American Idol

Start date: 2002 Country of Origin: USA Genre: reality Director: Simon Fuller Producer: Nicgel Lythgoe, Ken Warwick, Simon Fuller Writer: Simon Fuller (creator) Cast: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson (judges) Quirky Quote: "If you had lived 2,000 years ago and sung like that, I think they would have stoned you." - Simon Cowell

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American Idol is a reality television show originating from the UK series Pop Idol, which was created by former Spice Girls manager, Simon Fuller. A national singing competition, Idol judges, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson audition thousands of aspiring vocalists, with the best progressing to Hollywood and eventually the “Top 10”.

Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, American Idol finalists perform in a series of live shows, with the viewers voting for their favourite. The shows require finalists to perform songs relevant to a weekly theme such as big band, Motown or Latin. Each week the Idol contestant with the least amount of votes is eliminated until the grand final, where the winner is decided.

Winners of the past six American Idol series are Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, and Jordin Sparks. Idol contestants who have achieved musical success despite not being crowned the winner include Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson and Chris Daughtry. The seventh season is currently underway after premiering on 15 January, 2008.