~ American Idol – Season 2 ~
As part of the audience, we sat through lots of awful songs, singers and performers…we endured the comments of the judges, and we tried to laugh at Ryan Seacrest. But it was all worth it because we were introduced to the Real American Idol, Clay Aiken.
Behind the scenes, many crazy things were asked of the contestants. Some of the silliest were the interviews with the Jaded Journalist. These interviews were taped and put on the official web site for American Idol. The best part of these crazy interviews was the “snark” that Clay gave right back to the interviewer. That made the interviews a lot of fun.
The Jaded Journalist was a part of American Idol from the second season through the fifth season. This fake entertainment reporter was on the American Idol website. The Jaded Journalist had many jobs…he wrote recaps of the show, ran an email feedback column, and conducted video interviews of finalists in Hollywood and interviews of auditioners in other cities.
The identity of the Jaded Journalist, whose face was obscured or hidden in videos, was kept relatively secret from the character’s inception until 2004, when his identity was revealed to be Micheal Krogmann, a staff member of the American Idol web design team. Krogmann was also the host of the Late Night FOX Show, an online talk show.
Source for the info on the Jaded Journalist is Coolspotters
Two of the interviews are below……….crazy guy, but Clay is great!!
I never knew that these "interviews" were conducted during Idol. I didn't have a computer back in those days (except at work), but I don't think I missed anything by not seeing this. Does Michael Krogmann still have a job? Doing standup? What? Clay can sure hold his own in a silly situation.
Well that was cute, Clay sure knows how to answer back with his witty answers, way to go Clay!
Thanks Musicfan xox.
Shows that Clay can handle any interview even in the early stages. He just has it all. I love to watch him give it right back to interviewers. He's too quick for them all. This is one of the million reasons why I love Clay.
Thanks for the pix and JJ vids!! I didn't have a computer until mid-June of 03, and it was a couple more months before I found the AI2 online site (following AI2 concerts, lol). I love these, so glad I finally found them!! It was the first time I'd really experienced his lightening-fast wit and snark — he was still pretty shy in TV interviews, but no shyness here! Thank you for bringing them here, musicfan, so fun to play them again, and he's so dang cute (and young!).
Lol, I love those videos! Clay has such a quick wit! 🙂
well that was indeedcute clay has such a quick wit lol lovethe videos
Just watched the interviews again. Clay is right the interviewer is too full of himself. Not a good act at all. The modesty comment was priceless and hit the nail on the head. I wonder how the other contestants fared.
testing my log in 🙂
comeback for the jaded flag comment was spot on 🙂
Like a lot of other people on here, I did not have a computer then. But, I thought those interviews were rude…and unnecessary. But, Clay gave it right back to him. Yeaaaa…for Clay. I saw one of Carrie Underwood..and even she gave him a little snark right back. Lol!!
THANK YOU. for all of the great interthenvn views. CLAY WAS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!. so snarky even
then. SO SO ADORABLE..