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'Idol' ready to select its new starSeries concludes with episodes on three straight days
(CNN) -- Used to be an idol was forever. Elvis Presley remains a model for millions more than 25 years after his death. Frank Sinatra is still the template for a solo singer. And even Bobby Sherman and Fabian probably have a few fans out there. But when it comes to Fox's "American Idol," which concludes this week with telecasts on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, only the newest heartthrob will do. Kelly Clarkson, even with your No. 1 record, you're so 2002. Clarkson, you may recall, was the winner of the first "American Idol" series. She used her triumph on that show to start a professional singing career in earnest, which includes her bestselling new album, "Thankful." A movie, "From Justin to Kelly" -- also starring her co-finalist, Justin Guarini -- is due out in June. So now "Idol" is ready to mint a new star. Last week's episode narrowed the choices down to two: Ruben Studdard, a Birmingham, Alabama, belter; and Clay Aiken, a native of Raleigh, North Carolina. Not without controversyAs with many second acts, the latest season of "Idol" wasn't without controversy. In February, the show eliminated Frenchie Davis -- described by Entertainment Weekly as "the singer with the plus-size figure and an even larger talent" -- after she acknowledged she had posed for topless photographs four years ago. At the time, some observers made note of the double standard that surrounds "Idol" and other reality shows, where some contestants are removed for violations of propriety and others are merely winked at. An "Idol" finalist from last season, Nikki McKibbin, had admitted to stripping but paid no penalty on the show.
Another finalist, Corey Clark, was booted off the show in late March after charges of battery surfaced. And semifinalist Jaered Andrews was removed from the running early on when Fox learned of his arrest on assault charges. There were also some changes among the show's regulars. Last season's co-host, Brian Dunkleman, was dismissed, and Ryan Seacrest has flown solo this season. The rumored addition of a New York DJ came and went without her ever appearing on the show. And Simon Cowell, the English judge with the cutting comments, engaged in some contract renegotiations. The other judges remain Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul. The show has cemented its standing as one of America's favorite programs. Last season the program was a powerhouse; its last few episodes dominated the ratings. This season the show is a regular entry in the top 10. Along with "Joe Millionaire," it's helped Fox greatly improve its standing among the adults 18-49 demographic, a favorite of advertisers. And the winner is ...The final pairing pits two opposing styles. Aiken, 24, has been characterized as having a "Broadway-style" voice. Studdard, 25, fits in with the show's favoring of Mariah Carey/Whitney Houston belters known for their talents with melisma, the stretching of one syllable into several notes. Because of his vocal prowess -- and also because of Aiken's stumbling vocal last week during a performance of Don McLean's "Vincent" -- Studdard has been called as the favorite. Monday night's hourlong episode will focus on the final two. Tuesday night's program, also an hour, is listed as "Part 1" of a two-part season finale. If it resembles last season in any respect, this episode will feature the last set of performances of the finalists. Wednesday's finale, a two-hour program, will feature more performances, clips of previous shows, and the final choice for "American Idol," voted on by viewers. What will happen to the winner? They can probably look to Kelly Clarkson for clues -- and then the show will move on, ready to turn on the star-making machinery for its third season next fall.
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