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All 7 'Idol' Winners Gather To Open Disney Attraction

Tribune photo by WALT BELCHER

All seven 'American Idol' champions gathered for the opening of Disney's American Idol Experience.

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By WALT BELCHER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 13, 2009

LAKE BUENA VISTA - For the first time, all seven "American Idol" champs were together on one stage Thursday night for the kickoff of the new American Idol Experience attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park.

"This is like a high school reunion for Idols," said David Cook, who teamed up with Carrie Underwood for a duet at a private premiere party attended by media and invited guests.

Also taking the stage in the 1,000-seat Idol Experience Theater were Jordin Sparks, Taylor Hicks, Fantasia Barrino, Ruben Studdard and the first Idol, Kelly Clarkson.

They were all given silver commemorative trophies modeled after microphones.

"This is a lot of fun for us to be together at one time," Underwood said.

"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest and judge Paula Abdul joined in a demonstration of the attraction: a live musical competition based on the hit Fox television show. Missing were judges Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell.

Abdul, wearing a turquoise and red miniskirt, noted Cowell's absence with, "This stage is like the real thing, but it feels warmer … friendly … and really 'American.' "

The American Idol Experience involves amateur singers performing before three "judges" (actors who are mock versions of the "Idol" judges) and a "host" who resembles Seacreast. But the audience decides who gets a "golden ticket" that grants "head of the line" access to audition for the real TV show.

During the opening presentation, the media saw something theme park guests won't see: Cook, the reigning Idol, sang "Light On" and Carrie Underwood, the fourth Idol, sang "All-American Girl."

The two hooked up for a duet of Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way."

Also in the audience were "Idol" runners-up, including Sanjaya Malakar, David Archuleta, Ace Young, Jason Castro, Mandisa, LaKisha Jones, Phil Stacey, Carly Smithson, and Michael Johns.

Comic Steve Harvey was there as a special guest of Disney. Harvey, spokesman for Walt Disney's teen-motivational "Dreamers" Academy, brought 100 deserving teens to the grand opening.

The "Idol" winners and Seacrest were in a motorcade parade leading up to the theater, where a blue carpet awaited (to match "American Idol's" branding color scheme). Disney characters Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy were there, too.

The attraction, featuring four shows daily, officially opens Saturday.

Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654.

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