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"Idol" Week One: More Of The Same
I wish you could see the e-mails flying around our offices here at Access Hollywood today. Everyone is getting all riled up over last night's crazy stalker guy - Paul Marturano - who was escorted out by security after getting a little too close to Paula Abdul. Was he a freak? Yes! Was his song outrageous? Yes.
Wasn't it just more of the same? Yes.
You see, nothing has changed about "American Idol." Every year there are overweight girls who cry. Every year there are nerds dressed up in weird costumes. Every year someone freaks out and yells obscenities to Simon after they leave the room. Every year the judges make fun of someone and the public complains they are too mean. Every year there is a crazy guy who professes his love to Paula. Never have they sung such creepy (as Simon called it) song lyrics as Paul did though. So, I guess that is why we are going to extend his fifteen seconds of fame.
As is turns out, Paul is a professional "musical comedian" as his personal Web site shouts out. Producers loved his shtick and he easily made his way in front of the "Idol" panel. This morning he pretty much told us he did it for the exposure. Remember he is 32, four years past the age limit to audition. So, I say, 'Bravo' to him. He successfully used and abused the "American Idol" system!
He even brought a partner in crime along with him. He's been friends with Milo "No Sex" Turk for ten years. You remember him - he was the 39-year-old bald guy who was the spitting image of David Cross' hilariously clueless character Tobias Funke from "Arrested Development." I'm pretty sure Tobias wore that animal print vest in an episode once!
As it turns out, Americans cared a little bit less about the show this season as last year. While 37.4 million tuned in for the season six premiere, 33.2 million caught last night's two hour show. It's still an incredible number and the biggest show on TV ever, but considering there is a strike and not much else on, it certainly shows that last season's lackluster group of contestants had people re-thinking their love for the show. Ultimately, it will come down to the stories and the talent -- and if buzz starts to build up -- then ratings could spring right back up. Only time will tell.
Could any of last night's auditioners who made it to Hollywood be part of the elite group who makes the Top 24? If you follow the rules of Idol's past then I think you will see at least one or two of them - and you can cross a couple off. Here's some info on a few:
Kristy Lee Cook - She was the 23-year-old country singer from Selma, Oregon. She's a definite contender. In August 2001 she signed a record deal with BMI. Also in she 2001 inked a deal with Britney Spears Production Company to become a debut artist. Her manager at the time was Mandy Rendleman who managed LeeAnn Rimes. Unfortunately, it looks like she's already pissing off people because she did a music video and there are shots of her on the Internet in front of a Confederate Flag.
Beth Stalker - She was the girl who recorded a Sunday School Album when she was 4. Her personal Web site is still up and running indicating she has not made the top 50. Fox requires anyone who has made the Top 40 (this year I'm hearing it's 50) to take down their personal Web sites.
Brooke White - The blonde girl who auditioned "last." Her personal Website is under construction indicating most likely that she has made it to the Top 50. There is video of her singing and playing guitar at a club here in LA. I bet during the Hollywood rounds we will see her singing and playing guitar with new rule that "Idols" can play instruments.
Dish of Salt Rocks!