American Idol

American Idol is the hugely popular Fox reality show where host Ryan Seacrest, judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres, along with the voting audience of millions, search for America's next hit singer. The series gives viewers the power to vote to discover America's next solo singing superstar, casting their vote for their favorite. Tens of thousands of hopefuls from across the nation audition, with some hits and some misses, with some unlikely stars like William Hung emerging from the humorous rejects episodes. Some of the hopefuls make the final cut, where they sing both solo and group performances, singing hits from a different theme each week. The judges weigh in on their performances, then the dedicated fans vote via telephone and text message, and one singer is eliminated the next week. One will be left standing to be crowned American Idol. The fierce competition has launched the career of stars like Adam Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, Jordin Sparks, Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken, and Ruben Studdard, and has also led to the American Idols Live! tour. MORE