Not bad for a show that was initially greeted with a less-than-stellar response by television execs. The British import - it's known there as "Pop Idol" - was rejected by nearly every network before Fox gave it a shot in 2002, throwing it on as a mid-summer replacement. Not exactly a ringing endorsement. Since then, the American version has been exported to more than 100 countries, many of which have received their own country-specific versions. There's now "Malasian Idol," "Singapore Idol," and "Turkstar" - seen throughout Turkey. Tuesday's premiere will highlight early auditions, so prepare for the usual batch of so-bad-they've-got-to-be-joking entrants. Not to mention a healthy dose of Simon Cowell's trademark snide remarks. Already, the famously caustic critic is raising eyebrows, telling Playboy he prefers show product Kelly Clarkson to "bore" folk-hero Bob Dylan. Roseville resident Jennifer Kunde, who sang her way to the show's coveted Hollywood round last year, isn't sure if she'll watch this time around. "Part of it is it's just getting old," said Kunde, who at 30 was ineligible to compete this year. "Who knows? I love to watch the first episodes." And she has some advice for this year's crop: "Always be yourself, always," she said. "If you're boisterous, speak out, if you're shy you're shy ... And pick a song that you are going to show your voice off with." Among other questions - will judge Randy Jackson finally tire of calling everyone "dawg" - fans are wondering who could show up on the "Idol" stage. Rumor sites are abuzz that this year could see ex-Beatle Paul McCartney play guest judge, the biggest "get" following appearances by big-name stars like Prince, Olivia Newton-John and Barry Manilow. In the spirit of "Idol"-mania, test your I.Q. (Idol Quotient) with our quiz: 1. The upper age-limit for "Idol" contestants was 24, but was raised in Season 4 to: a. 28 b. 30 c. 31 d. 34 2. This many votes were cast during the entire fifth season of "Idol": a. 52 million b. 450 million c. 580 million d. 720 million 3. True or False? The season finale of "Idol" Season 5 was the most watched program of 2006. 4. Which album title is not among Season 3 reject William Hung's discography? a. Inspiration b. Hung for the Holidays c. William Hung: Hanging with Hung d. Miracle: Happy Summer from William Hung Answers: 1. a; 2. c; 3. False - it was third, trailing the Super Bowl and the Academy Awards; 4. c |
