'Idol' curiosity; You watched the show, you've got the concert tickets, now give yourself a 'reality' check
Bridget Wiemels
The San Diego Union-Tribune, October 7, 2002 

In a summer full of reruns and stunt-filled reality shows, "American Idol" surprised everyone. Millions of viewers tuned in each week to see bad jokes and even worse audition tapes. You also saw some great performances and could vote to keep your favorite contestants in the running.

Now the results are in, and Kelly Clarkson may be on her way to fame and fortune. The other nine finalists won't be forgotten, though. The compilation CD, "American Idol Greatest Moments," was released last week and all 10 finalists kick off a 28-date tour tomorrow at Cox Arena.

Before you head off to the concert, or buy the new CD, take our quiz to see how well you know your "American Idol" trivia.

1. Judge Paula Abdul was known for her complimentary critiques and off-the-wall sayings. Which of the following did she say?

a. "I have one word for you: Tremendousstupendousamazing."

b. "My fantasy would be to chop your legs off from the knee down and have them surgically implanted on my body."

c. "You have a voice that makes grown men cry, and young boys wish they were grown men."

d. All of the above

2. Which celebrity says she voted several times for winner Kelly Clarkson?

a. Lisa Kudrow of NBC's "Friends"

b. Julie Bowen of NBC's "Ed"

c. Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks

3. Teen heartthrob Justin Guarini went to the same school as which pop singer?

a. Britney Spears

b. Pink

c. Michelle Branch

d. Vanessa Carlton

4. Which company included in the blatant product placement shots on "American Idol"?

a. Pepsi

b. Ford

c. Discover card

d. Volkswagen

5. Randy and Simon got into a heated discussion when Simon called certain contestants "losers." Which performer was standing on the stage during the whole argument?

a. RJ Helton

b. AJ Gil

c. EJay Day

d. Jim Verraros

6. After America chose nine finalists, the judges picked a "wild card." Who was it?

a. Ryan Starr

b. Nikki McKibbin

c. RJ Helton

d. AJ Gil

7. The following celebrity was spotted in the audience of the final show at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood:

a. Harry Connick Jr.

b. Jennie Garth

c. Prince

8. The "American Idol" judges traveled to seven cities to sort through 10,000 auditions and invite a lucky few to Hollywood. Which of these cities was one of the stops?

a. St. Louis

b. Orlando

c. Houston

d. Dallas

9.The contestants performed a few group songs. Name one of the songs:

a. "Respect"

b. "September"

c. "Ain't No Sunshine"

d. "California Dreamin'"

10. After the judges narrowed the field to 30, a drama ensued. Delano Cognolatti was actually 29 years old, even though the age range was 16 to 24. He was quickly replaced by another contestant, who ended up making it to the final 10. Who was it?

a. Justin Guarini

b. Jim Verraros

c. EJay Day

d. RJ Helton

11. Nikki McKibbin is the mother of a 4-year-old boy, who brought her a rose at the end of one of her performances. What is his name?

a. Trent

b. Tristen

c. Brendan

d. Brent

12. Which finalist missed an episode due to a hospital visit for anxiety?

a. Tamyra Gray

b. Kelly Clarkson

c. Ryan Starr

d. Christina Christian

Vital or not, here are some finalist statistics

o Kelly Clarkson, 20

Burleson, Texas

Had moved to LA and was working as a cocktail waitress trying to get her break.

o Justin Guarini, 23

Doylestown, Pa.

Worked for an entertainment company on the weekends, performing at weddings, bar mitzvahs and other celebrations.

o Nikki McKibbin, 23

Grand Prairie, Texas

Honed her singing skills at karaoke.

o Tamyra Gray, 23

Takoma Park, Md.

Will be appearing on the Fox drama "Boston Public."

o RJ Helton, 21

Cumming, Ga.

Was teaching dance classes to children.

o Christina Christian, 21

Brooklyn, N.Y.

Sang "Isn't He Lovely" to Simon in her first audition. No wonder he had a crush on her.

o Ryan Starr, 19

Sunland

Designs her own clothing and wore many of her creations on the show.

o AJ Gil, 17

San Diego

Wanted to win so he could help his mom financially.

o EJay Day, 20

Lawrenceville, Ga.

Worked at Six Flags in Georgia singing in various shows.

o Jim Verraros, 19

Chicago

Both of his parents are deaf, and he signed along to his first audition song.

Find out who's best 'Idol'-izer

The Answers to the "Idols" quiz: 1.e; 2.c; 3.b; 4.b; 5.a; 6.c; 7.a ; 8.d; 9.a; 10.c ; 11.a ; 12.d; 13.b; 14.d; 15.a

The Results:

1-5 correct: While you rate low on this quiz, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Reality shows can be addictive, but you've proved you don't buy into the craze.

6-12 correct: Wow! You really know your stuff. You probably spend half your day in the chat rooms commenting on Justin's suave stage presence and Tamyra's amazing voice.

13-15 correct: Admit it . . . you're obsessed! Did you camp out for your American Idol concert tour front row seat? Did you pre-order Kelly Clarkson's single online before it was released? It's OK, just be aware that others might be a little frightened of your addiction.