• 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.

• CTV announces 'Canadian Idol' version of 'American Idol'

  October 17, 2002
  CTV has announced it's bringing a Canadian version of "American Idol" to Canada in a new series that will make its debut in 2003. The completely Canadian series will be based on its smash-hit cousin, "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar." The September 4th finale of "American Idol" was the most watched show of the summer when 2.1 million Canadian viewers tuned in to watch.

• Newly released 'American Idol' DVD already listed in Amazon.com Top 100 DVD Sales

  October 16, 2002
  If you've got the "American Idol" blues, don't fret -- now you can watch it all over again on the American Idol DVD that has just been released on October 15th.

• 'American Idol' finalist Tamyra Gray gets recording deal

  October 16, 2002
  MTV.com reports that "American Idol" finalist Tamyra Gray, a 23-year-old from Takoma Park, Maryland, has signed with 19 Recordings Limited, the label run by "American Idol"'s other Simon, creator Simon Fuller. She had earlier inked a management deal with Fuller just after her exit from the show.

• 'American Idol 2' sets reality TV show ad rate record

  October 16, 2002
  Advertising Age reports that FOX is pricing an integrated marketing package for "American Idol 2" at $26 million, the highest for any reality show and far surpassing the previous record held by Survivor, which asked as many as nine sponsors to pony up $10-$12 million for 13 one-hour episodes on CBS.

• 'American Idol' Tamyra Gray to join the cast of FOX's 'Boston Public'

  October 11, 2002
  Billboard.com reports that Tamyra Gray, a finalist on Fox television's talent show "American Idol," has joined the cast of the network's dramatic series "Boston Public." Gray, who is from Norcross, Ga., will portray a student in four episodes of the series, with her first appearance coinciding with the February sweeps.

• Brian Dunkleman "decides not to return" for 'American Idol 2,' opts to "pursue other opportunities"

  October 10, 2002
  Variety reports that "American Idol" co-host and sometimes Coca-Cola pitchman Brian Dunkleman won't be part of the hit Fox reality show's second season.

• 'American Idol 2' announces audition dates and locations

  October 9, 2002
  Zap2It.com reports that FOX has set audition dates in seven cities for the second "Idol" competition. The show will stop in several towns known for the music they produce, including Nashville, Detroit -- home of Motown -- and Austin, Texas.

• 'American Idol' runner-up Justin Guarini gets record contract

  October 9, 2002
  Billboard.com reports that "American Idol" Justin Guarini has signed a recording contract with "American Idol" creator Simon Fuller's U.K.-based 19 Recordings Limited. His as-yet-untitled and unscheduled debut solo album will be subsequently licensed to RCA for U.S. release.

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