• '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.

• 'American Idol' Kelly Clarkson's single rockets to top of the charts, sets Billboard record

  September 27, 2002
  Reuters reports that the "A Moment Like This," first single from Kelly Clarkson, the bubbly 20-year-old who wowed a national TV audience on the Fox's "American Iodl" series, has shot to No. 1 on the latest Hot 100 singles chart from Nielsen SoundScan.

• Ryan Seacrest signs nearly $1,000,00 deal to host 'American Idol 2,' former female contestant to co-host???

  September 24, 2002
  Geez, is there anyone out there who REALLY believes that 'American Idol' would be unable to be just as successful with a trained chimp - or even Jim - hosting the program?

• 'American Idol's Tamyra to guest star on FOX's 'Boston Public'??

  September 18, 2002
  Variety reports that "American Idol" finalist Tamyra Gray could soon be returning to Fox -- as an actress. The singer, whose early elimination in the competition generated howls of protest from viewers, is talking to the producers of Fox's "Boston Public" about coming onboard for a multi-episode arc. Meetings are in the preliminary stage, but given TV's quick turnaround capabilities, it's not impossible that Gray could pop up as soon as November.

• 'Amercian Idol Kelly Clarkson's debut album delayed until 2003

  September 16, 2002
  Billboard reports that the debut album release by "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson has been postponed until early 2003. Sources say that the RCA album -- which originally had been due Nov. 26 -- was pushed back due to Clarkson's commitment to this fall's "American Idol" tour.

• Coming soon: 'American Idol: The Video Game'

  September 12, 2002
  Just when you thought Idol-mania might be over, the Chicago Sun-Times reports that Vivendi Universal Publishing has announced a video game. based on the 'American Idol' reality tv show will hit store shelves on Nov. 1. The "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar" game will carry an estimated retail price of $30 and will include a microphone and feature more than 20 tunes on which would-be stars can record their own vocal tracks.

• 'American Idol's Kelly Clarkson & Justin Guarini -- more than just friends?

  September 9, 2002
  TVGuide.com reports that there was at least one interesting moment during the Friday morning joint appearance of 'American Idol' finalists Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini on NBC's 'The Today Show' program.

• 'Celebrity Justice' reports that 'American Idol' co-host Brian Dunkelman axed from 'Idol 2'

  September 7, 2002
  E! Online reports that television show 'Celebrity Justice' is reporting that Wednesday night's Idol finale was the "swan song" for cohost Brian Dunkleman. The show says Dunkleman's fellow co-host Ryan Seacrest will be back to host Idol 2 next year, but he may do the gig solo.

• 'American Idol' judge Simon signs runner-up Justin Guarini to contract

  September 7, 2002
  E! Online reports that 'American Idol' judge Simon Cowell says he will sign Justin Guarini to a management contract. Cowell has already signed 'Idol' winner Kelly Clarkson and semifinalist Tamyra Gray to management contracts.

• 'American Idol' creator developing movie for Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini

  September 7, 2002
  Variety reports that "American Idol" creator Simon Fuller, who launched the original U.K. "Pop Idol" as well, on Friday confirmed published speculation that he's developing a feature film for "Idol" winner Clarkson and finalist Justin Guarini.

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