I had the opportunity to spend some time talking with Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul author Debra Poneman. In a complete surprise she also brought along one of the genuine articles, an actual American Idol, Gina Glocksen.

The Chicken Soup For The Soul series has been a runaway success in the book world, over 100 million copies have been sold worldwide. They have been translated into just about every language but Klingon!

The surge of reality tv shows has brought about a new species – the reality tv judge. Reality judges can vary from the very nice and helpful to the brutally harsh and cutting.

Excerpt from Constantine Maroulis Top 10, Season 4 If I went back to my high school and walked the halls, I'd probably still hear my teacher’s voice calling out to me, "Constantine!

There are many different types of reality shows on television today, but one of the most exciting is competition based series. After all, you can almost put yourself in the shoes of those competing.

At first hearing this most men would say no - "I would never cry - real men don't cry!" We are being programmed into believing that crying is for the weak.

Excerpt From Scott Savol Top 10, Season 4 When I think about my upbringing, it's amazing I made it to Number 5 in American Idol's Season 4. Sometimes it seems like a dream.

Excerpt From Bucky Covington Top 10, Season 5 If you asked me what my favorite subject was in high school, I'd have to be honest and tell you flat out — it was lunch.

Excerpt from Sanjaya Malakar Top 10, Season 6 Singing is everything to me and my sister. It's in our blood and in our souls. The first time I remember performing was during an assembly when I was four.

Many say the casting calls are fun and that they get to meet a lot of new people. The reason why it is so much fun is because the producers of the show make it that way.