American Idol grabs a crowd

At first, American Idol seemed like more summer fluff, a cross between Star Search and The Gong Show. But with each week, its young contestants grew more likable, their vocal abilities more impressive. (The kids' sweetness was nicely complemented by the tartness of hanging judge Simon Cowell.) And eventually, the Fox series became a certified watercooler obsession, one that ended in September with nearly 23 million U.S. viewers tuning in for the showdown between Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini.