Access HollywoodAccess Hollywood

    The Spoiler King Revealed!

    Posted by Laura Saltman February 16 at 11:56 AM | Comments (55)


  • Ricky Hoggard Holman could be described as the typical 18-year-old high school senior. He plays volleyball and soccer. He works during the summer as a lifeguard and volunteers at a YMCA camp for kids. When winter strikes, he enjoys building snow forts in his hometown of Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. He dreams of one day of becoming an actor and admits to spending "way too much time" on the computer. Normal, right? Well, what if I told you that this teenaged, Canadian lifeguard just happened to predict the entire Top 24 contestants on America's number one rated, most talked about, most covered show two weeks before the official list came out on Wednesday night? While there have been spoilers before (especially last season when domain name registrations of hollywood round contestants done on the same day were unearthed) no one has ever called the "American Idol" Top 24 100 percent correctly. Just what does Ricky know that we don’t?


    The list, which he first posted on a site called Idolforums.com, began circulating last week across the internet. At first it was brushed off because names like fan favorite, Baylie Brown, had been left off. Ricky had already learned she would be let go because she forgot her words. As the first night of Hollywood Rounds began to air and favorite after favorite were being let go, the list started making much more sense. Site after site began picking it up and debating its legitimacy. Ricky stood his ground as blogger after blogger questioned its validity, including myself. This is not to say he wasn’t sweating it out during Wednesday night’s show. As he sat with his mom, his palms sweaty, watching auditioner after auditioner get waved through to the next round or sent home, he would breathe another sigh of relief as his list proved accurate. His only holdouts, two girls named Amy and Nicole, were the only contestants on his list whose last names were unknown. Yet there they were, Amy Krebs and Nicole Tranquillo, sailing through to the Top 24 despite not being seen on "American Idol" until that day.


    When all was said and done, Ricky gave himself a well-deserved pat on the back and watched the congratulatory emails and Instant Messages roll in.

    So how did Ricky, who can't even audition for "American Idol" because he’s Canadian, pull off this momentous feat? He did his homework, using our most powerful information resource and Idol's worst enemy during the auditions: the internet. As soon as the try out shows started, he would grab the names off the TV and immediately begin searching for them on the internet. He checked Myspace, personal web pages and Googled for any other tidbits. He knew that once you reach the Top 40, all personal web pages must come down. The domain name fiasco of last season caused a change in the way Idol handled things. Still, a website under construction was a good sign, he said. Myspace pages sometimes yielded a chance to send an email, or to hit up one of their friends for information which led to phone numbers: Did your friend audition for "American Idol?" Did they make it through to Hollywood? Can you tell me any of the names of other people who auditioned? The information poured in.

    This snowball effect continued until he hit the mother lode: speaking with booted Hollywood-round contestants. Ricky talked to seven contestants who were let go in groups, six who got booted during the rooms cut and here’s the clincher: 5 who were let go in the Top 40. Now, once you reach the Top 40 you can never audition for "American Idol" ever again. The Top 40 contestants sign their lives away with penalties reportedly amounting to $5 million for anyone caught spilling the beans about their Idol status. 24 make it. 16 don't. Five of those 16 were just bitter enough to chance getting caught and shell out anonymous tips to a random kid in Canada.

    And of course, like any hit TV show, there are always a few staff members willing to dish the dirt and "Idol" is no exception. Ricky claims to also have at least two low-level staffers in his back pocket.

    So, what does all this mean for "American Idol?" Earlier contracts with stiffer penalties? Less time between the Hollywood round and the episode revealing the Top 24? Sequestering the entire group until the reveal episode? It probably won’t get that far, but it appears that they are on to Ricky. He was planning to host an online chat show on Idolforums.com until an Idol producer informed the booted contestants that they were breaking contract by talking to Ricky. They got scared and cancelled.

    Oh and by the way, it's not just "American Idol" that has come under Ricky’s microscope. He's also accurately spoiled seven of the "Survivor" contestant cast-off’s this season. All this detective work and he is still a straight A student.

Comments

Congratulations, Ricky! Can't wait to see you on Larry King.

Posted by: Kayla and Chelsea | February 16, 2007 12:59 PM

LOVE IT!!!!
There is nothing better than a logical thinker.

I hope you can use your evil powers to cure cancer or something someday meanwhile have fun!

Posted by: childywildy | February 16, 2007 02:21 PM

Rickey, ur such a homo.

Posted by: Wesley | February 16, 2007 02:56 PM

Wesley, do you want to fight? Nevermind, your like two stories bigger then me.

Posted by: Ricky | February 16, 2007 02:58 PM

you are amazing Ricky. Im gonna post on IDF so you know I've read this.
thats some pretty amazing detective work.

Posted by: Francis | February 16, 2007 02:59 PM

Good job! And you're good with Canadian Idol spoilers too! :P

Posted by: Jenn | February 16, 2007 03:16 PM

Jesus. This kid is my hero! Good job with that. :)

Posted by: Shannon | February 16, 2007 03:17 PM

Haha, Ricky. Movin' on up.

Posted by: Klope62 | February 16, 2007 03:17 PM

I think theres room for you in Hollywood, Ricky, hope you get there.
Christina

Posted by: Christina | February 16, 2007 03:20 PM

lol! I suspect there is a little more to it than Ricky has admitted to..... Good going Ricky!

Posted by: Annie | February 16, 2007 03:22 PM

Ricky, This is awesome!! Your 15 mins of fame have arrived!!!!!!

Posted by: Mag | February 16, 2007 03:34 PM

WHOA
I didn't believe you
I will never doubt Ricky Holman again.

Posted by: Erika Lougheed | February 16, 2007 03:36 PM

Ricky I predict you will go far in life. As they say, you can find anything on the internet if you search hard enough.

Way to go.

Posted by: Lynn | February 16, 2007 03:36 PM

Dude that was friggen SWEET. You are truly an internet god.

Posted by: Carson | February 16, 2007 03:37 PM

ricky you are ridiculous...hahahaha...i never would have expected this from the kid who brought axe but no sleeping bag on trip...

Posted by: jess harris | February 16, 2007 03:46 PM

Ricky, that's totally awesome, when im with you at the YMCA your a total goof but yet... your so smart! Im impressed! Great job!:)

Posted by: Nasya | February 16, 2007 03:49 PM

So THAT'S why your ORG never got off the ground? You've been spending all your time spoiling Idol - it all makes perfect sense now!

Posted by: Laurie | February 16, 2007 03:50 PM

ricky, you played the game and you won. the entertainment 19 organization has rained manipulation and finacial ruin on the heads of these young people for way too long now. and the stunts they pull on the contestants that actually make it through are considered some of the worst contracts ever written.

so you go with your big bad self and keep up the good work.

Posted by: deborah | February 16, 2007 04:12 PM

RICKY! thats so cool man, i thought u were lying at first but man, thats so sweet!

Posted by: Schmitty | February 16, 2007 04:25 PM

hope to see you on larry king live good work jen

Posted by: jennifer juusela | February 16, 2007 04:33 PM

what a great Human interest story ( sudbury boy, puts big shot reporters to shame) congratulations from Windsor

Posted by: blais | February 16, 2007 04:40 PM

you are my idol dude
that is hilarious

Posted by: simon says | February 16, 2007 04:54 PM

Ricky this is insane... dude im impressed...

Posted by: Liban Ahmed | February 16, 2007 05:43 PM

Way to go Dick Hog! Who ever said spending your entire life online looking up pointless bullshit couldn't get you anywhere?!?!

Posted by: Ty | February 16, 2007 05:53 PM

RICKY! Omgaw yay!! :) This is flippin awesome.
Now that you are getting famous, I want my damn fan sign! YOU PROMISED ME! lol

Posted by: Sammi | February 16, 2007 06:13 PM

Good Job Cuz!!!

Posted by: Cindy | February 16, 2007 06:16 PM

Ricky, you are my idol. My canadian idol.

Posted by: marret | February 16, 2007 07:37 PM

Son, I'm so proud to have been your leader! (Mom)

Posted by: ashley | February 16, 2007 08:08 PM

Ricky if you ever spoil Survivor for me I'll smite you. LMAO

Posted by: Tina | February 16, 2007 09:21 PM

Omg Ricky ur awesome i met you at Ymca summer camp i was the funny one haha* anyways awesome way to go thats great!... Ur so cool its unbelievable kepper' up !! ciao .. Jessicaa

Posted by: Jessiicaa | February 16, 2007 09:32 PM

lolz. reeks is my idol.

Posted by: Jenia | February 16, 2007 09:47 PM

ricky ruins all my favoirte shoows. he makes me fell so sad sometims

Posted by: Emma | February 16, 2007 09:52 PM

reeks gives me more pleasure then hugh grant AND hugh laurie combined

Posted by: Emma | February 16, 2007 09:58 PM

Hey Ricky its your falcona buddy!!! this is amazing..OMG I can't believe it! Congrats!!!!! Now don't go and spoil other shows lolz

Posted by: Natasha | February 16, 2007 09:59 PM

Go Ricky!! When I was making the graphics for you, I have to admit I was wondering if you were 100% correct, but not anymore.

You rock

Posted by: Alexa | February 16, 2007 10:28 PM

Awesome Ricky!Congrats from a fellow Ontarian in Windsor. I PREDICT a career in Vegas with the odds makers in your future! Keep it up young man!

Posted by: Sherri | February 17, 2007 12:40 AM

Ricky this isn't some trick lol. This is for real????

LOL OMG RICKY congrats to you. And finally the Canadians get one.

Posted by: Tom | February 17, 2007 02:02 AM

Been following all on Idolforums. Good job Ricky!

You are even know in Amsterdam for your dirt digging. :-)

Posted by: Common.Sense | February 17, 2007 03:59 AM

I think I need to contact someone about the harassment that Ricky puts people through ... I bet Access Hollywood would really love a story like that. "Idol Spoiler arrested for online harassment charges" - :)

Posted by: Luvz You | February 17, 2007 09:50 AM

I love when you fight the big guys and win

Posted by: CK | February 17, 2007 12:07 PM

I don't think it works that way "Luvz You" when they are all willing to talk to you.

Posted by: R | February 17, 2007 12:07 PM

Ricky, you are 100% ridiculous.

Posted by: Kate | February 17, 2007 06:44 PM

Your research is amazing. Simon must really want to get you on camera and bust you up. Hope you end up there and let's see who busts up who!!! Good luck... as if you need it!

Posted by: Susan | February 17, 2007 10:09 PM

Hey Ricky way to go man! this makes me wish we would've made that movie back in the day lol

Posted by: Stephan Lahnalampi | February 18, 2007 01:38 PM

Good job, pretty amazing!

Posted by: Stef and Kim | February 18, 2007 02:41 PM

Ricky, I just don't understand why? How come no one knew that you were super sleuthing to find out about reality shows?? Now I understand why you are always the person to go to to find out about who is on trip/staff every year.

Posted by: Danika | February 18, 2007 06:16 PM

Are you actually going to be on Larry King?

Posted by: Danika | February 18, 2007 06:17 PM

Way to go! Great job using your head and showing everyone that little people in Sudbury Ontario can make a difference!

Posted by: Melissa | February 18, 2007 07:21 PM

hahaha ricky! i worked with one smart guy i guess.. but dont forget you learned from the best!

Posted by: dillon rowley | February 19, 2007 09:19 PM

This is hilarious... and not a bit suprising

Posted by: Nina | February 20, 2007 02:47 AM

WOAH! I will never be able to do that ! your awesome!

Posted by: KK | February 20, 2007 07:25 PM

hey ricky,thats so cool what you did.remember me from babysitting when we were young.remember me when your in hollywood.good luck on larry king.

Posted by: jacob bates | February 20, 2007 09:15 PM

Congradulations Ricky! Awesome detective work and your only 18!

I have a question for you. Did you happen to ask any of the AI Staffers or booted contestants who they thought was getting preferential treatment by the show's Producers and Judges? It would point you and us to their "Chosen One".

Posted by: JT | February 22, 2007 05:12 PM

omgosh. weird. i've known ricky since i was 5! wow! congrats. Hope to see you in show bussiness one day! :]

-Lizz;

Posted by: Lizz | February 27, 2007 04:16 PM

Way to go Rickey!!!!!!

We love the spoilers this season.

Posted by: IDF | April 24, 2007 04:43 PM


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