Kelly Clarkson Wins Respect From ‘World Idol’ Judges

Ellen Tumposky of The New York Daily News was on hand for the taping of ‘World Idol’, which features ‘American Idol’ champ Kelly Clarkson performing ‘Natural Woman’. In the taping, Clarkson was one of the few contestants to get respect from the judges. “You already are a world idol, frankly,” purred Australian judge Ian Dickson. Even the caustic Polish judge, Kuba Wojewodzki, told her: “You didn’t bring me down to my knees, but Kelly - I’d like to find you under my Christmas tree.”

FOX Adds Extra Night Of ‘American Idol’

December 13, 2003 - The third season of ‘American Idol’ will premiere one day earlier than first planned, FOX have announced. Instead of two audition specials there will now be three, with the premiere on Monday, January 19 at 8pm. Further episodes will air January 20 and January 21 before the show moves to its regular Tuesday/Wednesday pattern on January 27.

Simon Cowell Chats With WBLI

December 6, 2003 - ‘American Idol’ judge Simon Cowell was on WBLI in Long Island to chat with Steve and Maria. Simon talked about his new book ‘I Don’t Mean To Be Rude, But…’ and he shared his thoughts on fellow judge Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson’s new slimmed down look — which Simon says “doesn’t look quite right”. Simon says he’s certain that in three years, Clay Aiken will be performing in Las Vegas. As for Britney Spears, he says she’s “not sexy” and when he saw her cry with Diane Sawyer, he felt that was the real Britney. The interview audio at wbli.com has since been removed.

Pete Waterman May Join ‘American Idol’ As 4th Judge

December 3, 2003 - Billboard reports that according to published reports, music producer Pete Waterman, a judge on the UK’s ‘Pop Idol,’ is in discussions to join ‘American Idol’ as a fourth judge alongside current ‘American Idol’ judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell. The third season premieres January 20th on Fox.

Ryan Seacrest’s Syndicated Show To Offer ‘Idol’ Moments

December 3, 2003 - Starting in January, Ryan Seacrest’s new syndicated weekly radio show is expected to join Z100’s lineup, sources close to the show tell The New York Daily News. Meanwhile, look for Ryan to talk about his other big gig, ‘American Idol’. “It’s not every day that we’ll talk about ‘American Idol,’ but it’s a relevant pop-culture story and I, fortunately, host the show, so I can bring some things that other outlets just don’t have the opportunity to bring to the table,” Seacrest said. “And I’m sure Simon won’t be able to stay away because he’ll want to try to steal the spotlight.”