The judges - Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Cowell - gave Browne a group hug after her eyes welled with tears. The trio then walked her out of the room and to her parents, a move believed to be a first in "Idol" history.
Temptresse (yes, it ends with an "e") may not be going to L.A., but she is going national with her story.
"Entertainment Tonight," which sent her a bouquet of flowers the day after her 5-minute-27-second segment aired, has an exclusive contract with Temptresse for "an indefinite ongoing series," in which she and her family will be offered "coaching to make changes in her life," said Art Rubalcava, local producer for "Entertainment Tonight." He's heading "Entertainment Tonight's" Philly operations over the Browne story, which begins taping tomorrow.
Help will come in the form of several different life coaches, including high-energy weight-loss guru Richard Simmons.
Simmons, who has been known to counsel extremely overweight individuals, will be in Philly Wednesday to spend time with Temptresse's mom, Diane Browne, 43, who at 626 pounds has difficulty breathing and is confined to a wheelchair.
"I really hope this family takes to these opportunities that will be presented to them," Rubalcava said. "Most people in their situations don't get the opportunity to turn things around."
"ET" anchor Kevin Frazier and Thomas Roberts, an anchor from sister infotainment program, "The Insider," will arrive in town tonight to begin taping segments tomorrow with the family, which also includes Temptresse's dad Reginald Reed, 45, Rubalcava said.
The family is precluded from talking with other media, including the Daily News.
One gnawing issue that a life coach might examine is Temptresse's claim that she is a "middle linebacker.
"Don't let this fool you," she said. "Make me mad enough and I'll break your bones."
Gulp.
