American Idol’ One of TV’S Guilty Pleasures C
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FOLIO LINE FOLIO LINE McClatchy-Tribune SINGULAR SENSATIONS Even the “Idol” contestants who get booted long before the show’s finale often land a recording contract. Some — like winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood — become sen- sations. Others, not so much. Can you match each former contestant with the name of the single he or she recorded? 1. Justin Guarini 2. Carrie Underwood 3. Josh Gracin 4. Kelly Clarkson 5. Kimberley Locke 6. RJ Helton 7. Fantasia 8. Ruben Studdard 9. William Hung Look back at the people and music that have 10. Jon Peter Lewis A. “Sorry 2004” B. “Stay With Me (Brass Bed)” made ‘American Idol’ one of TV’s guilty pleasures C. “My Devotion” D. “Be a Heartbreaker” E. “She Bangs” BY BECKY SHER At least for the foreseeable future, “Idol” SIMON SAYS F. “8th World Wonder” McClatchy-Tribune is still a force in American pop culture. So He’s known for his G. “Jesus, Take the Wheel” why not look back at both the stunning and harsh critiques of con- H. “Baby Mama” ‘American Idol’ is silly moments of America’s favorite talent testants, but many fans I. “Gypsy Queen” crazily entertaining; show? Here, we present trivia in its purest agree, most of the time, J. “Because of You” as music, it’s dust- form — minutiae that might stump even the judge Simon Cowell is mote inconsequential.” That was most loyal fans. How closely did you really right on the money. ANSWERS: 1. D; 2. G; 3. B; Entertainment Weekly TV critic Ken pay attention during the show’s early sea- Match his assessments 4. J; 5. F; 6. C; 7. H; 8. A; Tucker’s assessment when Fox first intro- sons? Quiz yourself on these head-scratching with the contestant 9. E; 10. I Kimberley Locke duced viewers to its primetime talent show in details, and find out. who was forced to the summer of 2002. withstand it. THE IDOLS’ IDOLS The show is in its six iteration this year, Former “American Idol” winners, clock- Simon Cowell wise from top, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Every season, “American Idol” asks its con- and the first part of Tucker’s critique hasn’t 1. “I think everybody’s thinking the same testants to name their favorite pop artists. Their changed — for millions of Americans, “Idol” Underwood, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia and Taylor Hicks. thing: So what?” answers — posted for all the world to mock on is still must-see TV. They tune in once, 2. “If you win this competition, we will have the “Idol” Web site, www.americanidol.com twice, even three times a week to see regular failed.” — sometimes offer a glimpse at the inspiration Joes sing everything from “Mandy” to “We 3. “I actually don’t know what to say. I for their performances. Are the Champions” in sometimes-spectacu- couldn’t remember you from the previous Can you match these “Idol” performers with lar, sometimes-humiliating fashion. Even round.” their favorite artist? after all these years, the show is consistently 4. “Karaoke with a capital K.” 1. Anwar Robinson A. Janet Jackson top-rated, and its water-cooler status remains 5. “The song was terrible, but I 2. Scott Savol B. Sheryl Crow almost unwavering. understand why people voted for 3. Bo Bice C. Eminem Tucker’s other observation hasn’t her.” 4. Kevin Covais D. Stevie Wonder proven quite as true. “Idol” has hatched 6. “I didn’t think you should be 5. Bucky Covington E. John Mayer several bona fide stars whose contribu- here. However, based on that per- 6. Rickey Smith F. Justin Timberlake tions to the music industry have been formance, you were fantastic.” more than a bit consequential. The first 7. John Stevens G. Kelly Clarkson 8. Carmen Rasmusen H. Usher “Idol” winner, Kelly Clarkson, has won A. Kelly Clarkson two Grammys and a slew of other B. Jim Verraros ANSWERS: 1. D; 2. H; 3. B; 4. G; 5. C; 6. A; 7. awards. Season 4 winner Carrie C. Ryan Starr E; 8. F Underwood has garnered praise in D. Jasmine Trias the form of awards and nominations E. RJ Helton ‘IDOL’ TRUTHS as well. And several “Idol” alums F. Taylor Hicks have seen their albums and singles OK, “Idol” fans, see if you can keep your rocket to the tops of the charts. Of seasons straight. Decide if each of these state- ANSWERS: 1. D; 2. B; 3. A; 4. ments is true or false. course, many, many other contes- F; 5. C; 6. E tants have been nothing more than blips on the musical landscape, 1. Fantasia got high marks for her rendition of “Summer Lovin’” from “Grease.” mere dust motes, to use Tucker’s PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ERIC term. GOODWIN/MCT 2. Josh Gracin was in active military service when he was an “Idol” contestant. 3. Matt McGrath, Olivia Newton-John and John Mayer have all been guest judges on “Idol.” 4. Judge Simon Cowell penned a book called “I Don’t Mean to Be Rude, But ...” 5. During an early audition round, Kimberley Locke and Frenchie Davis sang “Chain of Fools” as a duet. 6. After appearing on “Idol,” guest judge Barry Manilow alleged racism on the show. 7. Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood graduated from college after her “Idol” run. 8. Britney Spears has performed on “American Idol.” ANSWERS: 1. False. The eventual winner wowed the judges and audience with “Summertime” from “Porgy & Bess.” 2. True. 3. False. Mayer has not appeared on the show. 4. True. 5. False. They sang “Band of Gold.” 6. False. It was Elton John who called Jennifer Hudson’s ousting racist. 7. True. She graduated from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma in May 2006. Josh 8. False. Gracin AFTER ‘IDOL’ For better or worse, many “Idol” contestants fade back into anonymity after the finale (occa- sional guest appearances at local malls notwith- standing). But some manage to catapult their “Idol” experience into another 15 minutes of fame. See if you can match these former contes- tants — and one host — with their post-“Idol” experiences: 1. Kimberly Caldwell 2. Clay Aiken 3. Constantine Maroulis 4. Jennifer Fuentes 5. Kimberley Locke 6. Jennifer Hudson 7. Tamyra Gray 8. Diana DeGarmo 9. Ryan Seacrest 10. Frenchie Davis Diana DeGarmo A. Supporting role in Broadway’s “The Wedding Singer” B. Entrant in VH1’s “Celebrity Fit Club” C. Recurring role on Fox’s “Boston Public” D. Role in Broadway’s “Rent” E. “Dreamgirls” star F. “TV Guide” correspondent G. Supporting role in Broadway’s “Hairspray” H. Guest star on NBC’s “Scrubs” I. Singing mistress of ceremonies for Ringling Bros. J. Co-host of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” ANSWERS: 1. F; 2. H; 3. A; 4. I; 5. B; 6. E; 7. C; 8. G; 9. J; 10. D SOURCES: WWW.AMERICANIDOL.COM; EW.COM AMERICAN IDOL MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE.