American Idol

Guide Note

American Idol is a FOX reality show in which contestants sing to compete for a million dollar recording contract. The singers are judged by Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul. Guests are eliminated if they receive the lowest vote total from the American public each week.

The process

Contestants audition for the three judges in different towns in the United States to earn a "Golden Ticket" to Hollywood, entitling them a chance to compete against all other "Golden Ticket" winners before being cut to the final 24 by the judges. The final 24 go on the live show on FOX, and one male and female are eliminated every week until it is down to the final 12 where the contestants are eliminated one at a time. The top 10 finalists go on tour after the season finale.

The staff

Show executive and judge Simon Cowell is the harsh British judge who is unforgiving in his opinions and controversial criticisms. He earns $40 million per season of the show.

Grammy Award winning judge Paula Abdul enjoyed musical success in the 1980s and 1990s with number one hits like "Forever Your Girl", "Opposites Attract", "Straight Up", and "Cold Hearted Snake."

Randy Jackson is an executive producer and accomplished bass player. His "Dawgisms" such as "wud up dawg" and "it was OK dawg" have been his signature statements when addressing the finalists.

American Idol is hosted by former children's game show host Ryan Seacrest.

The winners

The previous winners of each season are Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, and Jordin Sparks.

Fast Facts

Based on: Pop Idol (UK version)
Created by: Simon Fuller
Host: Ryan Seacrest
Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson
Premiere: June 11, 2002
New episodes: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Seasons: 7
Current season premiere: Jan. 15, 2008
Notable winners: Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood

Also try: American Idol Top 12 | American Idol Season 7 | Graham Colton

The Mahalo Top 7

Official Site: American Idol
Wikipedia: American Idol
Official Music Site: American Idol Music
IMDb: American Idol
TV.com: American Idol
Message Board: IdolMe.com
Entertainment Weekly: American Idol

American Idol Episode Guide

Television Without Pity: Seasons 1-6 Episode Guide
TV.com: Season 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Top Rated
Wikipedia: Season Synopsis 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

American Idol News and Articles

Google News: American Idol
The New York Times: American Idol (January 14, 2008)
- "This year the show aims to rein in those urges, putting more focus on the contestants and providing longer and more probing looks at their backgrounds and families. Other changes also are in store. Already the 200 or so contestants who made it past the initial auditions and into the Hollywood round were allowed to play an instrument to accompany their singing if they desired."
Boston.com: "A charitable night for Idol"(April 26, 2007)
That Other Blog: American Idol Season 7 Will Come With A Twist! (July 31, 2007)
Entertainment Weekly: A Little More Conversation (2006)
Topix: American Idol