GAY RIGHTS GROUP: 'AMERICAN IDOL IS HOMOPHOBIC'

Bosses at America's leading gay rights group are demanding a summit meeting with the producers of TV talent show AMERICAN IDOL after claiming the programme is "increasingly homophobic".

Officials at the Gay And Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) were appalled by homophobic remarks made by judges SIMON COWELL and RANDY JACKSON on the first show of the new season, which aired in America on Tuesday (17JAN06).

On the programme, Brit Cowell told one effeminate wannabe to "shave off your beard and wear a dress," while Jackson asked another audition hopeful, "Are you a girl?" Both contestants were rejected.

Now GLAAD bosses are fighting back, demanding an audience with Idol bosses.

A spokesman tells entertainment news website TMZ.com, "GLAAD is reaching out to the show's producers to discuss our concerns and the concerns of community members and allies, who have contacted us about this matter."

'Idol' Twins Charged With Forgery, Theft

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- They sang like angels for their audition on Tuesday's "American Idol" premiere, but a pair of Memphis twins may sound more like jailbirds by the time the show goes live from Hollywood.

Terrell Brittenum, 28, has been in jail since Jan. 10 on an outstanding warrant for charges related to the illegal purchase of a car in Rockdale County, Ga., east of Atlanta.


He and his brother, Derrell, are accused of using another man's identity to buy a 2005 Dodge Magnum in June.

Derrell was expected to turn himself in on the same charges of forgery, theft by deception and financial identity fraud, The Commercial Appeal newspaper reported.

The brothers auditioned together in September for the hit TV show 'American Idol' and impressed the show's prickly judges to continue to the next round. Segments of the show have already been recorded and will air during the next few weeks.

Fox Broadcasting Co. refused to discuss the Brittenums or their status on the show.

The return of the show Tuesday drew its best-ever season premiere ratings with 35.5 million viewers. It was a 6 percent increase over last year's debut, according to preliminary Nielsen Media Research figures.

Kelly Clarkson settles `Idol` dispute

LOS ANGELES, CA, United States (UPI) -- Kelly Clarkson, the original 'American Idol,' has relented and agreed to let contestants on the Fox TV show sing her songs.

Judge Simon Cowell attacked the superstar in the press this week after it became known she had refused to sign licensing papers allowing 'American Idol' to use her music during the current competition.

A Sony BMG spokesman said Clarkson`s refusal to let 'Idol' use her music wasn`t a slam to the show, since she had made a decision not to let anyone or anything use her material.

However, Cowell took offense and went on the defense.

'No matter how talented Kelly Clarkson is, she would not be in the position she`s in now without winning this show,' Cowell said Tuesday.

A day later, Clarkson`s rep announced she had reconsidered and decided to let 'Idol' use her songs 'within reason,' E! said.