World 'idol" In The Works

[DudeAsInCool]

'World Idol' pits winners from 11 nations

Dec. 20, 2003  |  NEW YORK (AP) -- Who will be the world's favorite pop superstar? On "World Idol," a two-part special airing the evenings of Christmas and New Year's Day, "American Idol" Kelly Clarkson will compete in London with winners from 10 other countries including Germany, South Africa, England, Canada and Poland.

The program will air at 8 p.m. EST on Christmas Day and 9 p.m. EST on New Year's Day. Elton John will perform on the final-results show, the Fox network Web site said Friday. Fox is the home of "American Idol."

Viewers worldwide will have the chance to vote.

The competitors are all winners of the first season of the "Idol" series in their respective countries -- making second-season U.S. winner Ruben Studdard ineligible, the network has said.

The third season of "American Idol" will premiere Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. EST. Special episodes also will air on Jan. 20 and 21, according to Fox.