• Report: ex-'Amercian Idol' contestant Frenchie Davis hired as 'Entertainment Tonight' reporter

  February 18, 2003
  PageSix.com is reporting that Frenchie Davis, the plus-sized "American Idol" contestant who was kicked off the show after posing for racy photos on the Internet, has been hired to cover the Grammys for "Entertainment Tonight."

• 'American Idol' sues toll-call imposters

  February 15, 2003
  E! Online reports that the producers of American Idol have sued a telemarketing firm that tries to misdirect the show's viewers into making a toll call to support their favorites.

• Fox stands ground on Frenchie's 'American Idol' ban

  February 13, 2003
  E! Online reports that Fox is standing its ground in banishing Frenchie Davis from American Idol over her faux kiddie porn pictures, taken five years ago when she was 18.

• 'American Idol' contestant Frenchie Davis disqualified due to adult web site past

  February 12, 2003
  USA Today has reported that the producers of American Idol 2 have disqualified contestant Frenchie Davis after she acknowledged working for an adult web site four years ago.

• 'American Idol' Kelly Clarkson appearing in independent gay film

  February 2, 2003
  Launch.com reports that before she was an American Idol, Kelly Clarkson appeared in a gay video. The film, entitled "Issues 101," tells the story of student running for president of a fictional college's Greek system. Clarkson plays a coed who is asked by a fellow undergrad to have sex and then is seen leaving with the guy. According to Launch, Clarkson is fully clothed in her cameo.

• 'American Idol' finalist Jaered Andrews disqualified

  February 1, 2003
  The Final 32 competition of "American Idol" has yet to begin but already one of the finalists has been given the boot! USA Today reports that Jaered Andrews of Youngstown, Ohio has been disqualified after a Fox background check revealed him to be a former member of the Youngstown-based hip-hop band Ordinary Peoples.

• Marines deny 'American Idol' contestant was given special treatment

  January 28, 2003
  File this story under "Semper Hi-Fi."

• 'American Idol' ratings rocking the television industry

  January 25, 2003
  It's official: Simon-mania has swept the country.

• FOX's 'American Idol' blows away ABC's 'Bachelorette' in head-to-head ratings matchup

  January 23, 2003
  Variety reports that American Idol" mania continued Wednesday, as the season's second episode of Fox's hugely popular music talent show held onto about 95% of its premiere-night audience, taking a bite out of ABC's "The Bachelorette."

• 'American Idol' draws huge ratings in second season premiere, carries FOX to biggest ever non-sports night

  January 22, 2003
  Mediapost reports that second season premiere of "American Idol" opened big in the ratings -- real big. The series not only won Tuesday night's ratings race for FOX, but it made Tuesday FOX's highest-rated non-sports event night ever!

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