American Idol performed the most Extreme Makeover turning farm girls into quintessentially American beauties.

“What makes American Idol much more than a talent show is seeing a Kelly Clarkson go from frumpy to this suave performer,” says Robert Thompson, professor of popular culture at Syracuse University.

This transformation - and many other - aren’t magic. “American Idol" employs a team of styling gurus – wardrobe consultants, hair stylists and makeup artists - to work with the finalists. While they don't dictate to the performers, they try hard to get them to develop a style.

“No matter how much you agree or disagree with the sentiment, you do judge a book by the cover,” says Miles Siggins, “American Idol" fashion stylist. Siggins says that once the field has been whittled to twelve, he gets about $400 a week to spend outfitting each contestant.

No wonder blonde country girl Carrie Underwood, 21, of Checotah, Oklahoma, looks like the right person to become a new “American Idol". When the votes are counted, many in the know believe each contestant's image also will have played a role.

“It’s been a big learning curve for Carrie,” Siggins said about the American Idol winner, Carrie Underwood. “In the beginning, she was very country. She grew up on a farm, and she’s had no exposure to fashion. Where she’s from, the local supermarket doesn’t even sell Elle or Vogue.”

Friends and family describe Underwood as a polite, quiet, small-town girl who is dedicated to music. Underwood's mother, Carole, said she hoped her daughter's success wouldn't change her.

"You obviously need to have a competent voice and then some," says Robert Thompson. "You have to have high ratings in other areas, including the looks."

Talika Santhanan, sources: TheState.com, CarrieUnderwood.com, agencies. Photo: Fox Network. 

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