Tidbits 1/21

• ABC News - starts get opinionated on Britney Spears & the media

  "American Idol" alum Clay Aiken echoed 2007's oft-viewed YouTube plea of die-hard Spears fan Chris Crocker: "We have a presidential election going on, and for whatever reason, this is what people are interested in," he told "Entertainment Tonight," Thursday. "I think that is probably the saddest thing. Leave her alone, just leave her alone."

• The Online Rocket - "unknowns" transformed into household names by reality TV -

  Lauren Conrad. Kimora Lee Simmons. Clay Aiken. These people were once unknowns. With the help of reality television, however, these names are becoming more and more popular as episodes continue to be aired and new ideas for shows are constantly being drawn up.

• Cleveland Plain Dealer - AI2 finalist Charles Grigsby adapting back to normal life -

  In 2005, Grigsby released an album, but apparently his 15 minutes were over. A Web site that charts "American Idol" album sales puts Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Clay Aiken at the top of the list -- and Grigsby's self-titled CD near the bottom, ranking 38th out of 41.

• Something That Really Happened - New AP interviews with Clay