Idol Tracker 2010: All aboard!

Wow. Was it really just over a year ago that we were first introduced to the phenomenon known as Adam Lambert? When Kara Dioguardi was still finding her groove as the fourth judge? When Paula Abdul still had a job?! It seems like only yesterday I was writing about Ruben Studdard’s big upset over Clay Aiken, Taylor Hicks’ phenomenal run, David Cook’s winning campaign and Jennifer Hudson’s film debut. How time flies between American Idol seasons, or does it just stand still when the show is on? Either way, it’s here to stay, and I’m here to cover it for you.

Like many loyal Idol Trackers, I was sad to read Richard Rushfield’s farewell post in July. There’s no doubt he is among the most voracious Idol followers I’ve ever met, and also a skilled reporter and talented writer — a winning combination. I can only strive to provide the same level of attentiveness that Richard dedicated to our favorite singing show, but I’m sure as heck going to try. Over the years, I’ve covered Idol for a number of outlets — among them: Us Weekly, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly and Teen People — where I did my best to report on all the angles. You should expect the same here.

It’ll trickle out kind of slowly in the coming weeks as the holidays get the best of us, but follow IdolTracker on Twitter for the latest updates and come back often in the new year. For now, in the interest of getting to know each other, I present:

10 Idol-related facts about me…

10. One of my music business mentors was Billboard Magazine's late, great editor-in-chief Timothy White. His former assistant? Kara Dioguardi.

9. True story: I inadvertently played matchmaker in introducing Constantine Maroulis' brother to his (now) wife.

8. Despite having missed a couple of deadlines on last year's weekly critics ranking the Buzzmeter, my prediction record was near perfect on Season 8. Here's hoping for a repeat performance.

7. I once had an embarrassing moment with Ellen Degeneres backstage at a Rob Thomas concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl. She may remember it, she may not. Here’s hoping it's the latter.

6. I occasionally like to make fun of David Archuleta, but it is without malice, I assure you. I think the little bugger is adorable.

5. One time at an Idol finale party, I got mistaken for Randy Jackson's wife — by Janice Dickinson! That's how dedicated I am to covering this beat: I'll literally attach myself to a judge. 

4. I have a soft spot for Season 3’s Jon Peter Lewis. Then again, who doesn’t?

3. My favorite Idol of all time is David Cook. As a proponent of all things rock, he personifies the kind of Idol winner I can really get down with. Plus, he's cute and not 12 years old. (Take that, Archie!)

2. Two summers ago, I spent eight days on the road in England and Ireland with the Foo Fighters. It was my Almost Famous dream come true. That has nothing to do with Idol, I just like sharing it whenever there's an available forum.

1. I've never met an Idol I didn’t like. Well, maybe there have been one or two, but I’ll keep you guys wondering …

- Shirley Halperin

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