• Oddsmakers give edge in 'American Idol' finale to Ruben Studdard

  May 19, 2003
  According to Online Casino News, the finale of American Idol should be close, but the bookies are giving a slight edge to Ruben Studdard, the plus-sized soul crooner, over Clay Aiken when the final results are announced on Wednesday, May 21.

• 'American Idol' Gay Idol Journal - "The Final Three Edition"

  May 17, 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.

• Fox sued by man claiming credit for 'American Idol' concept

  May 16, 2003
  Harry Keane, ovner of an entertainment company specializing in televised talent competitions, has filed a lawsuit against Fox, claiming misappropriation of his work and trademark and copyright infringement. Also named in the suit are Simon Fuller, American Idol creator; 19TV and Freemantle Media, the production companies for Idol; and judge Simon Cowell.

• 'American Idol' finalist Kimberly Caldwell joins Fox sports show '54321'

  May 12, 2003
  American Idol is so hot, even Fox Sports wants a piece of the action. Fox Sports Net has announced that it has hired Kimberly Caldwell, a finalist in the current edition of Fox's hit reality/talent series American Idol, as an entertainment correspondent ... for the extreme sports show 54321. Every weekday at 5:30 PM, 54321 mixes fresh video from the hottest skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX and motocross events throughout the world with features, profiles, in-studio guests and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the lifestyle and trends that these sports envelop into a 30-minute package.

• 'American Idol' finalist Clay Aiken meets his Internet portrait artist

  May 12, 2003
  The Modesto Bee reports on one of the more interesting personal-interest stories from this edition of Fox's American Idol. Bee staff srtist Laurie McAdam drew two images of Clay on an Idol fansite that have become well-known among Clay's fans; as a result, she ultimately ended up attending an Idol taping with his mother, Faye Parker, and then had dinner with Clay and his mother after the show.

• Ex-'American Idol' contestant Frenchie Davis to appear in 'Rent' on Broadway

  May 11, 2003
  The NY Post reports that "American Idol" contestant, Frenchie Davis is Broadway bound. The 23-year old, plus-size singer with the outsized voice will appear as a regular in the Broadway production of the hit show "Rent" starting May 16.

• 'American Idol' finalist Clay Aiken gets advice from N.C. governor

  May 9, 2003
  One sure way to tell that a TV show is hot -- politicians want to stage photo opportunities with the stars. According to the Associated Press, American Idol finalist Clay Aiken learned this lesson Thursday in Raleigh, N.C., as he posed on the steps of the state capitol building with N.C. governor Mike Easley.

• 'American Idol' Gay Idol Journal - "The Bee Gees Edition"

  May 8, 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' Gay Idol Journal - "The Neil Sedaka Hits Edition"

  May 6, 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' judge Simon Cowell to guest on 'The Simpsons'

  April 30, 2003
  The Fox network has been relentlessly using American Idol to plug its new reality show Mr. Personality. Now another cross-promotion is planned, with a little more appeal than Monica Lewinsky.

MORE AMERICAN IDOL NEWS