Finalists
The final two performers were Shannon Bex and Harlemm Lee. Lee himself was not without controversy, as he had lied about his age (he was 36, past the age limit) and his short-lived 1980s musical career as Gerry Woo. However, he dazzled viewers with his campy performances of such songs as Oleta Adams' "Get Here", and they deemed him the true "triple threat." Lee's prizes included a record deal, a starring role in the off-Broadway play Fame on 42nd Street, and a free year-long hotel stay. Lee's record, Introducing Harlemm Lee was barely promoted and quickly flopped, he did not appear in the play (the producers cited a scheduling conflict), and by summer 2004 he told fans if not for unemployment checks and the free hotel stay, he would have been penniless and homeless. In spite of the shabby treatment, Lee said he had no hard feelings. In 2005, Shannon Bex became a member of the successful girl group Danity Kane until their split in 2009.
Read more about this topic: Fame (2003 TV series)