And Then There Were 2;
American Idol Comes Down to a Dramatic Faceoff Between Young Singers
Larry Bonko
The Virginian-Pilot(Norfolk, Va.) September 3,
2002
FOX IS EXPECTING viewers by the millions to skip bingo, bowling and a trip to
the mall tonight to stay home and watch the showdown of its superstar smackdown.
Two singers who've come through withering competition that began way back on
July 16 - they've been roasted by a panel of judges without pity - go head to
head at 9 on "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar."
Will the winner be 20-year-old Kelly ("I'm happy with myself")
Clarkson? Or 23-year-old Justin ("I want to be a beacon of fun")
Guarini?
In a two-hour wrap starting at 8 Wednesday night, Fox will finally have its idol
and superstar as the winner's name is revealed.
Kelly or Justin?
It will be the climactic moment of a TV phenomenon - a series in which
amateurish entertainers who would be more at home on "The Gong Show"
carried Fox to the top of the summertime Nielsens.
For the week of Aug. 19, "American Idol" on Tuesday was the most
watched show in prime time (15.3 million viewers), followed by "American
Idol" on Wednesday with 14.1 million viewers.
The numbers for Fox's Hampton Roads affiliate, WVBT, aren't that robust, but a
6.5 household rating on a Tuesday night at the end of August is just dandy. Fox
affiliates love Justin, Kelly and the other idol wannabes.
These kids, who a few months ago were barely known in their hometowns, have
delivered strong household Nielsens and attractive demographics to Fox.
"We've pulled in everyone from teens to 34-year-olds to 49-year-olds,"
said Gail Berman, Fox president of entertainment.
At last count, 85 million viewers voted by phone as the competition has come
down to Clarkson of Burleson, Texas, and Guarini of Doylestown, Pa. The
Clarkson-Guarini final was assured last week when Nikki McKibbin drew the fewest
votes after singing "Edge of Seventeen" and "Black Velvet."
Dry your tears, said Simon Cowell, the judge you love to hate. He reminded
Nikki, she of the multi-colored hair, that finishing No. 3 in a field of
10,000-plus isn't so bad.
So, now it's down to two. On the line is a big-deal record contract.
I'll bet you're dying to know more about Justin's afro/berry bush/bird's nest
hairdo. When our paths crossed in Southern California not long ago, I asked
about The Hair.
He said: "I mean, it's like, natural. For the longest time, I had hair that
was short. You should see the photo on my driver's license. But then, I, like,
just let it grow and grow. I won't let it go much longer."
My favorite Justin moment: His rendition of "Route 66."
As for Clarkson, maybe you wonder why she isn't much for showing her navel.
Hello, Ryan Starr.
"Showing a belly button on stage is not really me," Clarkson said of
the naval review. "I prefer to go for the more comfortable, classy, covered
look. This industry could use a little class."
My favorite Kelly moment: When she sang about being a natural woman.
Clarkson and Guarini will do three songs each in tonight's showdown in the
Hollywood theater where they pass out the Oscars. Then viewers will cast the
final vote by phone.
The next night, Fox will have its superstar.