoffs still dominate Amazon.com sales charts

  June 5, 2003
  Even though only two of the five are currently available, American Idol spinoff CDs continue to dominate the Amazon.com sales chart. Continuing in first place is Clay Aiken's RCA CD-single "This Is The Night," backed with the Simon and Garfunkel classic "Bridge Over Troubled Waters", scheduled for release on June 10. In fourth place, behind Clay, Metallica, and Led Zeppelin, is Ruben Studdard's Jive CD-single "Flying Without Wings," backed with the Carpenters' hit "Superstar", also scheduled for release on June 10.

• Fox delays video release of 'From Justin to Kelly' movie after theaters complain

  June 5, 2003
  The bad omens surrounding the American Idol spinoff movie From Justin to Kelly, starring initial Idol finalists Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini, continue. The New York Post reports that Fox has had to delay its plans to release the movie on video about six weeks after its theatrical opening (which has now been delayed to June 20) due to protests from theater owners.

• 'Idol' movie 'From Justin to Kelly' cancels press screenings; raising 'dud' talk

  June 4, 2003
  Overlooked in all the success of Fox's American Idol and the solo singing careers of Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken is the forthcoming movie From Justin to Kelly, starring the winner and runner-up from the first Idol (Clarkson and Justin Guarini).

• 'American Idol' voting overtaxed U.S. phone systems

  May 27, 2003
  The parallels with Florida 2000 continue to pile up regarding the American Idol finale vote. Now it's disenfranchisement.

• Did misdials cost Clay Aiken the title on 'American Idol'?

  May 27, 2003
  The American Idol finale voting saga reminds us more of the 2000 Florida presidential election fiasco every day. In an uncanny imitation of the "hanging chad" controversy that forced the Bush-Gore Florida vote count to the U.S. Supreme Court twice, the Associated Press reports that more people may have tried to vote for runner-up Clay Aiken than for winner Ruben Studdard ... but misdialed the number, so their votes weren't included in the final count.

• 'American Idol' Gay Idol Journal - "The Grand Finale Edition"

  May 27, 2003
  Larry Johnson, a comedy writer currently working for Disney TV, has posted the latest installment of his weekly 'American Idol' Gay Idol Journal diva rant, an exclusive to the RealityTVWorld American Idol message boards.

• 'American Idol's Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard appear on NBC's 'Today' show

  May 26, 2003
  The Associated Press reports that "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard and runner-up Clay Aiken took the "Today" show by storm on Monday morning, wowing a crowd of screaming fans who braved a downpour for a glimpse of their favorites. "It's like a monsoon. Poor Clay is worried about his hair," the always perky Katie Couric joked as she tousled Aiken's slightly less spikier than usual 'do.

• 'American Idol' winner Ruben Studdard and runner-up Clay Aiken sign with BMG

  May 25, 2003
  According to People Magazine (link for subscribers only), American Idol winner Ruben Studdard has been signed to music industry legend Clive Davis' J Records, part of the Bertelsmann Music Group ("BMG"). Ruben will be spending Memorial Day weekend working on his new CD, which, according to Clive Davis, will combine pop, R&B and hip-hop-influences, and may include a collaboration with rapper Fat Joe.

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