• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, August 15, 2005

Paula Abdul is not guilty. But we'll all be very guilty when observing the next "American Idol," which could give the show another high-note year.

Former "Idol" contestant Corey Clark alleged Abdul advised him in last year's program on how to wear his hair and clothes. Clark also said Abdul was his girlfriend for a period.

We can see it now. Perhaps next January or February Abdul might exult a young contestant: "That was a great job - full of emotion and promise. For your next song, sing a song from the Broadway show, 'Hair.'"

But a bigger indication of where "Idol" is going will come long before - in the weeks leading up to its annual January start. The big question is this: How do you market "Idol" next year with all the finger-pointing still going on?

The most likely marketing scenario for Fox Marketing Chief Chris Carlisle is to do nothing. Fox cleared Abdul of accusations last week by an independent investigator it hired - and she will stay with the show. Fox's promos will probably have a familiar tone - early-round knuckleheads who can't sing, all with reaction shots of groaning judges Simon and Randy.

The reigning No. 1 TV show has advantages like no other -- it doesn't have to wheel out any crazy marketing tricks to continue its winning streak. It doesn't need to take big risks. The world knows "Idol" and has amassed tens of millions of loyal viewers. The aim now is not to lose any, or if possible, pick up a few more viewers. Last year the show tried to just do that by expanding the age range of the singers to appeal to a broader range of viewers.

Still, this is a reality show - and what better way to kick up marketing spin than a little behind-the-scenes intrigue. No other on-air effort is needed - unless, of course, Abdul inadvertently stirs the pot.

In the past everyone seemed to be focused on Simon Cowell and his cutting remarks. Surely, now we'll all be reading in between the lines for Abdul; any inference will be examined.

"Great song, great vocalization," Abdul might say. "You dressed up that performance real nice."