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American Idol

American Idol

'American Idol' is a reality music competition on FOX, hosted by Ryan Seacrest. Each season, a new American Idol is chosen by a panel of judges and American voters to receive a recording contract. The show's judging panel has included Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Ellen Degeneres, Kara DioGuardi, Steven Tyler, and Jennifer Lopez.

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Top Questions Asked on ChaCha.com for American Idol

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Day | Week | Month

  1. Who won American idol the year katherine mcphee lost?

    Taylor Hicks is the winner of American Idol Season five, when...

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    I not only watch American Idol, I write reviews on it! This y...

  1. When does the 2012 1st American Idol season going to start?

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    American Idol season 11 will have a two-night premiere specia...

  3. Does american idol pay the contestants to tour?

    The contestants on American Idol do not get paid for the Amer...

  4. Who won American idol the year katherine mcphee lost?

    Taylor Hicks is the winner of American Idol Season five, when...

  5. When does American Idol start in 2011?

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  1. Do you watch American idol? If so, who do you think will win?

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  2. Is American Idol still on?

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Top Questions Asked on ChaCha Mobile for American Idol

In the Last:
Day | Week | Month

  1. Who won the first american idol? Who won the first american idol?

    Justin Guarini was the runner-up on Season One of American Id...

  2. Did katherine mcphee win american idol?

    No, she was a runner-up on American Idol. Thank you for using...

  3. Who was the first American Idol winner?

    Kelly Clarkson, winner of the first "American Idol" competiti...

  4. Did katherine mcphee american idol?

    Katherine McPhee took 2nd place to winner Taylor Hicks during...

  5. What year did Carrie Underwood win American Idol?

    Carrie Underwood Won American Idol in the year 2005. She Amaz...

  1. Who won the first american idol? Who won the first american idol?

    Justin Guarini was the runner-up on Season One of American Id...

  2. When does the new season for American Idol start?

    American Idol season 11 will have a two-night premiere specia...

  3. Did Jennifer Hudson win American Idol?

    No, Jennifer Hudson was the 6th person to be voted off Americ...

  4. Who was the first American Idol winner?

    Kelly Clarkson, winner of the first "American Idol" competiti...

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    Right now the youngest a performer can be on the show is 16. ...

  1. Who is the American Idol finalist who sings the song It's Not Over?

    Chris Daughtry is the American Idol finalist who sings "It's ...

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  5. Who won American idol the year daughtry was on?

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About American Idol

Ever wanted to sing in front of millions of people? The FOX reality music competition 'American Idol' gave everyone that chance when it debuted on June 11, 2002. Aspiring singers from all over the United States lined up to compete against one another and try to make it to the end and become the American Idol, walking away with a record deal.

'American Idol' started as a spin-off from Britain’s 'Pop Idol'. In its first year, the reality show became the #1 most watched show in America according to the Nielson ratings. Presented by host Ryan Seacrest, musicians and music industry insiders Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell, and Paula Abdul were the judges for the first 8 seasons. Another judge, Kara DioGuardi, joined the show for its 8th season, creating a lineup of four judges. Paula decided to leave the show after season 8, and Ellen DeGeneres stepped up to take Abdul’s spot for the ninth season. Both Degeneres and DioGuardi left the show before season 10, and, after years as the most polarizing judge, Simon Cowell departed as well. Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez joined Randy Jackson on the panel for season 10.

Previous contestants on American Idol, including Kelly Clarkson (Season 1 winner), Clay Aiken (Season 2 runner-up), Carrie Underwood (Season 4 winner), Adam Lambert (Season 8 runner-up), and others have gone on to receive nominations and win awards at the American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Grammy Awards, and Academy Awards.

'American Idol' has won the following awards:
2005 - People's Choice Award for Favorite Competition/Reality Show
2006 - People's Choice Award for Favorite Competition/Reality Show
2007 - People's Choice Award for Favorite Competition/Reality Show
2009 - Outstanding Directing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
2010 - People's Choice Award for Favorite Competition/Reality Show
2011 - People's Choice Award for Favorite Competition/Reality Show
2012 - People's Choice Award for Favorite Competition/Reality Show

Genre: Reality, Singing Competition
Series Premiere: June 11, 2002
Network: FOX
Host: Ryan Seacrest
Judges: Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Randy Jackson

Winners of American Idol:
Season 1 – Kelly Clarkson
Season 2 – Ruben Studdard
Season 3 – Fantasia Barrino
Season 4 – Carrie Underwood
Season 5 – Taylor Hicks
Season 6 – Jordin Sparks
Season 7 – David Cook
Season 8 – Kris Allen
Season 9 – Lee DeWyze
Season 10 – Scotty McCreary

Past Judges:
Simon Cowell
Paula Abdul
Ellen Degeneres
Kara DioGuardi

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American Idol