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"American Idol" Preview
I've just come from the CBS studios where "American Idol" tapes and got my first glimpse at some of the contestants up close and personal. As I was waiting to talk to Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe, in walks Chikeze Eze in a white leather jacket. I might not have recognized him had it not been for a moment later when a very recognizable Syesha Mercado walked in just moments afterward. Even dressed down in sweats and wearing huge sunglasses, carrying what looked like her laundry in a bag, I knew it was her right away.
Then out the door comes Robbie Carrico, his long hair covered by a beanie hat, to make a cell phone call. It took everything I had in me not to go introduce myself. The publicists would have booted me off the lot had I done so. So, instead I tried to eavesdrop.
Out walks "the rock n roll nurse," Amanda Overmyer, dressed in blue sweatpants and a khaki green Harley Davidson sweatshirt, smoking a cigarette. She's on her cell phone telling what sounds like a friend to TiVo the show. Unlike the other contestants, she has a bodyguard with her. Apparently, they finally realized the media cannot be trusted. Her very large bodyguard gets wise to my eavesdropping too and moves her away from me. A few minutes later Colton Berry joins Amanda for a cigarette break. I'm very disappointed with their bad habits! Isn't Colton like… 16?
Then, I'm walked inside the backstage area just steps away from the doors of the studio. I learn that the boys and girls shows have already been pre-taped and will not be live tonight or tomorrow. Only the results show on Thursday night will be live. The theme for this week will be songs of the 60's and will feature songs by such artists as The Doors, The Beach Boys, Harry Nillson and Neil Sedaka. I try to sneak over and get a peak at the brand new stage, which features a mosh pit and a second level, but I promise the publicist I won't. Originally, Nigel had told me the new stage would be revealed during the Top 12 week but instead it will be revealed tonight.
According to Nigel, the whole lot of contestants have been hit heavily by the flu this week, the females especially.
"We've been devastated by the flu and everyone has got it. These girls are getting up there they look like Iraqi Idol I mean they are covered up like they have got a smog mask on, a hoodie on."
From the sound of it though, it seems like sickness didn't keep them down. We'll have to wait till tonight to see how it affects the guys and till tomorrow night for the girls. Here we go!
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