A look at predictions made for the year 2003

Kirk Baird

Monday, Dec. 29, 2003 | 9:05 a.m.

At the end of every year, newspapers and newscasts are filled with predictions from wanna-be psychics. Trouble is, they never reveal if they were right or wrong in their prognostications.

Last year I offered a list of what I thought 2003 held in store. Here are the results.

Jennifer Lopez

Prediction: "The twice-married Lopez's impending nuptials are in deeper peril than her box-office clout."

Reality: With "Gigli" a megafailure, I was dead wrong about her box-office appeal. Still, her marriage to Ben Affleck was hastily called off, although the two remain an item -- for now.

Verdict: Call it a draw.

Demi Moore

Prediction: "A careful reconstruction of her career begins in 2003."

Reality: Again, I was partially correct. Moore did jump-start her movie career with her role as a sexy villain in "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle." But, really, it's her relationship with Ashton Kutcher that has most people talking.

Verdict: Another draw.

Eddie Murphy

Prediction: "2004's 'Shrek' cannot get here soon enough ..."

Reality: Murphy's "Daddy Day Care" did OK business for the lame family comedy it is and "Haunted Mansion" is clearly a disappointment.

Verdict: I stand by my prediction.

Steve Martin

Prediction: "Martin again classes up the Oscars and scores with 'Picasso at the Lapin Agile.' "

Reality: Martin did class up the Oscars, although he won't be back this year with Billy Crystal (ugghh) returning to hosting duties. And "Picasso" won't be out until next year. Also, his just-released "Cheaper by the Dozen" is being widely panned by critics. Still, "Bringing Down the House" was a huge hit, as much for Queen Latifah as Martin.

Verdict: Clearly missed on this.

Winona Ryder

Prediction: "All will be forgiven for Miss 10-Finger Discount ... lay low awhile."

Reality: Ryder did lay low and was actually commended by a California judge recently for sticking to the rules of her probation after being convicted of shoplifting.

Verdict: Nailed it.

Celine Dion

Prediction: "Dion's show will be a success, giving her a cozy retirement option."

Reality: Dion earned $80.5 million from 145 shows -- good enough to place her second behind Bruce Springsteen's $115.9 million as the top-grossing live act in the country.

Verdict: As predicted, Las Vegas and Dion are a perfect pair.

The Osbournes

Prediction: In a nutshell: the show would wrap for good by year's end, Kelly's singing career would (thankfully) come to an end as well. Meanwhile, Ozzy would return to touring and Sharon's talk show would be a success.

Reality: The show is still going -- although filming is on hiatus while Ozzy recovers from his recent off-road accident. Kelly has a popular duet single with her dad, "Changes," that recently reached the top of the charts in England. And Sharon's talk show is slumping, suffering its worst ratings yet while she flew back to England to be with Ozzy, leaving her son Jack and former 'N Sync-er Lance Bass as guest hosts.

Verdict: Couldn't have been more wrong.

'American Idol'

Prediction: "The 'American Idol' sequel will win its time slot and spawn a third season."

Reality: The show proved as popular as the first season, with more memorable -- and talented -- performers. And the "American Idol" winner, Ruben Studdard, and runner-up, Clay Aiken, managed to transplant their TV success to CD sales, each debuting at No. 1. And, yes, look for the third season of "American Idol" soon.

Verdict: This was pretty much a no-brainer. Still, it'll be interesting to see if the show continues to draw audiences for a third go-round this season.

Reality TV

Prediction: "The reality TV boom, while slowing down, hasn't run its course."

Reality: There were more flops in this year's crop of reality TV fare than hits, "Joe Millionaire 2" being the most notable. Still, "Survivor: Pearl Islands" was a ratings juggernaut for CBS and ABC's "Bachelor" with Bob Guiney did well enough. Throw in the surprise successes of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" and "The Simple Life" and there's still life in the format.

Verdict: Close enough.

Fox

Prediction: "Fox will do OK" with the Nielsens.

Reality: That's been the case. While the network has seen its share of flops -- "Joe Millionaire 2," "Luis," "Skin" -- "The O.C." has kept the network's streak of successful series involving beautiful teens with angst-filled lives alive. "The Simple Life" has been a nice ratings hit for Fox as well.

Verdict: With more hits than misses, Fox is no worse off than most of the other networks.

Hollywood

Prediction: "Another record box office haul."

Reality: No figures have been released so far, but it will be close either way.

Verdict: Jury's still out.

SACD/DVD-Audio

Prediction: "The format scuffle is too confusing for the average consumer, who simply wants to play music in their home, car and portable CD players. SACD can do all of that without a costly upgrade."

Reality: Neither format has asserted itself as the future format of choice among consumers. Meanwhile, record companies seem divided as well.

Verdict: I still maintain that SACD will eventually emerge the winner. By then, though, there'll be a new format to contend with.

"The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker"

Prediction: "Nintendo's flagship title ... will increase the GameCube system's sales, while winning a few major gaming awards in the process."

Reality: That's been the case. "Wind Waker" won near universal critical praise and single-handedly convinced many gamers to buy a GameCube.

Verdict: Can't wait for the sequel, rumored to be out late this year.

Spam

Prediction: "Similar to annoying telemarketers, spam isn't going away. But there are more and more methods to combat them."

Reality: The federal government and many states continue to wage war against spam. Most experts agree, however, that while the restrictions may temporarily hamper the spammers, it's not going to stop them.

Verdict: Spam is here to stay.