People talk 09/27/02

'Idol' star sets new record for chart-topping

NEW YORK -- First she beat 10,000 aspiring pop stars to become the "American Idol." Now, Kelly Clarkson has set a record on the Billboard singles chart.

Clarkson's "A Moment Like This" jumped to the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 this week from its debut at No. 52, the biggest leap to No. 1 ever in the chart's history.

The song sold 236,000 copies in its first full week in stores, the first time a song has sold more than 200,000 copies in one week since 1999, said Geoff Mayfield, Billboard's director of charts.

"We're in uncharted territory," Mayfield said Wednesday.

The 20-year-old former cocktail waitress from Burleson, Texas, won a coveted recording contract when she took the "American Idol" competition this month on Fox. Millions watched the series and called in to cast votes for their favorite singers.

Bartender goes home as top 'Big Brother'LOS ANGELES -- A 26-year-old bartender from Los Angeles walked out of the "Big Brother 3" house with the $500,000 top prize.

Lisa Donahue said she missed her cat, Herman, the most during her stay at the Studio City home. She credited her job with preparing her to get along with people from all walks of life and win the prize Wednesday night.

"I am a great team player who can get along with all types of people," she said.

But Donahue said she was surprised to win against the last housemate, Danielle Reyes of Fairfield. "I was nervous. I was like, 'OK, she's a good player.' But she's a great, wonderful person."

CBS spokeswoman Diane Ekeblad said the network's Web site is accepting applications for "Big Brother 4."

-- From wire reports