By MARK FRANKLIN
Today’s trivia question: Which of Idol’s season one contestants later appeared on VH1’s The Surreal Life with housemates that included Charo, Flavor Flav and Brigitte Nielson?
Next question: What the heck was a contestant clad in an itsy bitsy, teeny weenie�bikini doing on last night’s season debut of Idol? I mean, I know the show’s ratings declined last season, but�that smacked of desperation. That biggest thing that gal was wearing was the placard bearing her contestant number.
This from a self-proclaimed family show? From a show whose top judge chastised a season six contestant for supposedly wearing less clothing each week, suggesting she did it to detract attention from her�shortage of singing talent? From the show that once booted a contestant for posing topless years before Idol became a show? (Oh, where are you Frenchie Davis? Actually, check back�tomorrow to find out.)
Between the way over-the-top opening and plenty of air time for Bikini Girl and her barely-covered derriere, we got to meet six contestants Tuesday night who might be worth remembering — band ditching Emily Hughes with her pink hair and tattoos; do-gooder teen Arianna Afsar, who founded an Adopt a Grand Friend program; wholesome Steve Wright, named after Stevie Nicks; rugged Michael Sarver, who works on an oil rig; aspiring horror film director Cody Sheldon and his surprising voice; and vision-impaired Scott MacIntyre, who graduated college at age 19.
Some were the subject of extensive profile pieces and, Idol fans, we all know how that goes. Those are the individuals we’ll likely be seeing again.
As for Bikini Girl — aka Katrina Darrell�– here’s betting she doesn’t survive Hollywood week, though viewers will likely get a chance to watch her jump into a pool at some point.
Anyway, enough of last night’s audition show. It’s flashback time. As promised, for those already bored by audition episodes,�today’s blog takes a look back at another former Idol finalist — season one runnerup Justin Guarini. (That’s him today at left.)
So, what was the difference between finishing first and second in Idol’s first season?
Let’s see, Kelly Clarkson has two Grammys to her credit. Justin has none. Kelly has three platinum CDs to date. Justin has none.
A year ago this time, Kelly was kicking off what would be a highly successful tour with Reba McIntire. In the spring, she sang for Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to the U.S.
Justin was co-hosting Idol Tonight, a TV Channel lead-in to each night’s episode of American Idol.
The one thing they’d both probably like to forget — “From Justin to Kelly” the musical comedy they co-starred in shortly after their appearances on Idol. The film failed to win the 2003 Razzie for worst picture; that honor went to Gigli (Ben Affleck/Jennifer Lopez). But have no fear. The Razzies honored “From Justin to Kelly” a year later, naming it the worst musical in the last 25 years.
Apparently, Justin’s continued to act since then, starring in a 2008 film called “Fast Girl.” I was a little leery of doing a Google search for “fast girl,” until I learned it’s a film where he falls in love with a small-town gal who wants to become a professional race car driver. (Publicity shot at right)
I’ve never seen it, but 159 viewers on the Internet Movie Database have given the film a 4.2 out of 10. Which doesn’t sound too hot. Until you compare it to the 1.8 out of 10 rating for “From Justin to Kelly.”
Meanwhile, these clips are a reminder that Justin’s a darn good performer. And for anyone interested in hearing some of his more recent efforts, three acoustic numbers from a 2008 EP named “Revolve” can be heard, free of charge, on his MySpace page.
Justin sings “Route 66.” Yep, it’s Big Band Night again.
Justin sings “For Once in My Life.” Simon compliments Paula (really!), then proves he’s not always right.
Justin sings “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.”
Today’s trivia answer: Idol’s first rocker chick, Ryan Starr.
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