"American Idol" Tops Nielsen List Of Popular Shows

Nielsen has just released the most popular media trends in 2006. The list includes movie hits, television programs and music entertainment. Music related competitions proved to be the winners of the year.

In first and second place was the reality show extravaganza "American Idol," which aired on both Tuesday and Wednesday nights and saw Taylor Hicks taking the crown.

Another reality competition also secured its spot in the top five. "Dancing With The Stars," which included celebrities Joey Lawrence and Mario Lopez came in at No. 3.

Top 10 TV Shows - Regularly Scheduled:

1. American Idol-Tuesday - FOX
2. American Idol-Wednesday - FOX
3. Dancing With The Stars - ABC
4. CSI - CBS
5. Dancing W/Stars Results - ABC
6. NBC Sunday Night Football - NBC
7. CSI: Miami - CBS
8. Desperate Housewives - ABC
9. House - FOX
10. Deal Or No Deal-Mon - NBC
11. Without A Trace - CBS

Source

American Idol Hicks to marshal Carnival

American Idol winner Taylor Hicks will reign as the Krewe of Endymion's grand marshal for the 2007 Carnival season. The gray-haired, 30-year-old soul singer from Birmingham, Ala., won over audiences this year with his vocal performances and curious dancing style on the hit reality TV show.

Singer Al Green and the musical groups Journey and Styx will also ride in the parade.

Hicks was in New Orleans for a wedding just before Hurricane Katrina struck on Aug. 29, 2005. With his flight out of town canceled, he took a cab to West Monroe and turned his free plane ticket into an Idol audition trip to Las Vegas.

Before ousting fellow Idol finalist Katherine McPhee in May, Hicks was a struggling musician unknown outside the small Southern clubs where he performed. His first single "Do I Make You Proud" sold more than 190,000 copies in the first week of release, according to Billboard magazine.

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