Full Disclosure

Over the years a small group of what I call "IdolFreaks" have popped up on the web. These "IdolFreaks" are different than the usual devoted masses who watch the show week in and out. The "freaks" I am referring to (and of which I include myself amongst) not only watch the show, but retain incredibly detailed information about the show years later. This group is able to spot patterns and provide insight that only years of immersing oneself in the show can provide. The work of these "freaks" can be found on FoxesonIdol.com, RealityNewsOnline.com, Idol Chatter on USAToday.com, and various other places on the web.

Now, like I said, I am definitely one of these Freaks. Go ahead, ask me who was the first girl voted of American Idol Season 1 (that would be Ryan Starr), or what song Carmen Rasmussen sang on the Wildcard show in Season 2 (that would be "Can't Stop The Moonlight.) I dare you to try and stump me! Believe me, I don't aim to retain this information, there just seems to be a part of my brain that doesn't seem to want to let go of this kind of minutaie.

My devotion also doesn't stop when the confetti falls on the winner. I own CDs by former contestants Kelly Clarkson, Tamyra Gray, Justin Guarini, RJ Helton, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, Kimberley Locke, Josh Gracin, Fantasia, Diana Degarmo, Latoya London, Carrie Underwood, Bo Bice, Katharine McPhee, and Chris Daughtry (I can't quite bring myself to purchase Taylor or Kellie Pickler's discs...my devotion does have its limits).

For the sake of full disclosure, though, I must say that my favorite contestants throughout the years would have to be Ms. Clarkson (of course), Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, and Elliott Yamin. In a later post I will discuss all of my former favorites, including those who I have come to like and appreciate much more in their Post-Idol careers than when they were on the show. If my posts are skewed in favor of those contestants I like the most, well, so be it. At least I've, well, disclosed fully.