Created by Simon Fuller

Debuted June 11,

2002

Hosted by Ryan Seacrest

American Idol Judges

Randy Jackson

Kara DioGuardi

Ellen DeGeneres

Before contestants get the chance to see the show's judges, they go through two rigorous sets of cuts. The first is a brief audition with three other contestants in front of one or two

of the show's producers. Contestants are then either sent through to the next round of producers or asked to leave.

Initial Auditions

Out of the thousands of people who show up to audition, only about 100–200 contestants in

each city make it past this second round of preliminary auditions. Those who advance are

sent to Hollywood.

Once in Hollywood, the contestants perform on different days, with eliminations by the judges on each day.

If the judges felt the performance was adequate, the contestant moved on to the final Hollywood round.

Eventually the competition is narrowed down to two finalists who compete for a major recording contract and the American Idol title.

For the first season and seasons three-six, the finale was broadcast from the Kodak Theatre.

For season seven, the venue was changed to the Nokia Theatre, which

holds an audience of over 7,000.

The finals are broadcast live in prime time from

CBS Television City in Los Angeles, in front of a live studio audience.

Each finalist performs a song or songs selected from a weekly theme.

Finals

The winner receives a one million dollar record deal with a major label, and is managed by

American Idol-related 19 Management.

Season 1 WinnerKelly Clarkson

Fast Facts

Hometown: Burleson, TX

First Concert: Celine Dion

Favorite Judge on American Idol:

I like them all but if I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be Paula.

Season 2 WinnerRuben Studdard

Fast Facts

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Idol: Donnie Hathaway

What advice do you have for other hopefuls:

Just keep dreaming.

Season 3 WinnerFantasia Barrino

Fast Facts

Hometown: High Point, NC

Audition City: Atlanta

Who is your least favorite judge:

I like them all.

SEASON 4 WINNERCARRIE UNDERWOOD

Fast Facts

Hometown: Checotah, OK

Audition City: St. Louis

How American Idol has changed her life:

It’s made me appreciate my family more.

Season 5 WinnerTaylor Hicks

Fast Facts

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Audition City: Las Vegas

When you won, who did you thank first:

God

Season 6Jordin Sparks

Fast Facts

Hometown: Glendale, AZ

Audition City: Seattle, WA

What is your definition of an AMERICAN IDOL:

Someone people of all ages can look up to.

Season 7 WinnerDavid Cook

Fast Facts

Hometown: Blue Springs, MO

Audition City: Omaha

What advice do you have for future contestants:

Take the time to enjoy it, not just experience it.

Season 8 WinnerKris Allen

Fast Facts

Hometown: Conway, AR

Favorite Female Artist: Kelly Clarkson

What makes a great performer:

How they can relate to and get the crowd going.

Idol Gives Back, the historic Emmy Award-

winning television event and music celebration has raised more than

$140 million to benefit charities around the world and across the

United States.

Idol Gives Back

The American Idol Experience is a theme park attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Thanks for watching!:)