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Some people began to think they were a little more than friends. A North Carolina preacher even started a campaign on his radio show railing against what he considered to be their homosexuality.

Of course, part of this controversy can be blamed on Spy magazine founder Kurt Anderson, who jokingly wrote, "Bert and Ernie conduct themselves in the same loving, discreet way that millions of gay men, women, and hand puppets do. They do their jobs well and live a splendidly settled life together in an impecabbly decorated cabinet."

The controversy got bad enough for the Children's Television Workshop to issue an infamous 1993 news release, assuring the public that the two were just "good friends."

"Bert and Ernie, who've been on Sesame Street for 25 years, do not portray a gay couple, and there are no plans for them to do so in the future," the release went on to say. "They are puppets."

Still, that doesn't address Sesame Street's male-heavy Muppet population, so Abby arrives with many challenges.

Tinkerbelle Wannabes Need Not Apply

Certainly, porky diva Miss Piggy has always been the Muppet's No. 1 felt female, but she's never found a place on Seseme Street, and has always been voiced by a man, starting with the legendary Frank Oz.

"Certainly her magical background, with her wings and her magic wand, is something that they really like, but Abby is far different than the mold of what most people think in fairies," Parente said. "She's smart, and she's funny, and she has this, this desire to just learn everything."

The show has always sought to keep current, and the new season begins with Grammy winner John Legend performing a duet with Hoots the Owl, and a guest spot from "Ray" star Jamie Foxx.

Abby will be portrayed by new Muppeteer Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, and her long lashes and frilly outfits confirm that she enjoys dressing up.

She's no wannabe Tinkerbelle. She embodies the hopes and dreams of all contemporary girl fairies, but with deep roots in tradition.