American Idol

American Idol Fast Facts
- Based on: Pop Idol (UK version)
- Created by: Simon Fuller
- Host: Ryan Seacrest
- Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi
- Premiere: June 11, 2002
- New episodes: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Seasons: 9
- Current season premiere: January 13, 2009Official Site: American Idol Announces Season 8 Schedule (December 15, 2008)
- Notable winners: Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Kris Allen

American Idol is a FOX reality show where contestants sing to compete for a million dollar recording contract. The singers are judged by Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi. Guests are eliminated if they receive the lowest vote total from the American public each week.
The ninth season of American Idol began on January 13, 2009.Official Site: American Idol Announces Season 8 Schedule (December 15, 2008) On May 20th, 2009 Kris Allen beat Adam Lambert to become the 2009 American Idol E!: [1] (May 20, 2009)
Auditions for season nine are scheduled to begin June 14, 2009, with Boston as the first stop.http://blog.zap2it.com/americanidol/2009/06/auditions-for-season-9-of-american-idol-announced-.html

Cowell announced in January, 2010, he was leaving the show. Rumors have surfaced that he might not even stay for the full ninth season.
Season 9 Audition Locations

June 12-15: Gillette Stadium, Boston
June 16-18: Georgia Dome, Atlanta
June 28-30: Rose Bowl, Los Angeles
July 7-9: Orlando Arena, Orlando
July 12-14: Mile High Stadium, Denverhttp://blog.syracuse.com/idolthoughts/2009/06/idol_tidbits_adam_out_on_the_t.htmlc
The process

Contestants auditioned for the four judges in different towns and cities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico in hopes of earning a "Golden Ticket" to Hollywood.
Once in Hollywood, "Golden Ticket" winners competed against each other before being reduced to the final 36, which were chosen by the judges.
From there, contestants go on the live show and are narrowed down to the top 12 by a vote of the American public. The top 10 contestants will go on a summer-long tour.
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 on the show. Cowell has given his notice that this will be his last year on the show.

Ellen DeGeneres is an award winning talk show host/actress/comedian. Season 9 is her first season with the show. Due to her work schedule she won't be able to make any of the auditions but will be there for Hollywood week.

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.

Kara DioGuardi is a Grammy Award-nominated songwriter. Idol announced on August 25, 2008, that DioGuardi would be joining the show as a fourth judge.

American Idol is hosted by producer and E!News host Ryan Seacrest.
Season 8 Top 10
- Kris Allen - Winner
- Adam Lambert - Eliminated
- Danny Gokey - Eliminated
- Allison Iraheta - Eliminated
- Matt Giraud - Eliminated
- Lil Rounds - Eliminated
- Anoop Desai - Eliminated
- Megan Joy - Eliminated
- Scott MacIntyre - Eliminated
- Michael Sarver - Eliminated
Season 8 Changes
Ken Warwick announced on December 16, 2008, that season 8 of American Idol would feature several changes. Those changes include:
- An additional judgeOfficial Site: Ken Warwick Dishes On the Dramatic Season 8 Changes (December 16, 2008)
- Return of the "Wild Card" roundOfficial Site: Ken Warwick Dishes On the Dramatic Season 8 Changes (December 16, 2008)
- Additional coverage of the contestants' social interaction during Hollywood WeekOfficial Site: Ken Warwick Dishes On the Dramatic Season 8 Changes (December 16, 2008)
- A top 36 instead of top 24Official Site: American Idol Announces Season 8 Schedule (December 15, 2008)
Prior Winners
- 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
Prior Runner-ups
- Season 1: Justin Guarini
- Season 2: Clay Aiken
- Season 3: Diana DeGarmo
- Season 4: Bo Bice
- Season 5: Katharine McPhee
- Season 6: Blake Lewis
- Season 7: David Archuleta
- Season 8: Kris Allen
Idol and Apple

In March of 2009, a new American Idol iPhone and iPod Touch application were introduced that will stream exclusive videos from the show each week.CNET: Another stage for American Idols--the iPhone (March 9, 2009)