• 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!

• 'American Idol' finalist Tamyra Gray four-episode 'Boston Public' arc to debut on February 17th

  December 16, 2002
  'American Idol' finalist Tamyra Gray will begin shooting a four-episode arc on the FOX series BOSTON PUBLIC (Mondays, 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on Friday, December 20th.

• Kelly Clarkson's record label and songwriters deny she had a recording deal before 'American Idol'

  December 16, 2002
  Entertainment Weekly reports that "American Idol" producers issued a statement Thursday saying "Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson did not break the contest's amateur eligibility rules when she had recorded five songs for an album with three veteran pop songwriters before she appeared on ''Idol'' this summer. Separately, a lawyer representing the songwriters who recorded with Clarkson told EW.com that the tracks were just demos, and that no record contract was in place.

• Did 'American Idol' Kelly Clarkson break the contest rules?

  December 13, 2002
  A report from The Star suggests that "American Idol" champion Kelly Clarkson may have violated the rules of the competition. The rules specify that contestants must be amateurs with no prior professional experience.

• 'American Idol 2' to premiere January 21st and 22nd with 90 minute specials

  December 1, 2002
  FOX has announced that last summer’s phenomenon AMERICAN IDOL will make its anticipated second-season debut on Tuesday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 22. The series’ special two-part premiere kicks off with a 90-minute episode from 8:00 PM–9:30 PM ET/PT Tuesday followed by a second 90-minute episode from 8:30-10:00 PM ET/PT Wednesday on FOX.

• 'American Idol 2' hires former contestant Kristin Holt as new co-host

  November 23, 2002
  Kristin Holt, who was a semifinalist on Fox TV's hit show "American Idol" last summer, will be back for the talent-search show's second edition -- as a host.

• 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."

• 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 'Idol 2' judge Angie Martinez admits to never watching the first 'American Idol' series

  October 30, 2002
  The New York Post reports that Angie Martinez, the newest judge on "American Idol," admits she had never seen the hit reality show until last week.

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