PUBLIC PERSONA

American Idol loser Tamyra Gray may prove to be the show's biggest winner after all. The up-and-comer is in talks to join the cast of Fox's Boston Public for a multi-episode arc. If a deal is finalized, Gray — who landed a record contract with the producers behind Idol — could debut by November sweeps. Meanwhile, Gray is in Las Vegas this week taping Fox's Idol reunion special, airing Monday. Among the show's highlights: Winner Kelly Clarkson will sing a duet with her idol, Reba McEntire. In other American Idol news, runner-up Justin Guarini will not fly back to Bethlehem, Pa., to fight a traffic ticket stemming from a March car accident in which he rear-ended another vehicle. The 23-year-old was scheduled to appear in court today, but his lawyer says, "flying across the country is a little extreme for a traffic ticket."

TV GuideNews Sept. 18, 2002 at 1:00 a.m. PT