Missing 'Idols' Still Worthy of Worshiping;
The guests of honor are no-shows but that doesn't keep the fans from partying
The search for the first American idol is over, but is the idolizing? Not
judging by the thousand or so fans who came to Fox's worship fest--and those who
stayed outside--on Tuesday night.
Of the 3,500 people who had tickets to the live taping, 1,000 were invited to
the celebration bash at the Highlands nightclub at the Hollywood & Highland
complex. That left the crowd holding heart-shaped "Justin" fans
standing in the shopping center's hallways. Meanwhile, two souvenir hunters
made off with the signs directing guests to the club.
"We've had to add security to the freight elevators," said Tolan
Clark, director of marketing for the two-story, 28,000-square-foot nightclub and
restaurant. "Everybody is trying to get in."
But those who were on the guest list were more disappointed than those who got
left out. Guests of honor Kelly Clarkson, 20, and Justin Guarini, 23,
the two finalists, never appeared, even though Fox publicists kept insisting
they were on their way. Even Guarini's father, who was dancing and posing for
pictures with his son's fans, was at a loss.
"He's supposed to be here," said Eldrin Bell, a former Atlanta police
chief who shares Guarini's trademark smile. "But they keep them so busy.
Who knows what happened? It's OK. I'm enjoying myself. I've got a career of my
own but it's been great being known as Justin's dad throughout all of
this."
Catered by Wolfgang Puck, the party featured such staples as hamburgers and
fries, and chili. It got a little more creative with the mashed potatoes served
up in martini glasses and drinks adorned with red and blue light-up ice cubes.
Fox publicists never explained why Clarkson and Guarini were no-shows. After
they had all but given up hope on the show's judges arriving and the party was
fizzling out, in walked Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell.
Fans who clamored for their brush with the now-famous contestants made due with
semi-finalists Tamyra Gray, 23, R.J. Helton, 21, and Nikki McKibbin, 23.
The three made their rounds, signing autographs and chatting with fans. Actress
Tori Spelling congratulated Gray, who was the favorite among many of the show's
fans.
"I just love reality television," Spelling said. "Although I act
for a living, I think real people are the best actors."
Helton, who was mobbed by a group of women at the door, said he's thrilled to be
part of the latest American pop-cultural phenomenon.
"I've been living my dream these past few weeks, so I can't complain about
anything," he said, moments after a woman who is old enough to be his
mother hung her arms around his neck and told him how sad she was that he had
lost.