Idol Worship
Alyssa Vitrano and Ali Gazan (additional reporting by Martine Bury)
YM, November, 2002
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If you’ve got one of Kelly’s singles on repeat and you’re contemplating sleeping out for tickets to the American Idol tour, you’re normal—22.8 million other viewers are probably doing the same.

We watched, we voted. And on September 4, Kelly Clarkson beat out Justin Guarini with 58% of the votes. Now that we have our winner, we just want to know one thing: What is an American Idol anyway? "I really don’t know", said Justin. "I can’t give you [an answer] without BS-ing." He’s either honest or just exhausted.

We don’t blame him for being tired. The Idols’ schedules were crazy while they were shooting, and even after the finale, Idol mania didn’t stop. Kelly’s singles, "A Moment Like This" and "Before Your Love", came out September 17. (They were ready the day after she won because all four finalists had recorded the two ballads.) Then there was the compilation album, released October 1, which features the 10 finalists singing songs they each did on the show (Kelly and Justin get two). Plus, the finalists are currently on a cross-country American Idol tour from October 8 to November 20.

How Kelly’s finding time to record songs for her album, due out November 26, we’ll never know. Before the show ended, she and Justin even told the producers that they were freaked about only having two months to crank out a CD if they won. But they were assured that the album wouldn’t come out unless they were happy with it. (As if Kelly or Justin would really ditch out.) Kelly’s planning a pretty versatile mix—ballad, rock, and dance tracks—and hopes to work with some of Celine Dion’s and Mariah Carey’s writers. "Justin and I also want to write a duet," she said. "We want to express our writing as much as our vocal abilities. What better way to do that than a collaboration?"

But for those of you who are dying for that Ryan Starr CD—or at least to see what homemade shredded top she’ll wear on its cover—here’s what’s up with other contestant’s deals: 19 Entertainment (American Idol creator Simon Fuller’s company) and RCA Records have first dibs on signing each of the finalists. Tamyra was signed for management by 19 Entertainment shortly after she was eliminated, and the company intends to manage several other finalists, including Justin. So it looks like the runner-up is on his way, too. "This is what I want to do," said Justin. "This feels right".

Want to know more? Of course you do. That’s why we got the four finalists to talk about the show’s cheese factor, their performance low points, and Justin’s huge hair. If that doesn’t help ease your Idol withdrawal, you can join us in counseling.

Age & hometown: 24; Doylestown, PA

Schtick: Crooning heartthrob with a bigger, better ‘fro than Justin Timberlake ever had.

Life before Idol (was there one?): He was almost the replacement for an understudy in Broadway’s The Lion King.

Rock-bottom moment: He says: "The whole Simon flap"—when judge Simon dissed his performance and Justin asked the audience what they thought. "It was a knee-jerk reaction and so not who I am." We say: Ditto.

Judge of choice: Simon. "I deserved his comments. I need a kick in the rump if I’m not doing things right." Rump?

Want a cracker with that cheesy show? "I think there are parts that are very cute, but I don’t think they’re cheesy."

BFF from the show: Tamyra and Kelly. "We’re just a perfect blend."

Justin’s hair: cut it? "Man if I cut my hair it won’t be anytime soon."

What else don’t you know: When he performed "Route 66", "I totally forgot what I was saying. Route 66 goes nowhere near Alabama or Savannah."

To vote or not to vote—for yourself: "I never did. It didn’t seem ethical."

Backup plan: "I’d [do] photography." Maybe to take his own pic.

Songs on the CD: "For Once in My Life" and "Get Here". No dance moves here.

Post-show quote: "The worst was before they [said who won]. I’m thinking "Let it be Kelly." So was 58% of America.

Chances for survival: "I’m going to be plenty busy." And popular—he already has a screaming-girls following and fan sites online.