USA TODAY Publishes Special Edition All About Hit Show 'American Idol'

MCLEAN, Va., March 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- USA TODAY, the nation's top-selling newspaper, announces the publication of a special edition totally devoted to the hit television show "American Idol." The 48-page special edition costs $4.95 and is available in retail outlets March 10 through May 15.

Produced entirely by the LIFE section staff at USA TODAY, the special edition offers detailed bios on all 12 finalists from season seven and explains why everyone is hooked on this TV phenomenon. We look at this season's fashion hits and misses, from Chikezie's orange suit to Syesha's sophisticated neck scarves, and get Simon's most memorable put-downs from season seven. The issue also provides readers with a pullout weekly scorecard to track the final 12 contestants, list what they sang, the judges' observations and to track who got voted out.

The USA TODAY special edition on "American Idol" reviews the top 10 Idol performances over the past six seasons and gives a detailed "Where are they now." Jordin Sparks answers questions from USA TODAY; we examine the transformation of Clay Aiken from geek chic to Spamalot; talk about how Carrie Underwood went from country girl to red-carpet glamazon; and look at all the Idols on Broadway, from Ruben in "Ain't Misbehavin'" to Frenchie in "Rent."

The publication is also about the best and worst "American Idol" moments, on-screen and off. USA TODAY go back to Idol's most memorable, albeit least tuneful, auditions, from Keith Beukelaer ("Like a Virgin") to William Hung ("She Bangs"); we reminisce about Sanjaya's hair, including the unforgettable ponyhawk; and recall Mario Vasquez dropping out and Corey Clark claiming he had an affair with Paula.

USA TODAY also takes this opportunity to update its own "American Idol" report card, rating the Idols on sales, airplay, artistic merit, celebrity value and areas to improve. We look at how USA TODAY's Idol coaches and critics got it right over the years - and when they got it wrong. Readers can also take USA TODAY's Idol quiz to see just how much Idol trivia they really know. From which finalist is the son of a former Major League Baseball player (Nikko Smith, son of Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith) to which finalist was the subject of a TV biopic (Fantasia, who played herself).

USA TODAY is the nation's top-selling newspaper. It is published via satellite at 34 locations in the USA and at four sites abroad. With a total average daily circulation of 2.3 million, USA TODAY is available worldwide. USA TODAY is published by Gannett Co., Inc. . The USA TODAY brand also includes: USATODAY.com, an award-winning news and information Web site that is updated 24 hours per day; USA TODAY Sports Weekly, a magazine for enthusiasts of college and professional football and baseball; USA TODAY Mobile, offering up-to-the minute news and information on a variety of mobile platforms and devices; and USA TODAY LIVE, the television arm of the USA TODAY brand that brings the spirit and quality of the newspaper to television.