American Idol

"I had no idea how famous I was. We're cloistered in that house. The first thing that happened to me when I walked out of that house is whoosh! People bombard you."

– Clay Aiken on discovering his Idol fan base

Oct 2006

"They're faking it. They play the role like presidential candidates. If there was a baby to kiss in the audience, they'd be running over to kiss it."

– Simon Cowell on Idols playing nice

May 2003

"Taylor is Ray [Charles] reincarnated. He sits there moving and twitching just like Mr. C would do…I'm like, 'Okay, you're supposed to be black and a little older.'"

– Valerie Ervin, COO of Ray Charles Enterprises

Dec 2006