Thumbs Down to AI DVD, Thumbs Up to Clarkson, Aiken

Positive mention of Clay in this generally negative review of the new American Idol DVD.

'The Best & Worst of American Idol: Seasons 1-4'

Reviewed by Jennifer Armstrong

There's no denying the guilty-pleasure appeal of "American Idol" -- but this clip reel of highlights and lowlights underscores how fleeting and watercooler-driven it is.

OK, it's a little bit fun to revisit Kelly Clarkson's and Clay Aiken's style-challenged beginnings -- before the dye job and straightening iron -- and to reminisce about Justin Guarini as a heartthrob on the upswing.

Beyond that, though, not enough time has passed to make "The Best & Worst of American Idol: Seasons 1-4" a nostalgia trip worth taking. And now that William Hung has proven there can be too much of a bad thing, those ap-pawl-ling "worst of" auditions should never have resurfaced after serving as the requisite warm-up each season.

EXTRAS As for the interview footage, let's just say we'd rather hear the contestants sing than talk. (Clarkson: "Waitressing isn't the funnest job in the world.") And Paula's backstage chats with season 4's finalists on their "Idol" concert tour does nothing for Carrie Underwood & Co.'s street cred. Shocking revelation: They often didn't have time to pray together before the show!

EW Grade: C