Look up "idol" in the dictionary and you'll find a couple of definitions. One is "an object of devotion." Another is "a false god."

The latter meaning seems to fit most of the would-be stars of the television series "American Idol," who performed last night at the Cleveland State University Convocation Center.

The premise of their smash summer TV show was simple: Nobodies from around the country sang their hearts out for a chance to be somebody, with their fates determined by judges and audience call-ins.

Hey, it beat watching reruns.

Now winner Kelly Clarkson and the nine other finalists are taking their shtick on the road, hoping to cash in on their overnight celebrity before their 15 minutes of fame are up.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

Clarkson belted out nearly note-perfect reproductions of "Respect" and "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman," as well as her own schmaltzy hit "Before Your Love." She had an undeniably powerful set of pipes but not much originality.

The closest thing to a natural in the spotlight was Justin Guarini. His certain curly-haired something served him well during a version of the Stevie Wonder hit "For Once in My Life."

Some of Guarini's companions also dipped into the Wonder songbook, with less wonderful results. RJ Helton sang "Lately," Ryan Starr had a go at "If You Really Love Me" and A.J. Gil did "My Cherie Amour."

Tamyra Gray had a strong, pretty voice, but she didn't get much of a chance to flaunt it.

Token rocker Nikki McKibbin delivered an overamplified "Piece of My Heart" and a slavishly devoted cover of "Rhiannon." EJay Day got the ball rolling with "Black Cat" and Christina Christian delivered a reggae-flavored "Ain't No Sunshine."

There was strength in numbers during the second half, with the whole gang teaming on medleys of Motown and disco oldies. It made for an entertaining evening, if your idea of entertainment is two hours of 'N Sync clones and Whitney Houston wanna-bes.

Where will fame's express elevator lead next for most of these false gods? In a word: down.

Clarkson, Guarini and Gray have shots at music careers. But the rest of these "idols" may soon find themselves idle.