Clay Aiken fans who questioned the validity of his defeat may already consider ''American Idol'' fictional, but for the rest of us, a fully imaginary version of the show is in the works. Simon Cowell has pitched a new show to Fox that would take place at a ''Fame''-style school, with a final episode boasting a talent competition for which viewers would choose the winner, according to a network spokesperson. Fox has only ordered a single script for the show, which, if picked up, wouldn't air until next fall, the spokesperson says.
The show, with Cowell as a coproducer, would also follow the personal lives of the teachers and students, according to a Variety report. Cowell's last effort as a producer, reality dating show ''Cupid,'' failed to garner ''Idol''-size ratings. But he still has his old gig to fall back on, after signing on for three more seasons. The next ''Idol'' begins in January; excited Claymates should be reminded that Mr. Aiken is not eligible to compete again.
