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Strip joint sued by 'Idol' owners

Dudester

Tuesday, January 13, 2009 | 4:04 PM AUSTIN, TX -- Could people confuse a stripping contest with "American Idol"?

That's what FremantleMedia North America thinks about a weekly contest in Austin where women have 60 seconds to dance topless for a shot at $500 in "Stripper Idol."

FremantleMedia North America owns "American Idol" and is suing in federal court to stop the Austin contest. They believe people may confuse the two.

The lawsuit says ads for the contest use a logo similar to the TV show's. Plus, waitresses wear T-shirts emblazoned withe the idol logo.

Palazio managers don't plan to end the Thursday night contest any time soon.

"Stripper Idol" is in its 12th week and club managers say the lawsuit has brought it national attention -- and a growing popularity.