American Idol
American Idol logo
Format	Interactive reality game show
Created by	Simon Fuller
Directed by	John Pritchett (live shows) Bruce Gowers (live shows, 2002-2008) Nigel Lythgoe (audition shows) Ken Warwick (audition shows)
Presented by	Ryan Seacrest Brian Dunkleman (season 1)
Judges	Simon Cowell Paula Abdul Randy Jackson
Country of origin	United States
No. A logo ( Greek el λογότυπος = el-Latn logotypos is a graphical element ( Ideogram, Symbol, Emblem, Icon, Sign) Interactive television (generally known as iTV describes a number of techniques that allow viewers to interact with Television content as they view it Reality television is a genre of Television programming which presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations documents actual events and usually features ordinary Simon Fuller (born 17 May 1960 in Hastings, England) is one of the most successful artist managers of all time and is globally recognised for Bruce Gowers is an English Music video director best known for children's music video Kidsongs. Nigel Lythgoe (born July 9, 1949) is an English Television and Film director and producer and former Dancer and This article refers to Ken Warwick the Television producer and director. Ryan John Seacrest (born December 24, 1974) is an Emmy Award -nominated American television / radio host and Television Brian Dunkleman (born September 25 1971 in Ellicottville New York) is a Comedian and Actor } Simon Phillip Cowell (born October 7 1959 is an English artist-and-repertoire ("A&R" executive and Television personality / producer Paula Julie Abdul ( "AB-dool" born June 19, 1962) is a Grammy Award -winning American pop Singer Randall Darius "Randy" Jackson (born June 23 1956 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana) is best known as a judge on American Idol; he is of seasons	7 (As of May 21, 2008)
No. Events 878 - Syracuse Italy is captured by the Muslim sultan of Sicily. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common  of episodes	272 (As of May 21, 2008) (List of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s)	Nigel Lythgoe Ken Warwick Cecile Frot-Coutaz
Location(s)	Various locations (Auditions) Orpheum Theatre, Ontario, CA (Hollywood) CBS Television City (Semi-finals and finals) Nokia Theatre (Finale)
Running time	Varies
Broadcast
Original channel	FOX (repeats on Fox Reality)
Picture format	480i (NTSC), 720p (HDTV)
Original run	June 11, 2002 – Present
External links
Official website
IMDb profile
TV.com summary

American Idol is an American reality-competition show airing on Fox. Events 878 - Syracuse Italy is captured by the Muslim sultan of Sicily. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The following is a list of episodes for the Fox reality series American Idol. Nigel Lythgoe (born July 9, 1949) is an English Television and Film director and producer and former Dancer and This article refers to Ken Warwick the Television producer and director. The Orpheum Theatre on Broadway in downtown Los Angeles California, opened on February 15, 1926 as the fourth and final Los Angeles venue for the California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. LA Live is currently under construction in Downtown Los Angeles, California. Fox Reality Channel is an all-reality television channel available on cable and Satellite television in the United States 480i is the shorthand name for a video mode The i, which is sometimes uppercase stands for Interlaced, the 480 for a vertical frame resolution NTSC ( National Television System Committee) is the Analog television system used in the United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico 720p is the shorthand name for a category of HDTV video modes High-definition television (HDTV is a Digital television Broadcasting system with higher resolution than traditional television systems (standard-definition Events 1184 BC - Trojan War: Troy is sacked and burned according to the calculations of Eratosthenes. See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Television is one of the major major mass media of the United States. Reality television is a genre of Television programming which presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations documents actual events and usually features ordinary It debuted on June 11, 2002, and it has since become one of the most popular shows on American television. Events 1184 BC - Trojan War: Troy is sacked and burned according to the calculations of Eratosthenes. See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Part of the Idol franchise, it originated from the reality program Pop Idol created by British entertainment executive Simon Fuller, which was first aired in 2001 in the United Kingdom. The British talent search television series Pop Idol has spawned spin-offs in 40 territories, in what is now referred to as the "Idols" format Reality television is a genre of Television programming which presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations documents actual events and usually features ordinary Pop Idol was a British Television series which debuted on ITV on October 5 2001; the show was a talent contest to decide British people, or Britons, are the native inhabitants of Great Britain and their descendants or citizens of the United Kingdom, of the Simon Fuller (born 17 May 1960 in Hastings, England) is one of the most successful artist managers of all time and is globally recognised for Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located

The program seeks to discover the best singer in the country through a series of nationwide auditions. The outcomes of the later stages of this competition are determined by public voting by phone. The format features three judges who give critiques of the contestants' performances: record producer Randy Jackson; pop singer and choreographer Paula Abdul; and music executive Simon Cowell. In the Music industry, a record producer or music producer has many roles among them controlling the recording sessions coaching and guiding the musicians organizing Randall Darius "Randy" Jackson (born June 23 1956 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana) is best known as a judge on American Idol; he is See also, Choreography (literally "dance-writing" from the Greek words "χορεία" (circular dance see chorea) and "γραφή" Paula Julie Abdul ( "AB-dool" born June 19, 1962) is a Grammy Award -winning American pop Singer } Simon Phillip Cowell (born October 7 1959 is an English artist-and-repertoire ("A&R" executive and Television personality / producer The show is hosted by former children's game show emcee and television personality Ryan Seacrest; comedian Brian Dunkleman co-hosted with Seacrest during the first season. Ryan John Seacrest (born December 24, 1974) is an Emmy Award -nominated American television / radio host and Television Brian Dunkleman (born September 25 1971 in Ellicottville New York) is a Comedian and Actor The American Idol band is led by Rickey Minor. Rickey Minor is a Music director, Composer, and Music producer. The show usually airs on Tuesday and Wednesday nights in the US and Thursday and Friday nights in the UK (two days after the US airing). In its seven seasons, its winners have been Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks and David Cook. Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24 1982 is an American Pop rock singer songwriter and occasional actress. Christopher Ruben Studdard (born September 12, 1978) is an American pop, R&B, and gospel Singer. Fantasia Monique Barrino (born June 30, 1984) or simply Fantasia, is an American R&B / soul singer and Broadway Carrie Marie Underwood (born March 10 1983 in Muskogee, Oklahoma) is an American Country Singer-songwriter. Taylor Reuben Hicks (October 7 1976 is an American singer who achieved fame in 2006 as a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol Jordin Brianna Sparks (born December 22 1989 Sparks is an Evangelical Christian and attends Calvary Community Church in Phoenix Arizona David Roland Cook (born December 20, 1982) is an American Alt-rock, Post-Grunge Singer-songwriter. Hicks was the oldest winner at 29, Sparks the youngest at just 17.

Contents 1 Initial Auditions 2 Rules 3 Audition sites 3.1 Hollywood 3.2 Semifinals 3.3 Finals 4 Season synopses 4.1 Season 1 4.2 Season 2 4.3 Season 3 4.4 Season 4 4.5 Season 5 4.6 Season 6 4.7 Season 7 5 Media sponsorship 6 Controversy 7 Television ratings 7.1 U.S. 8 International 9 Top-selling American Idol alumni 10 Major award–winning American Idol alumni 11 American Idol Hot 100 singles 12 American Idol video games 13 Spin-offs 14 Theme park attraction 15 See also 16 Footnotes 17 External links

Initial Auditions

Before contestants get the chance to see the show's judges, they go through two rigorous sets of cuts: the first consists of a brief audition in front of one or two of the show's producers with three other contestants. All four contestants are then either sent through to the next round of producers or are asked to leave. Only about 100-200 contestants in each city make it past this round, which is a staggering statistic considering that tens of thousands of people show up to audition in each city.

Those few contestants who make it through to the next round of auditions sing in front of another panel of producers, who then narrow the remaining contestants down to about forty singers. The remaining singers (again, only about 40 out of 10,000 to 20,000) then audition in front of judges Simon, Randy, and Paula for a chance to make it to Hollywood Week.

Rules

Contestants must be singers and are not permitted to have any current record deals or talent management agreements (though they may have had one at some point in the past). They must be U. S. citizens or permanent residents eligible to work full-time and, for the first three seasons, had to be 16 to 24 years of age on October 19 of the year of audition. Events 202 BCE - The Battle of Zama results in the defeat of Carthage and Hannibal. Since the fourth season, the upper age limit was raised to 28 with an earlier cutoff date, August 4, to attract more mature and diverse contestants. Events 70 - The Destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans.

Others who are ineligible to compete include those who have made it into the top 40 contestants in past seasons (or the top 50 of season 7), and people employed by affiliates of Fox, Fremantle or 19 Entertainment (including sponsors, subsidiaries and parent companies). Fremantle (commonly known as Freo is a Port City in Western Australia, located southwest of Perth, the state capital at the mouth of Even if a person is eligible, he or she may not have a chance to audition or be seen because the show can see only a limited number of people in each city.

Auditioning contestants must bring with them to the audition a valid proof of age and work eligibility, such as a birth certificate and driver's license or a passport, and minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A birth certificate is a Vital record that documents the birth of a child A driver's license, driver license, driver licence, or driving licence is an official document which states that a person may operate a A passport is a document issued by a national government which certifies for the purpose of international travel the identity and nationality of its holder All auditioning contestants are required to print out a copy of the release form (available on the show's web site) to fill out and turn in at the audition in order to grant permission to be seen and heard by the producers' cameras. Contestants who were found to have given false information are disqualified. It should be noted that after auditioning - regardless of the outcome (even if eliminated on the very first cut) - contestants are under contract with the show until three months after the final episode. ^[1]

In an interview with Anderson Cooper on the CBS TV current affairs show 60 Minutes on March 17, 2007 (repeated in extended format on CNN's AC 360 program on March 27, 2007), judge Simon Cowell openly declared that the underlying primary purpose of the Idol franchise (including American Idol) was for 19 Entertainment (the parent corporation that produces the Idol TV shows) to discover new singing talent that can be signed to recording agreements that the corporation maintains with a major record company (Sony/BMG), and benefit from the record sales of contestants and winners who are exposed to the worldwide marketplace through the TV shows. Anderson Hays Cooper (born June 3 1967 is an American Emmy Award -winning Journalist, author and television personality CBS Broadcasting Inc ( CBS) is an American radio and Television network. Not to be confused with the BBC news magazine program Sixty Minutes (TV series. Events 45 BC - In his last victory Julius Caesar defeats the Pompeian forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the Younger Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Cable News Network, usually referred to by its Initialism CNN, is a major English language Television network founded in 1980 by Ted Turner Events 196 BC - Ptolemy V ascends to the throne of Egypt. 1309 - Pope Clement V excommunicates Sony BMG Music Entertainment is a diverse music and entertainment group Cowell indicated that revenue from recordings by performers associated with the Idol franchise has already exceeded US $100 million. 19 Entertainment also retains exclusive right of refusal for management and merchandising of any contestant. Exercising management rights is at the sole discretion of 19 Entertainment; in the alternative the contestant performer is free to pursue his or her own career.

Audition sites

Season	Year	City	Venue	Number of Hollywood Qualifiers
1	Spring 2002	New York, New York
		Chicago, Illinois		23
		Dallas, Texas		11
		Miami, Florida	Fontainbleau Hilton Hotel	6
		Atlanta, Georgia	AmericasMart
		Seattle, Washington	Hyatt Regency Hotel	17
2	Fall 2002	New York, New York	Regent Wall Street Hotel
		Los Angeles, California	Rose Bowl	44
		Miami, Florida	Fontainbleau Hilton Hotel
		Detroit, Michigan	Athneum Suites Hotel
		Atlanta, Georgia	AmericasMart	42
		Nashville, Tennessee	Gaylord Entertainment Center	29
		Austin, Texas	Doubletree Hotel	36
3	Fall 2003	New York, New York	Jacob Javits Convention Center	26
		Los Angeles, California	Rose Bowl	24
		San Francisco, California	Pacbell Park	24
		Houston, Texas	Minute Maid Park	13
		Atlanta, Georgia	Georgia Dome	27
		Honolulu, Hawaii	Aloha Stadium	18
4	Fall 2004	San Francisco, California	Cow Palace	31
		Las Vegas, Nevada	Orleans Arena	21
		St. Louis, Missouri	Edward Jones Dome	30
		Cleveland, Ohio	Cleveland Browns Stadium	30
		New Orleans, Louisiana	Louisiana Superdome	16
		Orlando, Florida	Orange County Convention Center	16
		Washington, D.C.	Washington Convention Center	42
5	Fall 2005	San Francisco, California	Cow Palace	18
		Las Vegas, Nevada	Las Vegas Convention Center	11
		Denver, Colorado	Invesco Field At Mile High	37
		Austin, Texas	Frank Erwin Center	12
		Chicago, Illinois	Soldier Field	27
		Greensboro, North Carolina	Greensboro Coliseum	33
		Boston, Massachusetts	Gillette Stadium	28
6	Summer 2006	Los Angeles, California	Rose Bowl	40
		San Antonio, Texas	Alamodome	24
		New York, New York/East Rutherford, New Jersey	Continental Airlines Arena	35
		Birmingham, Alabama	Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex	20
		Memphis, Tennessee	FedEx Forum	22
		Minneapolis, Minnesota	Target Center	17
		Seattle, Washington	Key Arena	14
7	Summer 2007	San Diego, California	Qualcomm Stadium	31
		Dallas, Texas	Texas Stadium	24
		Omaha, Nebraska	Qwest Center	19
		Atlanta, Georgia	Georgia Dome	19
		Charleston, South Carolina	North Charleston Coliseum	23
		Miami, Florida	American Airlines Arena	17
		Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	Wachovia Center	29

Hollywood

Once in Hollywood, the contestants perform on different days, with dramatic eliminations by the judges on each day. The first season of American Idol premiered on June 11, 2002 (under the full title American Idol The Search for a Superstar Spring is one of the four Temperate Seasons Spring marks the transition from Winter into Summer. See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. The City of New York New York ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous Chicago (ʃɪˈkɑːgoʊ is the largest City by population in the state of Illinois and the American Midwest of the United States. The State of Illinois ( roughly ill-i-NOY is a state of the United States of America, the 21st to be admitted to the Union. Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. Florida ( is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the The State of Georgia ( is a state in the United States and was one of the original Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule AmericasMart was designed by John C Portman and constructed in 1957 in Atlanta Georgia. Washington ( is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Hyatt is an international brand of hotels within the Global Hyatt Corporation that operates numerous properties The second season of American Idol premiered on January 21, 2003 and continued until May 21, 2003. Autumn (also known as fall in North American English) is one of the four Temperate Seasons Autumn marks the transition from Summer See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. The City of New York New York ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. The Rose Bowl is an outdoor football Stadium in Pasadena California, near Los Angeles. Florida ( is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the Michigan ( is a Midwestern state of the United States of America. The State of Georgia ( is a state in the United States and was one of the original Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule AmericasMart was designed by John C Portman and constructed in 1957 in Atlanta Georgia. Tennessee ( is a state located in the Southern United States. Sommet Center (formerly Nashville Arena and Gaylord Entertainment Center and pronounced soh-MAY' is an all-purpose venue in downtown Nashville Tennessee Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. Doubletree is an international chain of full-service hotels and resorts trademarked by the Hilton Hotels Corporation. The third season of American Idol premiered on January 19, 2004 and continued until May 26, 2004. Autumn (also known as fall in North American English) is one of the four Temperate Seasons Autumn marks the transition from Summer Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. The City of New York New York ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous Jacob K Javits Convention Center is a large Convention center at 11th Avenue on the West side of Manhattan in New York City. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. The Rose Bowl is an outdoor football Stadium in Pasadena California, near Los Angeles. The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth most populous city California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. AT&T Park is an open-air ballpark, home to the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. Minute Maid Park (formerly The Ballpark at Union Station, Enron Field, and Astros Field) is a ballpark in Houston, Texas The State of Georgia ( is a state in the United States and was one of the original Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta Georgia that is owned and operated by the State of Georgia Honolulu is the Capital and most populous Census-designated place (CDP in the U The State of Hawaii ( or həˈwaɪʔiː Hawaiian: Mokuāina o Hawaii) is a state in the United States located on an Archipelago in the Aloha Stadium is a Stadium located in {{okina}}Aiea Hawai{{okina}}i. The fourth season of American Idol premiered on January 18, 2005 and continued until May 25, 2005. 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Missouri ( or) is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee The Edward Jones Dome (more formally known as the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center) and previously known as The Trans World Airlines Dome or TWA Dome Cleveland is a City in the US state of Ohio and the County seat of Cuyahoga County, the most populous county in the state Ohio ( is a Midwestern state of the United States. As part of the Great Lakes region, Ohio has long been a cultural and geographical crossroads Cleveland Browns Stadium is a football Stadium located at North Coast Harbor in Cleveland Ohio ( New Orleans (nʲuːˈɔrliənz nʲuːˈɔrlənz French: La Nouvelle-Orléans) is a major United States port city and the largest city in Louisiana The State of Louisiana ( or, État de Louisiane, pronounced) is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America The Louisiana Superdome, often informally referred to simply as the Orlando is a major City in central Florida, USA and is the County seat of Orange County Florida. Florida ( is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC is the primary public Convention center for the Central Florida region Washington DC ( formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D The fifth season of American Idol began on January 17, 2006 and concluded on May 24, 2006. Autumn (also known as fall in North American English) is one of the four Temperate Seasons Autumn marks the transition from Summer Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth most populous city California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. The Cow Palace (originally known as the California State Livestock Pavilion) is an indoor arena in Daly City California, situated on the border of Las Vegas ( Spanish: "The Meadows" is the most populous City in the state of Nevada, the seat of Clark County, and an internationally Nevada ( is a state located in the western region of the United States of America. The Las Vegas Convention Center (commonly referred to as LVCC) is owned and operated by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority in Winchester, The City and County of Denver (pronounced /ˈdɛnvɚ/ is the Capital and the most populous city of Colorado, in the United States The State of Colorado ( or chiefly by nonresidents) is a state located in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States of America. Invesco Field at Mile High is a Stadium in Denver, Colorado. Invesco Field at Mile High replaced the identically sized but commercially obsolete Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. The Frank C Erwin Jr Special Events Center — usually just The Erwin Center in common usage — is a multi-purpose Arena on the Campus of Chicago (ʃɪˈkɑːgoʊ is the largest City by population in the state of Illinois and the American Midwest of the United States. The State of Illinois ( roughly ill-i-NOY is a state of the United States of America, the 21st to be admitted to the Union. Soldier Field (formerly Municipal Grant Park Stadium) is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago Illinois, and is currently home to the NFL North Carolina ( is a state located on the Atlantic Seaboard in the southeastern United States The Greensboro Coliseum complex is an indoor arena in Greensboro North Carolina. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts ( is a state located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. Gillette Stadium is the home Stadium for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution soccer team The sixth season of American Idol premiered on the Fox Broadcasting Company on January 16, 2007 and ran until May 23, Summer is one of the four Temperate Seasons Summer marks the warmest time of year with the longest days Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. The Rose Bowl is an outdoor football Stadium in Pasadena California, near Los Angeles. Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. The Alamodome is a 65000 seat multi-purpose facility that is primarily used as a football /basketball stadium and convention center in San Antonio, Texas The City of New York New York ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous East Rutherford is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. New Jersey ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States. The Izod Center (formerly Brendan Byrne Arena, and later Continental Airlines Arena) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the Birmingham (ˈbɝmɪŋhæm is the largest City in the US state of Alabama and is the County seat of Jefferson County. Alabama (formally the State of Alabama;) is a State located in the southern region of the United States of America. The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (formerly Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center) is a sports convention and entertainment complex located in Birmingham Alabama Memphis is a City in the southwest corner of Tennessee, and the County seat of Shelby County. Tennessee ( is a state located in the Southern United States. FedExForum is one of the National Basketball Association 's most distinctive Arenas It officially opened in September 2004 after much debate and also an Alberta Minnesota ( Native Americans demonstrated the name to early settlers The Target Center is an arena in downtown Minneapolis Minnesota, sponsored by Target Corporation that is home to the National Basketball Association Washington ( is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. KeyArena at Seattle Center, also known as KeyArena is located north of downtown Seattle, USA on the grounds of Seattle Center (the site of 1962 The seventh season of American Idol, the annual reality show and singing competition began on January 15, 2008 and concluded Summer is one of the four Temperate Seasons Summer marks the warmest time of year with the longest days Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. Qualcomm Stadium (aka " The Q " " The Murph " formerly known as San Diego Stadium and Jack Murphy Stadium Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. Texas Stadium is a football Stadium in Irving Texas, a Suburb of Dallas. Nebraska ( is a state located on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States and Qwest Center Omaha is an Arena and Convention center facility in the NoDo neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska. The State of Georgia ( is a state in the United States and was one of the original Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta Georgia that is owned and operated by the State of Georgia Charleston is a city in Charleston county in the US state of South Carolina. South Carolina ( is a state in the southern region ( Deep South) of the United States of America. The North Charleston Coliseum is a 14000-seat multi-purpose Arena in North Charleston South Carolina, part of the North Charleston Coliseum Performing Arts Florida ( is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the The AmericanAirlines Arena is an Arena located in Downtown Miami, Florida along Biscayne Bay and is used for Basketball Philadelphia (ˌfɪləˈdɛlfiə The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ( often colloquially referred to as PA (its abbreviation by natives and Northeasterners is a state located in the Northeastern The Wachovia Center, formerly known as the CoreStates Center and the First Union Center, is an indoor arena located in Philadelphia Pennsylvania The first day typically has each hopeful sing a song that they had selected from a list. The next round, the contestants split themselves into small groups and perform a song together. In the final round, the contestants perform a song of their choice a cappella. A cappella (Italian or Latin "From the chapel/choir" Music is Vocal music or Singing without instrumental Accompaniment

Starting in the 2008 season, the structure of the Hollywood round was revamped. There were no longer musical group rounds; rather, the contestants would sing on the first day and if the judges felt the performance was adequate, the contestant moved onto the final Hollywood round. If the performance was not up to par, the contestant would have one more chance to impress the judges before the third day. For the first time, contestants were able to perform with a musical instrument if they had the ability; however, with the exception of only a few contestants, the judges criticized the use of the instruments.

Semifinals

In the first three seasons, the semifinalists were randomly split into different groups. Each contestant would then sing in their respective group's night and the two who received the most votes from America in each group would advance to the finals. In season one, there were three separate groups and the top three contestants made it to the finals. In seasons two and three, there were four groups of eight and the top two contestants would move onto the finals.

The first three seasons each featured a Wildcard show in that contestants who failed to make it to the finals would be allowed to perform once more for a chance at a spot. In season one, only one Wildcard contestant would be chosen by the judges. However, in seasons two and three, each judge would champion one contestant and the public would advance the fourth Wildcard contestant into the finals. In the second season, a few hopefuls who had failed to make the semifinals were selected by the judges to compete in the Wildcard round. In the third season, the judges eliminated four contestants from the Wildcard round before they had the opportunity to sing.

From season four and on, the semifinals were cut down to twenty-four contestants who were divided by gender. The men and women would sing on sequential nights and the bottom two would be eliminated from each group on the results show until the top twelve finalists were left.

Finals

In the finals, which last eleven weeks, each finalist out of all of the contestants performed a song live in prime time from a weekly theme (two songs in later rounds) at CBS Television City in Los Angeles, California in front of a live studio audience. Prime Time is the major News analysis current affairs and Politics programme broadcast on Radio Telefís Éireann in Ireland Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. Themes have included Motown, disco, big band music, and Billboard #1 hits. "Motown" redirects here For the city see Detroit Michigan. Disco is a Genre of dance-oriented music whose origins are hard to define A big band is a type of Musical ensemble associated with playing jazz music and which became popular during the Swing Era from the early 1930s until the late See Billboard (Turkish magazine Billboard is a weekly American Magazine devoted to the Music industry Some themes are based on music recorded by a particular artist, and the finalists have a chance to work with that artist in preparing their performances. Artists around whom themes have been based include The Beatles, Billy Joel, Neil Sedaka, Mariah Carey, The Bee Gees, Barry Manilow, Rod Stewart, Gloria Estefan, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Neil Diamond, Queen, Bon Jovi, and Elvis Presley. The Beatles were a pop and rock band from Liverpool, England formed in 1960 William Martin Joel (born May 9 1949 is an American Pianist and Singer-songwriter. Neil Sedaka (born March 13, 1939 in Brooklyn New York) is an American pop Singer, Pianist, and Songwriter The Bee Gees were a singing trio of brothers — Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. Barry Manilow (born June 17, 1943) is an American Singer-songwriter, Musician, arranger, producer and conductor Roderick "Rod" David Stewart, CBE (born 10 January 1945 is a Singer and Songwriter born and raised in London England and currently Gloria Estefan (born Gloria María Fajardo on September 1, 1957) is a Cuban American singer and songwriter Sir Elton Hercules John CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947 is an English pop / rock Singer, Composer Stevie Wonder (born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13 1950 name later changed to Stevland Hardaway Morris) is an Andrew Lloyd Webber Baron Lloyd-Webber (born 22 March 1948 is a British Composer of Musical theatre, the elder son of William Lloyd Webber Neil Leslie Diamond (born January 24, 1941) is an American Singer-songwriter and occasional Actor. Queen were an English rock band formed in 1970 in London by guitarist Bon Jovi is an American Hard rock band from Sayreville New Jersey. Once in the top five and four, the contestants sing two songs each; once in the top three and finale, the contestants sing three songs each to the three judges, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson.

Following each performance episode, a results show airs that reveals the breakdown of the voting public's decision. The most popular contestants are not typically revealed (although they have been in very rare cases), but the bottom three vote-getters are typically called to the center of the stage. From the bottom three, the bottom two are revealed, until finally the contestant who received the lowest amount of votes is eliminated from the competition. A montage of the contestant's experience is played and they give their final performance.

In the finale, one remaining contestant is declared the winner. Until the 2008 season, the stage was moved to the Kodak Theatre for the finale showdown, where the two remaining contestants perform for an audience of at least 3,400. The Kodak Theatre is a live theatre in the Hollywood and Highland retail dining and entertainment complex on Hollywood Boulevard and North Highland Avenue In 2008, the venue was shifted to the Nokia Theatre, which holds an audience of over 7,000. LA Live is currently under construction in Downtown Los Angeles, California. The winner is announced at the following results show. The winner receives a one million (US) dollar record deal with a major label, and is managed by American Idol-related 19 Management. In some cases, non-winners have also been signed by the show's management company (who has first option to sign contestants) and received record deals with its major label partner. So far, all of the seasons' winners and runner-ups have had major record deals.

Season synopses

Season 1

Main article: American Idol (season 1)

Season 1 (2002)
Kelly Clarkson	Winner
Justin Guarini	September 4
Nikki McKibbin	August 28
Tamyra Gray	August 21
RJ Helton	August 14
Christina Christian	August 7
Ryan Starr	July 31
A. The first season of American Idol premiered on June 11, 2002 (under the full title American Idol The Search for a Superstar The first season of American Idol premiered on June 11, 2002 (under the full title American Idol The Search for a Superstar Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24 1982 is an American Pop rock singer songwriter and occasional actress. Justin Guarini (born Justin Eldrin Bell on October 28, 1978 in Columbus Georgia) is an American Singer / Songwriter Events 476 - Romulus Augustus, last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, is deposed when Odoacer proclaims himself Nikki McKibbin (born Katherine Nicole McKibbin on September 28, 1978 in Grand Prairie, Texas, U Events 475 - The Roman General Orestes forces western Roman Emperor Julius Nepos to flee his Capital Tamyra Monica Gray (born July 26, 1979 in Takoma Park Maryland) is an American actress and singer best known for her rise to fame as one of the finalists Events 1192 - Minamoto Yoritomo becomes Seii Tai Shōgun and the De facto ruler of Japan. Events 1183 - Taira no Munemori and the Taira clan take the young Emperor Antoku and the three sacred treasures The first season of American Idol premiered on June 11, 2002 (under the full title American Idol The Search for a Superstar Events 322 BC - Battle of Crannon between Athens and Macedon following the death of Alexander the Great. Ryan Starr (born Tiffany Ryan Montgomery on November 21, 1982) is an American female singer songwriter and actress Events 30 BC - Battle of Alexandria: Mark Antony achieves a minor victory over Octavian 's forces but most of his army subsequently J. Gil	July 24
Jim Verraros	July 17
EJay Day
Season 2 (2003)
Ruben Studdard	Winner
Clay Aiken	May 21
Kimberley Locke	May 14
Joshua Gracin	May 7
Trenyce	April 30
Carmen Rasmusen	April 23
Kimberly Caldwell	April 16
Rickey Smith	April 9
Corey Clark	Disqualified April 2
Julia DeMato	March 26
Charles Grigsby	March 19
Vanessa Olivarez	March 12
Season 3 (2004)
Fantasia Barrino	Winner
Diana DeGarmo	May 26
Jasmine Trias	May 19
LaToya London	May 12
George Huff	May 5
John Stevens	April 28
Jennifer Hudson	April 21
Jon Peter Lewis	April 15
Camile Velasco	April 7
Amy Adams	March 31
Matthew Rogers	March 24
Leah LaBelle	March 17
Season 4 (2005)
Carrie Underwood	Winner
Bo Bice	May 25
Vonzell Solomon	May 18
Anthony Fedorov	May 11
Scott Savol	May 4
Constantine Maroulis	April 27
Anwar Robinson	April 20
Nadia Turner	April 13
Nikko Smith	April 6
Jessica Sierra	March 30
Mikalah Gordon	March 24
Lindsey Cardinale	March 16
Season 5 (2006)
Taylor Hicks	Winner
Katharine McPhee	May 24
Elliott Yamin	May 17
Chris Daughtry	May 10
Paris Bennett	May 3
Kellie Pickler	April 26
Ace Young	April 19
Bucky Covington	April 12
Mandisa	April 5
Lisa Tucker	March 29
Kevin Covais	March 22
Melissa McGhee	March 15
Season 6 (2007)
Jordin Sparks	Winner
Blake Lewis	May 23
Melinda Doolittle	May 16
LaKisha Jones	May 9
Chris Richardson	May 2
Phil Stacey
Sanjaya Malakar	April 18
Haley Scarnato	April 11
Gina Glocksen	April 4
Chris Sligh	March 28
Stephanie Edwards	March 21
Brandon Rogers	March 14
Season 7 (2008)
David Cook	Winner
David Archuleta	May 21
Syesha Mercado	May 14
Jason Castro	May 7
Brooke White	April 30
Carly Smithson	April 23
Kristy Lee Cook	April 16
Michael Johns	April 10
Ramiele Malubay	April 2
Chikezie	March 26
Amanda Overmyer	March 19
David Hernandez	March 12

The first season of American Idol debuted without hype as a summer replacement show (with the full title American Idol: The Search For A Superstar) in June 2002 on the Fox Broadcasting Company. Events 1132 - Battle of Nocera between Ranulf II of Alife and Roger II of Sicily. James Conrad Verraros (b February 8, 1983) is an American Singer / Entertainer and native of Crystal Lake Illinois Events 180 - Twelve inhabitants of Scillium in North Africa are executed for being Christians EJay Day (born Earl James Day on September 13, 1981, Lawrenceville Georgia) is an American singer and was one of the ten finalists The second season of American Idol premiered on January 21, 2003 and continued until May 21, 2003. Christopher Ruben Studdard (born September 12, 1978) is an American pop, R&B, and gospel Singer. Clay Aiken (born Clayton Holmes Grissom on November 30, 1978) is an American pop Singer who began his rise to fame on the Events 878 - Syracuse Italy is captured by the Muslim sultan of Sicily. Kimberley Dawn Locke (born January 3 1978 in Hartsville, Tennessee) is an American Adult contemporary pop Events 1264 - Battle of Lewes: Henry III of England is captured in France making Simon de Montfort the Josh Gracin (born Joshua Mario Gracin, October 18 1980 in Westland Michigan) is a Country music singer Events 558 - In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses Trenyce (born Lashundra Trenyce Cobbins on March 31 1980 in Memphis Tennessee) is an American singer and was a finalist for the second season of American Events 313 - Roman emperor Licinius unifies the entire Eastern Roman Empire under his rule Carmen Rasmusen (born March 25, 1985 in Edmonton Alberta) is a Canadian - American Country music artist who ranked sixth Events 215 BC - A temple is built on the Capitoline Hill dedicated to Venus Erycina to commemorate the Roman defeat at Kimberly Ann Caldwell (born February 25, 1982 in Katy Texas) is an American singer best known for being a contestant on the second Events 1178 BC - A Solar eclipse may have marked the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom Events 193 - Septimius Severus is proclaimed Roman Emperor by the army in Illyricum (in the Balkans) Corey Delaney Clark (born July 13 1980 in San Bernardino, California) is an American singer who was a disqualified finalist in the Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of Julia Megan DeMato (born March 7, 1979 in Brookfield, Connecticut) is an American professional cosmetologist and Singer Events 1026 - Pope John XIX crowns Conrad II as Holy Roman Emperor. Charles William Grigsby Jr (born September 15, 1978 in Oberlin Ohio) is an American Singer and contestant of the second season Events 1279 - A Mongolian victory in the Battle of Yamen ends the Song Dynasty in China. Vanessa Denae Olivarez (born February 13, 1981 in Atlanta Georgia) is an American singer best known as the first finalist to be eliminated on Events 538 - Witiges, king of the Ostrogoths ends his siege of Rome and retreats to Ravenna, leaving The third season of American Idol premiered on January 19, 2004 and continued until May 26, 2004. Fantasia Monique Barrino (born June 30, 1984) or simply Fantasia, is an American R&B / soul singer and Broadway Diana Nicole DeGarmo (born June 16, 1987 in Birmingham, Alabama) is an American singer and Broadway actress Events 451 - The Battle of Avarayr between Armenian rebels and the Sassanid Empire takes place For the album see Jasmine Trias (album Jasmine Soriano Trias (born November 3, 1986) is an American Events 1535 - French explorer Jacques Cartier sets sail on his second voyage to North America with three ships 110 men and La Toya Renee London (born on December 29, 1978) is an American R&B and soul Singer and Actress who was the Events 1191 - Richard I of England marries Berengaria of Navarre. George Clayton Huff Jr (born November 4, 1980 in New Orleans Louisiana) is an American singer whose rich powerful voice carried him to first Events 553 - The Second Council of Constantinople begins 1215 - Rebel Barons renounce their allegiance to King John John Bassat Stevens IV (born July 28 1987) is a university student and former American Classic pop Singer and was the sixth-place Events 1192 - Assassination of Conrad of Montferrat (Conrad I King of Jerusalem, in Tyre, two days after his title Jennifer Kate Hudson (born September 12 1981 is an American actress, singer and model. Events 753 BC - Romulus and Remus found Rome ( traditional date) Jon Peter Lewis (born November 7, 1979 in Lincoln Nebraska) is an Events 1450 - Battle of Formigny: Toward the end of the Hundred Years' War, the French attack and nearly annihilate English Ciara-Camile Roque Velasco (born September 1, 1985) is a Filipino - American Singer and was one of the finalists on the third Events 529 - First draft of Corpus Juris Civilis (a fundamental work in Jurisprudence) is issued by Eastern Roman Emperor Amy Christina Adams (born July 25 1979 is an American singer best known as the tenth-place finalist on the third season of the television series American Idol Events 307 - After divorcing his wife Minervina, Constantine marries Fausta, the daughter of the retired Roman Emperor Matthew Fontane Rogers (born September 16, 1978 in Rancho Cucamonga California) is an American football coach and television host of Really Events 1401 - Mongol emperor Timur sacks Damascus. 1603 - James VI of Scotland Events 45 BC - In his last victory Julius Caesar defeats the Pompeian forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the Younger The fourth season of American Idol premiered on January 18, 2005 and continued until May 25, 2005. Carrie Marie Underwood (born March 10 1983 in Muskogee, Oklahoma) is an American Country Singer-songwriter. Harold Elwin "Bo" Bice Jr (born November 1 1975 in Huntsville Alabama) is an American singer and musician who became a runner-up in the fourth season Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors. Vonzell Monique Solomon (born 18 March 1984) better known as Vonzell Solomon or Baby V, is an American singer and aspiring actress Events 1152 - Henry II of England marries Eleanor of Aquitaine. Anthony Fedorov (born Anatoliy Vladimirovich Fedorov on May 4, 1985; Russian: Анатолий Владимирович Фёдоров Ukrainian Events 330 - Byzantium is renamed ''Nova Roma'' during a dedication ceremony but is more popularly referred to as Constantinople Scott Thomas Savol (born April 30, 1976) is an American singer and was the 5th place finalist on the fourth season of American Idol Events 1256 - The Augustinian monastic order is constituted at the Lecceto Monastery when Pope Alexander IV Constantine James Maroulis (born September 17, 1975 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American rock Singer, Events 1124 - David I becomes King of Scotland. 1296 - Battle of Dunbar: The Scots are defeated Anwar Farid Robinson (born April 21, 1979) is an American singer/songwriter/musician who was the 7th Events 1303 - The University of Rome La Sapienza is instituted by Pope Boniface VIII. Nadia Turner (born January 11, 1977) is an American singer songwriter actress and radio/television personality best known as the 8th place finalist on Events 1111 - Henry V is crowned Holy Roman Emperor. 1204 - The Fourth Crusade sacks Constantinople Nikko Smith (born Osborne Earl Smith on April 28, 1982 in San Diego CA) is a singer/songwriter who was the ninth-place finalist of Events 46 BC - Julius Caesar defeats Caecilius Metellus Scipio and Marcus Porcius Cato in the Battle of Thapsus Jessica Ann Sierra (born November 11, 1985 in Tampa, Florida) is an American Singer and was the tenth-place Finalist Events 240 BC - 1st recorded Perihelion passage of Halley's Comet. Mikalah Analise Gordon (born January 14, 1988) is an American singer and eleventh-place finalist on the fourth season of American Idol Events 1401 - Mongol emperor Timur sacks Damascus. 1603 - James VI of Scotland Lindsey Michelle Cardinale (born February 5, 1985 in Hammond, Louisiana) is an American country singer and University Events 597 BC - Babylonians capture Jerusalem, replace Jehoiachin with Zedekiah as king The fifth season of American Idol began on January 17, 2006 and concluded on May 24, 2006. Taylor Reuben Hicks (October 7 1976 is an American singer who achieved fame in 2006 as a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol Katharine Hope McPhee (born March 25, 1984) is an American pop & R&B Singer, actress and model Events 1218 - The Fifth Crusade leaves Acre for Egypt. 1276 - Magnus Ladulås is crowned Elliott Yamin ( hebrew: אליוט ימין) (born Efraym Elliott Yamin on July 20, 1978) is an American Singer Events 1521 - Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham, is executed for Treason. Christopher Adam Daughtry (born December 26 1979 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, United States) is a Grammy nominated American Events 1291 - Scottish Nobles recognize the authority of Edward I of England. Paris Ana'is Bennett (born August 21, 1988) is an American Singer. Events 1491 - Kongo monarch Nkuwu Nzinga is baptised by Portuguese missionaries adopting the baptismal name of João Kellie Dawn Pickler (born June 28, 1986) is an American country singer and Television personality. Events 1467 - The miraculous image in Our Lady of Good Counsel appear in Genazzano, Italy. Brett Asa "Ace" Young (born November 15 1980 in Denver, Colorado) is an American singer Grammy -nominated songwriter and actor Events 1012 - Martyrdom of Alphege in Greenwich London. 1529 - At the Second Diet of Speyer Bucky Covington (born William Joel Covington III, November 8, 1977) is an American country music singer Events 467 - Anthemius is elevated to Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. Mandisa Lynn Hundley (born October 2, 1976) most commonly known simply as Mandisa, is a Grammy and Dove Award -nominated Events 456 - St Patrick returns to Ireland as a missionary bishop This article is about the singer and American Idol finalist For the American author see Lisa Tucker (author. Events 1461 - Wars of the Roses: Battle of Towton - Edward of York defeats Queen Margaret to become King Kevin Patrick Covais (koˈveɪz born May 30 1989) was a fifth-season American Idol finalist from Levittown, Events 238 - Gordian I and his son Gordian II are proclaimed Roman emperor. Melissa Christine McGhee (born September 14, 1984 in Tampa Florida) is an American singer and was the 12th place finalist on the fifth Events 44 BC - Julius Caesar, Dictator of the Roman Republic, is stabbed to death by Marcus Junius Brutus, The sixth season of American Idol premiered on the Fox Broadcasting Company on January 16, 2007 and ran until May 23, Jordin Brianna Sparks (born December 22 1989 Sparks is an Evangelical Christian and attends Calvary Community Church in Phoenix Arizona Blake Colin Lewis (born July 21, 1981) is an American Singer-songwriter, beatboxer and philanthropist who was the runner-up Events 1430 - Siege of Compiègne: Joan of Arc is captured by the Burgundians while leading an army to relieve Compiègne Melinda Marie Doolittle (born on October 6, 1977) is an American Singer who finished as the third place finalist on the sixth season Events 1204 - Baldwin IX Count of Flanders is crowned as the first Emperor of the Latin Empire. LaKisha Ann Jones She was formally trained in Classical music, although her favorite genre is Gospel music. Events 1457 BC - Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC between Thutmose III and a large Canaanite coalition under the King of third on the sixth season of American Idol. He was eliminated on Events 1194 - King Richard I of England gives Portsmouth its first Royal Charter. Phil Stacey (born Joel Philip Stacey, January 21 1978 in Richmond Kentucky) is an American Country music singer who first gained Sanjaya Joseph Malakar (sænˈdʒaɪə ˈmɑːləkɑr Bengali: সঞ্জয় মালাকার (born September 10 1989) was a finalist on Events 1025 - Bolesław Chrobry is crowned in Gniezno, becoming the first King of Poland. Haley Suzanne Scarnato (born July 15, 1982) is an American Singer who was the 8th place finalist on the 6th season of American Idol Events 491 - Flavius Anastasius becomes Byzantine Emperor, with the name of Anastasius I. Gina Glocksen (born July 4 1984) was the ninth-place finisher on the sixth season of American Idol. Events 1581 - Francis Drake completes a circumnavigation of the world and is knighted by Elizabeth I. Charles Christopher Sligh (born July 20 1978) is an American singer/songwriter who was a finalist on the sixth season of American Idol Events 37 - Roman Emperor Caligula accepts the titles of the Principate, entitled to him by the Senate. Stephanie Edwards (born November 5, 1987) is an American Singer and was the eleventh-place finalist on sixth season of Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem. Brandon Rogers (born December 11, 1977) is an American Singer who has worked as a professional Backup vocalist, and who was the Events 1489 - The Queen of Cyprus, Catherine Cornaro, sells her kingdom to Venice. The seventh season of American Idol, the annual reality show and singing competition began on January 15, 2008 and concluded David Roland Cook (born December 20, 1982) is an American Alt-rock, Post-Grunge Singer-songwriter. David James Archuleta (born December 28 1990 is an American singer Events 878 - Syracuse Italy is captured by the Muslim sultan of Sicily. Syesha Raquel Mercado (born January 2, 1987) is an American Singer, model, and Actress. Events 1264 - Battle of Lewes: Henry III of England is captured in France making Simon de Montfort the Jason René Castro (born March 25, 1987) is an American Singer - Songwriter and the fourth place finalist on the seventh season Events 558 - In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses Brooke Elizabeth White (born June 2, 1983) is an American Singer-songwriter and the fifth place finalist on the seventh season Events 313 - Roman emperor Licinius unifies the entire Eastern Roman Empire under his rule Carly Smithson ( Irish: ??? (née Hennessy; Irish: Ó hAonghusa) (born September 12, 1983) is a Meteor Award Events 215 BC - A temple is built on the Capitoline Hill dedicated to Venus Erycina to commemorate the Roman defeat at Kristy Lee Cook (born January 18, 1984) is an American Country music artist Events 1178 BC - A Solar eclipse may have marked the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom Michael Johns (born Michael John Lee October 20, 1978) is an Australian -born rock / soul Singer-songwriter and Events 879 - Louis III becomes King of the Western Franks. 1407 - the lama Ramiele Macrohon Malubay (born September 6, 1987 in Dammam, Saudi Arabia) is a Filipino American singer and the ninth place finalist Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of Chikezie Ndubuisi Eze (born September 11, 1985, in Inglewood California) more commonly referred to as Chikezie is an American Events 1026 - Pope John XIX crowns Conrad II as Holy Roman Emperor. Amanda Lindsay Overmyer (born October 26, 1984) is an American singer and the eleventh place finalist on season seven of the television Events 1279 - A Mongolian victory in the Battle of Yamen ends the Song Dynasty in China. David Anthony Hernandez (born May 31, 1983) is an American singer and the twelfth place finalist of FOX's seventh season of the television Events 538 - Witiges, king of the Ostrogoths ends his siege of Rome and retreats to Ravenna, leaving Fox, along with other networks, initially rejected the show. However, Rupert Murdoch, head of Fox's parent company, was persuaded to buy the show by his daughter Elisabeth who was a fan of the British version. News Corporation (often abbreviated to News Corp) (,,) is one of the world's largest media conglomerate companies by Market capitalisation Elisabeth Murdoch (born in Sydney, Australia on August 22 1968) is a business executive in the British television industry and a daughter ^[2] The show's co-hosts were Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman. Ryan John Seacrest (born December 24, 1974) is an Emmy Award -nominated American television / radio host and Television Brian Dunkleman (born September 25 1971 in Ellicottville New York) is a Comedian and Actor Through word of mouth generated by the appeal of its contestants and the presence of acid-tongued British judge Simon Cowell, the show grew into a phenomenon. } Simon Phillip Cowell (born October 7 1959 is an English artist-and-repertoire ("A&R" executive and Television personality / producer An estimated fifty million people watched the Season 1 finale in September 2002. Following such a success, the second season was moved to air the upcoming January. The number of episodes increased, as did the show's budget and the charge for commercial spots.

Winner Kelly Clarkson signed with RCA Records, the label in partnership with American Idol's 19 Management. Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24 1982 is an American Pop rock singer songwriter and occasional actress. RCA Records (originally The Victor Talking Machine Company, then RCA Victor is one of the flagship labels of Sony Music Entertainment. Immediately post-finale, Clarkson released two singles, most notably the coronation song "A Moment Like This" which debuted at number 52, but marked the biggest jump in Billboard Hot 100 history when it shot to number one, breaking a record set by The Beatles. " A Moment Like This " is a song by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released from her multi-platinum debut album Thankful. The Beatles were a pop and rock band from Liverpool, England formed in 1960 As part of the promotion planned for the show's first winner, the song had been pre-recorded ready to air on radio stations the day after the finale. (As such, a version of the song was also recorded by runner up Justin Guarini which remains unreleased. Justin Guarini (born Justin Eldrin Bell on October 28, 1978 in Columbus Georgia) is an American Singer / Songwriter ) Appearances on numerous entertainment/news shows followed, as did videos for the singles that began airing on MTV's TRL. MTV ( Music Television) is an American Cable television network based in New York City. Clarkson has subsequently had two successful albums: Thankful and Breakaway. Thankful is the debut album by American pop singer Kelly Clarkson, released in the United States by RCA on April 15 " Breakaway " is a 2004 song co-written by Avril Lavigne, Bridget Benenate and Matthew Gerrard and produced by John Shanks. She has several hit singles mostly from her more successful second album Breakaway. While her first album failed to sell outside of North America, her second was a global success and garnered two Grammy Awards in 2006 with 11 million albums sold worldwide. The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences The less successful third album, My December as of December 2, 2007 has sold 720,000 domestically, approximately 2,000,000 copies worldwide, and was certified Platinum in Canada and the United States. My December is the third Studio album by American Pop rock Singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson.

The show inspired a 2003 musical film, From Justin to Kelly, featuring Kelly Clarkson and runner-up Justin Guarini. From Justin to Kelly is a 2003 comedy - musical - Romance film starring Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini, Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24 1982 is an American Pop rock singer songwriter and occasional actress. Justin Guarini (born Justin Eldrin Bell on October 28, 1978 in Columbus Georgia) is an American Singer / Songwriter The musical love story, produced by American Idol's Simon Fuller, was filmed in Miami, Florida over a period of six weeks shortly after the season ended. Simon Fuller (born 17 May 1960 in Hastings, England) is one of the most successful artist managers of all time and is globally recognised for Florida ( is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the Released several months later in June 2003, the film failed to make back its budget ^[3] during its short run in theatres and is often ranked among the worst movies ever made. BEFORE INSERTING A MOVIE PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT IT HAS ACTUALLY BEEN DEFINED "THE WORST" BY A REPUTABLE SOURCE A DVD with additional footage was released and the movie airs periodically in the U. S. and other countries.

Besides Clarkson and Guarini, also signed were Nikki McKibbin (3rd), Tamyra Gray (4th), RJ Helton (5th), and Christina Christian (6th). Nikki McKibbin (born Katherine Nicole McKibbin on September 28, 1978 in Grand Prairie, Texas, U Tamyra Monica Gray (born July 26, 1979 in Takoma Park Maryland) is an American actress and singer best known for her rise to fame as one of the finalists The first season of American Idol premiered on June 11, 2002 (under the full title American Idol The Search for a Superstar It is the only year the runner-up did not release a single following the show's finale.

Runner-up Justin Guarini also signed with RCA Records. Justin Guarini (born Justin Eldrin Bell on October 28, 1978 in Columbus Georgia) is an American Singer / Songwriter RCA Corporation, founded as Radio Corporation of America, was an electronics company in existence from 1919 to 1986 Contract restrictions required him to reject outside offers received and delay solo projects following the season finale, eventually debuting an album in 2003 after the conclusion of Season 2. RCA dropped him shortly after its debut. Guarini went on to form his own entertainment company, and independently produced a jazz album in 2005, with an album of soul/funk/jazz currently in production. Jazz is an American Musical art form which originated in the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States He has also composed/performed music for various projects by other artists, continues to act in independent movies/short films/television, and is a host/commentator for the TV Guide Network. TV Guide Network (formerly known as TV Guide Channel, Prevue Channel and Prevue Guide) is a Cable network produced by Macrovision Nikki McKibbin signed with RCA, but quit because she refused to record a country album. Nikki McKibbin (born Katherine Nicole McKibbin on September 28, 1978 in Grand Prairie, Texas, U She has since made appearances on various Reality TV shows and is working on her debut album. Reality television is a genre of Television programming which presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations documents actual events and usually features ordinary Tamyra Gray was signed to RCA, but was dropped before releasing an album. Tamyra Monica Gray (born July 26, 1979 in Takoma Park Maryland) is an American actress and singer best known for her rise to fame as one of the finalists She then signed with Idol creator Simon Fuller's new label 19 Entertainment. Simon Fuller (born 17 May 1960 in Hastings, England) is one of the most successful artist managers of all time and is globally recognised for Gray's self-written debut album was released in 2004. In 2005, she was also dropped by that label. She had a supporting role in the 2005 movie The Gospel, and limited guest runs in Broadway's "Bombay Dreams" and "Rent". This article is about a film For other uses of the word "gospel" see Gospel (disambiguation. Broadway theater, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 39 large professional theaters with 500 seats or more located RJ Helton released a Christian album, but sales were lackluster. Ryan Starr had trouble getting out of her contract with RCA Records but managed to independently release a single, My Religion, which sold 360,000 downloads via iTunes. Ryan Starr (born Tiffany Ryan Montgomery on November 21, 1982) is an American female singer songwriter and actress RCA Records (originally The Victor Talking Machine Company, then RCA Victor is one of the flagship labels of Sony Music Entertainment. The iTunes Store is a software-based online Digital media store operated by Apple Inc She is expected to release her debut album in 2007. Jim Verraros, who came out of the closet after being voted off American Idol, starred in an indie film and released a dance-pop album, charting a dance hit on Billboard. James Conrad Verraros (b February 8, 1983) is an American Singer / Entertainer and native of Crystal Lake Illinois Christina Christian, EJay Day (tenth), and AJ Gil (eighth) have had little success after the show. The first season of American Idol premiered on June 11, 2002 (under the full title American Idol The Search for a Superstar EJay Day (born Earl James Day on September 13, 1981, Lawrenceville Georgia) is an American singer and was one of the ten finalists

Starting September 30, 2006, the first season of American Idol was repackaged as "American Idol Rewind" and syndicated direct to stations in the US. Events 1399 - Henry IV is proclaimed King of England. 1744 - France and Spain defeat the Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. American Idol Rewind is a syndicated television series that premiered on September 30, 2006. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the

Date	Bottom Three
July 17	EJay Day	Jim Verraros	Nikki McKibbin
July 24	A. Events 180 - Twelve inhabitants of Scillium in North Africa are executed for being Christians Events 1132 - Battle of Nocera between Ranulf II of Alife and Roger II of Sicily. J. Gil	Ryan Starr	Christina Christian
July 31	Ryan Starr (2)	Justin Guarini	Nikki McKibbin (2)
August 7	Christina Christian (2)	RJ Helton	Nikki McKibbin (3)
	Bottom Two
August 14	RJ Helton (2)	Nikki McKibbin (4)
August 21	Tamyra Gray	Nikki McKibbin (5)
	Final Three
August 28	Nikki McKibbin (6)
September 4	Justin Guarini (2)	Kelly Clarkson

Season 2

Main article: American Idol (season 2)

In Season 2, Seacrest surfaced as the lone host. Events 30 BC - Battle of Alexandria: Mark Antony achieves a minor victory over Octavian 's forces but most of his army subsequently Events 322 BC - Battle of Crannon between Athens and Macedon following the death of Alexander the Great. Events 1183 - Taira no Munemori and the Taira clan take the young Emperor Antoku and the three sacred treasures Events 1192 - Minamoto Yoritomo becomes Seii Tai Shōgun and the De facto ruler of Japan. Events 475 - The Roman General Orestes forces western Roman Emperor Julius Nepos to flee his Capital Events 476 - Romulus Augustus, last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, is deposed when Odoacer proclaims himself The second season of American Idol premiered on January 21, 2003 and continued until May 21, 2003. Dunkleman reportedly hated working on the show and the studio was dissatisfied with his performance. Kristin Holt was originally announced to be added to the show as a co-host to Ryan Seacrest ^[4], but upon airing, she was introduced as a special correspondent with all of the takes with her acting as a host cut out of the first few shows. Kristin Holt (born August 17, 1981 in Plano TX) is a Television personality and Entertainment news Correspondent. This time, Ruben Studdard emerged as the winner with Clay Aiken as runner-up. Christopher Ruben Studdard (born September 12, 1978) is an American pop, R&B, and gospel Singer. Clay Aiken (born Clayton Holmes Grissom on November 30, 1978) is an American pop Singer who began his rise to fame on the Out of 24 million votes recorded, Studdard finished 130,000 votes ahead of Aiken. There was discussion in the communication industry about the phone system being overloaded, and that more than 150 million votes were dropped, making the voting suspect. ^[5] Since then, the voting methods have been modified to avoid this problem.

In an interview prior to fifth season, a statement by executive producer Nigel Lythgoe suggested that Aiken had led the fan voting from the wild card week onward until the finale. The fifth season of American Idol began on January 17, 2006 and concluded on May 24, 2006. Nigel Lythgoe (born July 9, 1949) is an English Television and Film director and producer and former Dancer and ^[6] Clay Aiken became the first American Idol non-winning contestant to have a U.S. Hot 100 number-one with "This Is the Night", written by British songwriter Chris Braide with Gary Burr and Aldo Nova. " This Is the Night " released on June 3, 2003 on the RCA label was American Idol contestant Clay Aiken 's debut CD Aldo Nova (born Aldo Caporuscio on November 13, 1956, in Montreal, Quebec) is a Canadian Guitarist, Studdard and Aiken both released albums in the fall/winter of 2003, 2004 and 2006. Third place finalist Kimberley Locke's debut album, One Love was released in 2004. Kimberley Dawn Locke (born January 3 1978 in Hartsville, Tennessee) is an American Adult contemporary pop Her second album, Based on a True Story, was released in May 2007.

Fourth-place finisher and former Marine Josh Gracin became a country artist. Josh Gracin (born Joshua Mario Gracin, October 18 1980 in Westland Michigan) is a Country music singer His first album spawned three charted singles, including the number-one U. S. country song, "Nothing to Lose". He is signed with Lyric Street Records. Lyric Street Records is an American Country music Record label.

Sixth-place finisher Carmen Rasmusen signed with independent country record label Lofton Creek Records, and released her debut album and a single in 2007. Carmen Rasmusen (born March 25, 1985 in Edmonton Alberta) is a Canadian - American Country music artist who ranked sixth An independent record label (or indie record label) is a Record label operating without the funding of or outside the organizations of the Major record labels In Political geography and International politics, a country is a Political division of a geographical entity In the Music industry, a record label can be a Brand and a Trademark associated with the Marketing of music recordings and Music Lofton Creek Records is an United States Country music Record label launched in 2002 by Harold and Vicky Shafer along with Mike and Martha Borchetta

After a strong showing during the early stages of auditions, contestant Frenchie Davis was disqualified from the competition when topless photos of her surfaced on the internet. Franchelle "Frenchie" Davis (born May 7, 1979 in Washington DC) is a former American Idol contestant (season 2 who Shortly afterwards she landed a role in the Broadway musical Rent, and continues to work on Broadway. Broadway theater, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 39 large professional theaters with 500 seats or more located Rent is a Rock musical, with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson based on Giacomo Puccini 's Opera La Bohème

During the course of the contest, Studdard became known for wearing 205 Flava jerseys representing his area code. A telephone numbering plan is a plan for allocating Telephone number ranges to countries regions areas and exchanges and to non-fixed telephone networks Shortly after the end of the contest, Studdard sued 205 Flava, Inc. for $2 million for using his image for promotional purposes. The United States dollar ( sign: $; code: USD) is the unit of Currency of the United States; it has also been Flava responded by alleging that Studdard had accepted over $10,000 in return for wearing 205 shirts, and produced eight cashed checks to validate their claim. The allegations, if true, indicate a clear violation of the American Idol rules. ^[7] The lawsuit was settled out of court. ^[8]

Rumor mills concerning Season Two contestants buzzed again when, in 2006, contestant Corey Clark (who producers kicked off the show because of him not disclosing a police record) alleged that he and judge Paula Abdul had an affair while he was on the show and that this contributed to his removal. Corey Delaney Clark (born July 13 1980 in San Bernardino, California) is an American singer who was a disqualified finalist in the Clark also alleged that Abdul gave him preferential treatment on the show because of their alleged romance. A subsequent investigation by an independent counsel hired by Fox "could not corroborate the evidence or allegations provided by Mr. Clark or any witnesses". ^[9]

American Idol Rewind started re-airing this season in the fall of 2007.

Date	Bottom Three
March 11	Vanessa Olivarez	Julia DeMato	Kimberley Locke
March 18	Charles Grigsby	Corey Clark	Julia DeMato (2)
March 25	Julia DeMato (3)	Kimberly Caldwell	Rickey Smith
	Corey Clark (disqualified)
April 1	Carmen Rasmusen	Trenyce	Kimberley Locke (2)
April 8	Rickey Smith (2)	Kimberly Caldwell (2)	Kimberley Locke (3)
April 15	Kimberly Caldwell (3)	Carmen Rasmusen (2)	Trenyce (2)
April 22	Carmen Rasmusen (3)	Joshua Gracin	Trenyce (3)
	Bottom Two
April 29	Trenyce (4)	Ruben Studdard
May 6	Joshua Gracin (2)	Kimberley Locke (4)
	Final Three
May 13	Kimberley Locke (5)
May 20	Clay Aiken	Ruben Studdard (2)

• None of the bottom 2 were eliminated on the April 1st results show due to the disqualification of Corey Clark. Events 1425 BC - Thutmose III, Pharaoh of Egypt, dies (according to the Low Chronology of the 18th Dynasty Events 37 - The Roman Senate annuls Tiberius ' will and proclaims Caligula emperor Events 1199 - Richard I is wounded by a crossbow bolt while fighting France which leads to his death on April 6. Events 527 - Byzantine Emperor Justin I names his nephew Justinian I as co-ruler and successor to the throne Events 217 - Roman Emperor Caracalla is Assassinated (and succeeded by his Praetorian Events 1450 - Battle of Formigny: Toward the end of the Hundred Years' War, the French attack and nearly annihilate English Events 1500 - Portuguese Navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral becomes the first European to sight Brazil. Events 1429 - Joan of Arc arrives to relieve the Siege of Orleans. Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance. Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola. Events 325 - The First Council of Nicaea &ndash the first Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church is held

Season 3

Main article: American Idol (season 3)

The third season of American Idol premiered on January 19, 2004. The third season of American Idol premiered on January 19, 2004 and continued until May 26, 2004. Events 1419 - Hundred Years' War: Rouen surrenders to Henry V of England completing his reconquest of Normandy. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The winner of this season of American Idol was Fantasia Barrino, later known professionally as simply "Fantasia," and the runner-up was Diana Degarmo. Fantasia Monique Barrino (born June 30, 1984) or simply Fantasia, is an American R&B / soul singer and Broadway Diana Nicole DeGarmo (born June 16, 1987 in Birmingham, Alabama) is an American singer and Broadway actress This was also the season that Golden Globe Award- and Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson was discovered. The Golden Globe Awards are American awards for motion pictures and Television programs given out each year during a formal dinner "The Oscar" redirects here for the film see The Oscar (film. Jennifer Kate Hudson (born September 12 1981 is an American actress, singer and model.

During the audition process Alonzo Munyeneh of Absecon, NJ was the first prospective contestant to ever be arrested for their actions during their audition. Munyeneh finished his performance of Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" and was told he did not make it to Hollywood. He then became belligerent and started tearing the set apart. He shouted obscenities at the judges while ripping down lighting rigs and knocking over the judges' table. He was finally restrained by security and the authorities were called to take him away. No one was injured but the judges were visibly rattled and had to take a break from the process for a few hours.

The early part of the season introduced William Hung, a UC Berkeley student, who received widespread attention following his off-key rendition of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs. William James Hung Hing Cheong ( Traditional Chinese: 孔慶翔 Simplified Chinese: 孔庆翔 Cantonese Yale: Hung2 Hing3 Cheung4 The University of California Berkeley (also referred to as Cal, Berkeley and UC Berkeley) is a major research university located in Berkeley Enrique Martín Morales (born December 24, 1971) better known by his Stage name Ricky Martin, is a Grammy Award and Latin Grammy " She Bangs " is a song originally performed by Ricky Martin, from his 2000 album Sound Loaded. " His performance, as well as his positive attitude facing Simon's criticisms (a stark contrast to other hopeful contestants' confrontational, angry reactions), landed him a record deal with Koch Entertainment and made him over $500,000 in record sales. Koch Entertainment LP is a North American entertainment company with offices in New York, Nashville, and Toronto. He also starred in a Cingular Wireless commercial with host Ryan Seacrest.

During the season, controversy over the legitimacy of the contest increased as rocker Jon Peter Lewis and young crooner John Stevens stayed afloat while others were unexpectedly eliminated. Jon Peter Lewis (born November 7, 1979 in Lincoln Nebraska) is an John Bassat Stevens IV (born July 28 1987) is a university student and former American Classic pop Singer and was the sixth-place Jasmine Trias, despite negative comments from Simon Cowell over her later performances, survived elimination and took the third spot over Latoya London. For the album see Jasmine Trias (album Jasmine Soriano Trias (born November 3, 1986) is an American La Toya Renee London (born on December 29, 1978) is an American R&B and soul Singer and Actress who was the Trias later released a CD and attracted fans in her home state of Hawaii, the Philippines, Singapore, Guam and other South East Asian countries. The State of Hawaii ( or həˈwaɪʔiː Hawaiian: Mokuāina o Hawaii) is a state in the United States located on an Archipelago in the The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP Singapore Guam ( Chamorro: cha Guåhån) officially the Territory of Guam, is an island in the western Pacific Ocean and is an organized unincorporated The third season was also shown in Australia on Network Ten about half a week after episodes were shown in the U. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. Network Ten, or Channel Ten, is one of Australia 's three major commercial television networks. S.

After a nationwide vote of more than 65 million votes in total - more than the first two seasons combined - Fantasia Barrino won the American Idol title over runner-up Diana DeGarmo. Fantasia Monique Barrino (born June 30, 1984) or simply Fantasia, is an American R&B / soul singer and Broadway Diana Nicole DeGarmo (born June 16, 1987 in Birmingham, Alabama) is an American singer and Broadway actress She released her first single in June 2004 on the RCA record label. The single included "I Believe" – cowritten by former Idol contestant Tamyra Gray (who also sang backup) – which Fantasia performed on the finale of Idol, the Aretha Franklin hit "Chain of Fools" (released before on an American Idol compilation), and her signature version of "Summertime". The single entered the Billboard Hot 100 at #1, making Fantasia the first artist in the history of Billboard to debut at number one with their first single. ^[10][11] The song remained at the number one for one week (it topped the sales chart for 11 weeks in the US and 10 weeks in Canada). Fantasia's CD, I Believe, went on to become the top selling single of 2004 in the U. S and has since been certified double platinum by the CRIA and received 3 Billboard Music Awards. The Billboard Music Awards, sponsored by Billboard magazine and held annually in December is one of several annual United States music awards shows (among In 2006, she received 4 Grammy nominations for her double platinum debut album Free Yourself. The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Free Yourself is the debut album by American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, which was released on November 23 2004.

Sales of Diana DeGarmo's first CD, Blue Skies, suffered partly from a lack of promotion by RCA. DeGarmo eventually asked to be released from her RCA record contract. She received a role in the Broadway production of Hairspray, where she played the part of Penny Pingleton from February 7-May 21 to positive reviews. Broadway theater, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 39 large professional theaters with 500 seats or more located Hairspray is a musical with music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman and a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan based Events 457 - Leo I becomes emperor of the Byzantine Empire. 1074 - Battle of Montesarchio in which the Prince DeGarmo then starred with Melba Moore in the national tour of Brooklyn the Musical through mid-August. Brooklyn The Musical is a musical with a book lyrics and music by Mark Schoenfeld and Barri McPherson On September 8, she returned to the Broadway production of Hairspray to once again assume the role of Penny Pingleton for a six month period. Events 70 - Roman forces under Titus sack Jerusalem. 1264 - The Statute of Kalisz Hairspray is a musical with music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman and a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan based DeGarmo is also working independently on a second album while performing in the musicals. She recently appeared on the CMT reality show Gone Country. Country Music Television, or CMT as it is usually called is an American Country music -oriented Cable television network Gone Country is an American celebrity Reality television show in which contestants compete to become a Country music singer

Jasmine Trias signed with an independent label. For the album see Jasmine Trias (album Jasmine Soriano Trias (born November 3, 1986) is an American Although she has failed to achieve commercial success in the mainland USA, she has become a major celebrity in other countries, such as the Philippines and Japan, where she is signed with Universal Records.

Latoya London signed with Peak Records and released an R&B/soul album, "Love & Life," selling 55,000 copies. La Toya Renee London (born on December 29, 1978) is an American R&B and soul Singer and Actress who was the Peak Records is a Record label that was co-founded by The Rippingtons leader and guitarist Russ Freeman & Andi Howard in 1994. The soul, according to many religious and philosophical beliefs is the self-awareness, or Consciousness, unique to a particular living Love & Life is the debut Album by LaToya London. It was released on September 20, 2005. Her single, "Appreciate/Every Part of Me/All by Myself," charted at number 8 on the Billboard Singles Sales Chart, and her songs, "Appreciate," "Every Part of Me," and "State of My Heart," all received moderate success on urban and adult contemporary radio. She starred in the Los Angeles revival of the retro-musical, "Beehive," and also starred with Angie Stone and Kim Fields in the tour of the play, "Issues: We All Got 'Em. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West Angie Stone (born Angela Laverne Brown on January 30 1961) is an American R&B, soul, and Neo soul Kim Victoria Fields (born May 12, 1969 in New York, New York) is an American actress. " Latoya played the role of Nettie in the touring production of the Broadway musical, The Color Purple, which began with an extended run in Chicago, Illinois in April, 2007. Broadway theater, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 39 large professional theaters with 500 seats or more located The Color Purple is a Broadway musical based upon the novel The Color Purple by Alice Walker. Chicago (ʃɪˈkɑːgoʊ is the largest City by population in the state of Illinois and the American Midwest of the United States. The State of Illinois ( roughly ill-i-NOY is a state of the United States of America, the 21st to be admitted to the Union. The musical also starred Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child. Tenitra Michelle Williams (born July 23, 1980) commonly known as Michelle Williams, is an American Singer-songwriter, Record Destiny's Child (sometimes referred to as DC or DC3) was an R&B and pop Girl group comprising lead singer Beyoncé Knowles

George Huff signed with Word Records to release a gospel album and has since had mild success in that genre. George Clayton Huff Jr (born November 4, 1980 in New Orleans Louisiana) is an American singer whose rich powerful voice carried him to first Word Records is a Christian Record label based in Nashville Tennessee. John Stevens landed a deal with Maverick Records but was dropped due to low album sales. John Bassat Stevens IV (born July 28 1987) is a university student and former American Classic pop Singer and was the sixth-place Maverick Recording Company, is an American Record label and the record company division of entertainment company Maverick.

Jennifer Hudson starred alongside Beyoncé Knowles and Jamie Foxx in the 2006 feature film Dreamgirls and won several honors and awards, including a Golden Globe for her performance and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Jennifer Kate Hudson (born September 12 1981 is an American actress, singer and model. Beyoncé Giselle Knowles (born September 4 1981 commonly known as Beyoncé (biːˈɑn Jamie Foxx (born Eric Marlon Bishop; December 13, 1967) is an Academy Award -winning American Actor, Singer Dreamgirls is a 2006 American Musical film, directed by Bill Condon and jointly produced and released by DreamWorks Pictures The Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture was first awarded by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in 1944 for a performance "The Oscar" redirects here for the film see The Oscar (film. The film, which also won the Golden Globe for Best Picture (Comedy or Musical), sold 8. 8 million dollars worth of tickets to claim the top spot at the box office on its first day in wide theatrical release, which was the single highest daily gross for a musical in motion picture history. The soundtrack to Dreamgirls, featuring Hudson's acclaimed version of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," reached Number One on the Billboard Top 200 album chart on January 10, 2007, after five weeks in release. Dreamgirls is a 2006 American Musical film, directed by Bill Condon and jointly produced and released by DreamWorks Pictures Events 49 BC - Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon, signaling the start of civil war. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Hudson, who signed a recording contract with Clive Davis' Arista label in late 2006, is expected to release her debut album sometime in 2008.

Camile Velasco returned to the Philippines in December 2004 after 17 years for a whirlwind tour of television appearances and a concert with Martin Nievera. Ciara-Camile Roque Velasco (born September 1, 1985) is a Filipino - American Singer and was one of the finalists on the third In 2005, she signed to Motown Records, but left the label after a lack of promotion for her first single. "Motown" redirects here For the city see Detroit Michigan. Camile performed at several concerts in Hawaii, California and Illinois, maintaining her ambition to become an artist. In 2006, she appeared in a Black Eyed Peas video and performed in Hawaii, California, Nevada, New Jersey, New York and the Philippines. Camile is now writing and producing her own songs on Up Above Records. Up Above Records independent hip hop Record label based in Long Beach California, United States, co-founded in 1995

In May 2005, Telescope announced that the third season had a total of approximately 360 million votes.

Date	Bottom Three
March 17	Leah LaBelle	Jennifer Hudson	Amy Adams
March 24	Matthew Rogers	Camile Velasco	Diana DeGarmo
March 31	Amy Adams (2)	Jennifer Hudson (2)	LaToya London
April 7	Camile Velasco (2)	Jasmine Trias	Diana DeGarmo (2)
April 15	Jon Peter Lewis	John Stevens	Diana DeGarmo (3)
April 21	Jennifer Hudson (3)	Fantasia Barrino	LaToya London (2)
April 28	John Stevens (2)	George Huff	Jasmine Trias (2)
	Bottom Two
May 5	George Huff (2)	Jasmine Trias (3)
May 12	LaToya London (3)	Fantasia Barrino (2)
	Final Three
May 19	Jasmine Trias (4)
May 26	Diana DeGarmo (4)	Fantasia Barrino (3)

Season 4

Main article: American Idol (season 4)

The fourth season of American Idol premiered on January 18, 2005. Events 45 BC - In his last victory Julius Caesar defeats the Pompeian forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the Younger Events 1401 - Mongol emperor Timur sacks Damascus. 1603 - James VI of Scotland Events 307 - After divorcing his wife Minervina, Constantine marries Fausta, the daughter of the retired Roman Emperor Events 529 - First draft of Corpus Juris Civilis (a fundamental work in Jurisprudence) is issued by Eastern Roman Emperor Events 1450 - Battle of Formigny: Toward the end of the Hundred Years' War, the French attack and nearly annihilate English Events 753 BC - Romulus and Remus found Rome ( traditional date) Events 1192 - Assassination of Conrad of Montferrat (Conrad I King of Jerusalem, in Tyre, two days after his title Events 553 - The Second Council of Constantinople begins 1215 - Rebel Barons renounce their allegiance to King John Events 1191 - Richard I of England marries Berengaria of Navarre. Events 1535 - French explorer Jacques Cartier sets sail on his second voyage to North America with three ships 110 men and Events 451 - The Battle of Avarayr between Armenian rebels and the Sassanid Empire takes place The fourth season of American Idol premiered on January 18, 2005 and continued until May 25, 2005. Events 350 - Generallus Magnentius deposes Roman Emperor Constans and proclaims himself Emperor Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. It was the first season in which the age limit was raised to 28, in order to increase variety. All Season 4 contestants had to be between the ages of 16 and 28 on August 4, 2004, born on or between August 5, 1975 and August 4, 1988. Events 70 - The Destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 642 - Battle of Maserfield - Penda of Mercia defeats and kills Oswald of Bernicia. Year 1975 ( MCMLXXV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 70 - The Destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans. Year 1988 ( MCMLXXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar) ^[12][13] Among those who benefited from this new rule were Constantine Maroulis (born September 17, 1975) and Bo Bice (born November 1, 1975), considered to be the eldest and somewhat most experienced of the season's Idol contestants. Constantine James Maroulis (born September 17, 1975 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American rock Singer, Events 1176 - The Battle of Myriokephalon is fought 1462 - The Battle of Świecino (or Battle of Żarnowiec Year 1975 ( MCMLXXV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Harold Elwin "Bo" Bice Jr (born November 1 1975 in Huntsville Alabama) is an American singer and musician who became a runner-up in the fourth season Events 996 - Emperor Otto III issues a deed to Gottschalk Bishop of Freising which is the oldest known document using the name Ostarrîchi Year 1975 ( MCMLXXV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. They were also constantly mentioned by Seacrest and in the media as "the two rockers", since their long hair and choice of rock songs made them stand out from conventional Idol standards. The presence of more rock-oriented contestants continued with Chris Daughtry [3]in Season 5, who was inspired to audition for the show by Bice. Christopher Adam Daughtry (born December 26 1979 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, United States) is a Grammy nominated American

This season also implemented new rules for the final portion of the contest. Instead of competing in semi-final heats in which the top vote-getters are promoted to the final round, 24 semi-finalists were named; 12 men and 12 women, who competed separately, with 2 of each gender being voted off each week until 12 finalists were left.

Mario Vazquez, who was originally one of the top 12, dropped out of the competition on March 11, just days before the top 12's first performance, citing "personal issues", opening a spot in the final 12 for Nikko Smith (son of Baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith), who had been voted off in the semi-finals the previous week. Mario Adrián Vázquez (born June 15, 1977) is a Puerto Rican American singer from The Bronx, New York. Events 1425 BC - Thutmose III, Pharaoh of Egypt, dies (according to the Low Chronology of the 18th Dynasty Nikko Smith (born Osborne Earl Smith on April 28, 1982 in San Diego CA) is a singer/songwriter who was the ninth-place finalist of Osborne Earl "Ozzie" Smith (born December 26) is a retired American professional Baseball player who played Shortstop for Major League Baseball

The winner was Carrie Underwood, a country singer. Carrie Marie Underwood (born March 10 1983 in Muskogee, Oklahoma) is an American Country Singer-songwriter. Carrie Underwood's first single, "Inside Your Heaven", was released on June 14, 2005. " Inside Your Heaven " is a song written by Andreas Carlsson, Pelle Nylén, Savan Kotecha and produced by Desmond Child. Events 1276 - While taking exile in Fuzhou in southern China, away from the advancing Mongol invaders, the remnants of the Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The single debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, with first-week sales of 170,000 copies, and briefly stopped Mariah Carey's run at #1 with "We Belong Together". " We Belong Together " is a song recorded by Mariah Carey for her tenth studio album The Emancipation of Mimi (2005 and released as the album's One week later, runner-up Bo Bice released his version of the song, which debuted at #2. The B-side of Underwood's CD was "Independence Day", a cover of the Martina McBride hit. Martina McBride (born Martina Mariea Schiff, July 29, 1966 in Sharon, Kansas, USA) is an American country-pop On November 15, 2005, Carrie released her debut album, Some Hearts, which both debuted and peaked at #2 on Billboard. Events 655 - Battle of Winwaed: Penda of Mercia is defeated by Oswiu of Northumbria. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Underwood's first single, "Jesus, Take the Wheel" was made available for radio airplay on October 18, 2005. " Jesus Take the Wheel " is a Grammy Award-winning song written by Brett James, Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson. Events 1009 - The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a Christian church in Jerusalem, is completely destroyed by the Fatimid Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The single also debuted at #48 on the Billboard Hot 100 where it peaked at #20.

Bo Bice's first single "The Real Thing" has appeared on American Top 40 radio. American Top 40 (commonly abbreviated to AT40) is an internationally- syndicated, independent Although Bice's sales did not match that of Underwood, he stands as the third-most successful recording artist to not win the American Idol title with RIAA platinum status. Third-place contestant Vonzell Solomon landed a role in a film, Still Green and a single on a Christmas album. Vonzell Monique Solomon (born 18 March 1984) better known as Vonzell Solomon or Baby V, is an American singer and aspiring actress Still Green is an American Drama film starring Sarah Jones, Ryan Kelley, Douglas Spain, Noah Segan, Paul Costa Fourth-place contestant Anthony Fedorov has appeared in television shows such as Fear Factor, where he competed with Season 2 contestant Carmen Rasmusen, winning second place, and has finished taping several episodes for a new MTV show to air in the fall. Anthony Fedorov (born Anatoliy Vladimirovich Fedorov on May 4, 1985; Russian: Анатолий Владимирович Фёдоров Ukrainian The fear factor in occupational terminology refers to the increased per-worker productivity resulting from the threat of impending layoffs. Carmen Rasmusen (born March 25, 1985 in Edmonton Alberta) is a Canadian - American Country music artist who ranked sixth Federov will be performing in The Fantasticks on off-Broadway May through July of 2007. The Fantasticks is a 1960 musical with music by Harvey Schmidt and lyrics by Tom Jones. Off-Broadway plays or musicals are performed in New York City. Sixth-place contestant Constantine Maroulis has redone his rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" for a Queen tribute album, and released his first full-length solo album in 2007. is a Song written by Freddie Mercury and originally recorded by the band Queen for their 1975 album ''A Night at the Opera''. Killer Queen is a Tribute album of Queen songs The album is named for the 1974 Queen song of the same name that first appeared on the Since August 2006, Maroulis has appeared in the Broadway musical The Wedding Singer and the now closed off-broadway play Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris and has appeared on CBS' The Bold & the Beautiful. The Wedding Singer is a musical based on the film The Wedding Singer, with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris is an American Musical revue of the songs of Jacques Brel. Seventh-place contestant Anwar Robinson has released his self-titled EP on an independent label. Anwar Farid Robinson (born April 21, 1979) is an American singer/songwriter/musician who was the 7th Twelfth-place contestant Lindsey Cardinale's first single, "Nothing Like A Dream", was released in March 2006. Lindsey Michelle Cardinale (born February 5, 1985 in Hammond, Louisiana) is an American country singer and University

In May 2005, Telescope announced that the fourth season had a total of approximately 500 million votes.

On February 11, 2007, Carrie Underwood became the first winner of American Idol to sweep all three major music awards (American Music, Billboard, and Grammy Awards) in a single season (for 2006-07). Events 660 BC - Traditional founding date of Japan by Emperor Jimmu. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The American Music Awards show is one of several annual major American music awards shows (among the others are the Billboard Music Awards the Grammy Awards The Billboard Music Awards, sponsored by Billboard magazine and held annually in December is one of several annual United States music awards shows (among The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences

Date	Bottom Three
March 16	Lindsey Cardinale	Mikalah Gordon	Jessica Sierra
March 23	Mikalah Gordon (2)	Nadia Turner	Anthony Federov
March 30	Jessica Sierra (2)	Anwar Robinson	Nadia Turner (2)
April 6	Nikko Smith	Scott Savol	Vonzell Solomon
April 13	Nadia Turner (3)	Bo Bice	Scott Savol (2)
April 20	Anwar Robinson (2)	Anthony Federov (2)	Scott Savol (3)
April 27	Constantine Maroulis	Anthony Federov (3)	Vonzell Solomon (2)
	Bottom Two
May 4	Scott Savol (4)	Anthony Federov (4)
May 11	Anthony Federov (5)	Vonzell Solomon (3)
	Final Three
May 18	Vonzell Solomon (4)
May 25	Bo Bice (2)	Carrie Underwood

• None of the bottom 3 on the April 20th results show were sent back to safety before the elimination announcement. Events 597 BC - Babylonians capture Jerusalem, replace Jehoiachin with Zedekiah as king Events 1174 - Jocelin, Abbot of Melrose, is elected Bishop of Glasgow. Events 240 BC - 1st recorded Perihelion passage of Halley's Comet. Events 46 BC - Julius Caesar defeats Caecilius Metellus Scipio and Marcus Porcius Cato in the Battle of Thapsus Events 1111 - Henry V is crowned Holy Roman Emperor. 1204 - The Fourth Crusade sacks Constantinople Events 1303 - The University of Rome La Sapienza is instituted by Pope Boniface VIII. Events 1124 - David I becomes King of Scotland. 1296 - Battle of Dunbar: The Scots are defeated Events 1256 - The Augustinian monastic order is constituted at the Lecceto Monastery when Pope Alexander IV Events 330 - Byzantium is renamed ''Nova Roma'' during a dedication ceremony but is more popularly referred to as Constantinople Events 1152 - Henry II of England marries Eleanor of Aquitaine. Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors.

Season 5

Main article: American Idol (season 5)

The fifth season of American Idol began on January 17, 2006; this was the first season of the series to be aired in high definition. The fifth season of American Idol began on January 17, 2006 and concluded on May 24, 2006. Events 38 BC - Octavian marries Livia Drusilla. 1287 - King Alfonso III of Aragon invades Minorca Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. High-definition television (HDTV is a Digital television Broadcasting system with higher resolution than traditional television systems (standard-definition Auditions were in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver and San Francisco, with Greensboro, North Carolina and Las Vegas, Nevada included after the cancellation of the Memphis auditions due to Hurricane Katrina. Chicago (ʃɪˈkɑːgoʊ is the largest City by population in the state of Illinois and the American Midwest of the United States. The City and County of Denver (pronounced /ˈdɛnvɚ/ is the Capital and the most populous city of Colorado, in the United States The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth most populous city North Carolina ( is a state located on the Atlantic Seaboard in the southeastern United States Las Vegas ( Spanish: "The Meadows" is the most populous City in the state of Nevada, the seat of Clark County, and an internationally Nevada ( is a state located in the western region of the United States of America. Memphis is a City in the southwest corner of Tennessee, and the County seat of Shelby County. Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the costliest hurricane, as well as one of the five deadliest in the history of the United States The season used the same rules as Season 4. ^{[14] [15]}

Taylor Hicks was named American Idol on May 24, 2006; he was the fourth contestant to never fall into any week's "bottom three". Taylor Reuben Hicks (October 7 1976 is an American singer who achieved fame in 2006 as a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol Events 1218 - The Fifth Crusade leaves Acre for Egypt. 1276 - Magnus Ladulås is crowned Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. His first post-Idol single, "Do I Make You Proud", would debut at #1 and be certified gold. ^[16] Hicks' album, Taylor Hicks, has sold 702,000 copies to date.

On May 30, 2006, Telescope announced that a total of 63. Events 1416 - The Council of Constance, called by the Emperor Sigismund a supporter of Antipope John XXIII burns Jerome of Prague following Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. 5 million votes were cast in the finale round. A total of 580 million votes were cast in the entire season. ^[17] Taylor Hicks is the second American Idol winner from the city of Birmingham, Alabama (the first being Ruben Studdard), and the fourth finalist with close ties to the city. Birmingham (ˈbɝmɪŋhæm is the largest City in the US state of Alabama and is the County seat of Jefferson County. Alabama (formally the State of Alabama;) is a State located in the southern region of the United States of America. Christopher Ruben Studdard (born September 12, 1978) is an American pop, R&B, and gospel Singer.

The fifth-season contestant with the most commercial success is fourth-place finisher Chris Daughtry, now lead singer of the band Daughtry. Christopher Adam Daughtry (born December 26 1979 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, United States) is a Grammy nominated American Daughtry ( IPA: /ˈdoʊtriː/ is a rock band from North Carolina, formed by former American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry Their eponymous debut album has sold over 5 million copies to date - surpassing former winners Studdard and Fantasia's respective two-album totals - and produced two top-ten singles. The album, which spent two weeks at #1 in the US, is also the fastest-selling debut rock album in Soundscan history. Nielsen SoundScan is an information system created by Mike Fine and Mike Shalett that tracks sales of music and music video products throughout the United States and Canada ^[18]

Runner-up Katharine McPhee's debut album has sold 367,000 copies to date; she has two Top 40 Billboard hits to date. Katharine Hope McPhee (born March 25, 1984) is an American pop & R&B Singer, actress and model Also notable: sixth-place finisher Kellie Pickler, whose Small Town Girl reached #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and has sold over 700,000 copies to date. Kellie Dawn Pickler (born June 28, 1986) is an American country singer and Television personality. Strong early sales have also been achieved by mid-2007 eponymous album releases by third-place Elliott Yamin and eighth-place Bucky Covington. Elliott Yamin ( hebrew: אליוט ימין) (born Efraym Elliott Yamin on July 20, 1978) is an American Singer Bucky Covington (born William Joel Covington III, November 8, 1977) is an American country music singer

Date	Bottom Three
March 15	Melissa McGhee	Lisa Tucker	Ace Young
March 22	Kevin Covais	Bucky Covington	Lisa Tucker (2)
March 29	Lisa Tucker (3)	Katharine McPhee	Ace Young (2)
April 5	Mandisa	Elliott Yamin	Paris Bennett
April 12	Bucky Covington (2)	Ace Young (3)	Elliott Yamin (2)
April 19	Ace Young (4)	Chris Daughtry	Paris Bennett (2)
	Bottom Two
April 26	Kellie Pickler	Paris Bennett (3)
May 3	Paris Bennett (4)	Elliott Yamin (3)
May 10	Chris Daughtry (2)	Katharine McPhee (2)
	Final Three
May 17	Elliott Yamin (4)
May 24	Katharine McPhee (3)	Taylor Hicks

• None of the bottom 3 on the April 12th results show were sent back to safety before the elimination announcement. Events 44 BC - Julius Caesar, Dictator of the Roman Republic, is stabbed to death by Marcus Junius Brutus, Events 238 - Gordian I and his son Gordian II are proclaimed Roman emperor. Events 1461 - Wars of the Roses: Battle of Towton - Edward of York defeats Queen Margaret to become King Events 456 - St Patrick returns to Ireland as a missionary bishop Events 467 - Anthemius is elevated to Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. Events 1012 - Martyrdom of Alphege in Greenwich London. 1529 - At the Second Diet of Speyer Events 1467 - The miraculous image in Our Lady of Good Counsel appear in Genazzano, Italy. Events 1491 - Kongo monarch Nkuwu Nzinga is baptised by Portuguese missionaries adopting the baptismal name of João Events 1291 - Scottish Nobles recognize the authority of Edward I of England. Events 1521 - Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham, is executed for Treason. Events 1218 - The Fifth Crusade leaves Acre for Egypt. 1276 - Magnus Ladulås is crowned

Season 6

Main article: American Idol (season 6)

The sixth season began on Tuesday, January 16, 2007. The sixth season of American Idol premiered on the Fox Broadcasting Company on January 16, 2007 and ran until May 23, Events 27 BC - The title Augustus is bestowed upon Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian by the Roman Senate. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The premiere episode of the season drew a massive audience of 37. 7 million viewers, peaking in the last half hour with more than 41 million viewers. ^[19] Jordin Sparks was declared the winner on May 23, 2007, at 10:05 EST, with a new record of 74 million votes in the finale against runner-up Blake Lewis. Jordin Brianna Sparks (born December 22 1989 Sparks is an Evangelical Christian and attends Calvary Community Church in Phoenix Arizona Events 1430 - Siege of Compiègne: Joan of Arc is captured by the Burgundians while leading an army to relieve Compiègne Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Blake Colin Lewis (born July 21, 1981) is an American Singer-songwriter, beatboxer and philanthropist who was the runner-up

Teenager Sanjaya Malakar was the season's most polarizing and talked about American Idol contestant,^[20][21] as he continued to survive elimination for several weeks. Sanjaya Joseph Malakar (sænˈdʒaɪə ˈmɑːləkɑr Bengali: সঞ্জয় মালাকার (born September 10 1989) was a finalist on The weblog Vote for the Worst and satellite radio personality Howard Stern both encouraged fans to vote for Sanjaya. VoteForTheWorstcom ( VFTW) is a website that is devoted to voting for the worst contestants on the Fox Network television series American Idol Howard Allan Stern (born January 12 1954 is an American radio host and Television personality. However, on April 18, after over 38 million votes, Sanjaya was voted off. Events 1025 - Bolesław Chrobry is crowned in Gniezno, becoming the first King of Poland.

The Top 6 singers performed inspirational music as a part of the first ever "Idol Gives Back" telethon-inspired event which raised more than $60 million in corporate and viewer donations. ^[22] None of the singers were eliminated, and the votes from that week were added to the votes from the following week to eliminate two singers. Both weeks saw a two-hour extension of the regular two-hour voting window, and in the end, with a two-week total of over 135 million votes, Chris Richardson and Phil Stacey were eliminated. The next week, Lakisha Jones was sent packing after 45 million votes were cast, a result Simon had successfully predicted. Then, in the top 3, Melinda Doolittle, a frontrunner of the show, was ousted after nearly 60 million votes, despite predictions from Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell that she should be in the finale.

A little over a month earlier, the show had launched the American Idol Songwriter contest which enabled fans to select the "coronation song" to be performed by whichever two contestants made it to the finale. In the songwriting contest, amateur songwriters were able to submit original songs they had written and recorded. A selection committee headed by Idol creator Simon Fuller then narrowed thousands of submissions down to twenty finalists. With "one online vote per fan," fans were able to listen to snippets from each song and rate them. When the ratings were tallied, the winning song was the ballad "This is My Now" co-written by Scott Krippayne and Jeff Peabody.

In the finale, both Jordin and Blake started the night off strong. However, the final song of the night was "This is My Now," the winner of the American Idol Songwriter contest. Since the song had been specifically written for the American Idol finale, neither contestant was allowed much flexibility to make it their own. Some fans complained that this song was written in Jordin's style of singing which would give her an advantange over Blake. In fact, the next night, Simon predicted that Jordin would win purely on this final song. At the end of the episode, Ryan confirmed both Randy's and Simon's predictions announcing Jordin Sparks the Season 6 winner of American Idol, after approximately 74 million votes. Jordin Sparks first non American Idol single is Tattoo, while Blake Lewis' single is Break Anotha. Phil Stacey, tied for fifth place with Chris Richardson, is now signed to Lyric Street and has released his first single If You Didn't Love Me. Jordin's second single is the hit No Air with Chris Brown.

This season of American Idol produced two Top 3 contestants that were never in bottom 2 or 3, Jordin Sparks (the Season 6 winner) and Melinda Doolittle (third place). Jordin Brianna Sparks (born December 22 1989 Sparks is an Evangelical Christian and attends Calvary Community Church in Phoenix Arizona Melinda Marie Doolittle (born on October 6, 1977) is an American Singer who finished as the third place finalist on the sixth season They are joined by Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, David Archuleta and David Cook as Top 3 contestants never to have been in the bottom 2 or 3. Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24 1982 is an American Pop rock singer songwriter and occasional actress. Clay Aiken (born Clayton Holmes Grissom on November 30, 1978) is an American pop Singer who began his rise to fame on the Carrie Marie Underwood (born March 10 1983 in Muskogee, Oklahoma) is an American Country Singer-songwriter. Taylor Reuben Hicks (October 7 1976 is an American singer who achieved fame in 2006 as a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol David James Archuleta (born December 28 1990 is an American singer David Cook may refer to David Cook (singer (b 1982 winner of the seventh season of American Idol David J

Date	Bottom Three
March 14	Brandon Rogers	Sanjaya Malakar	Phil Stacey
March 21	Stephanie Edwards	Chris Richardson
March 28	Chris Sligh	Haley Scarnato	Phil Stacey (2)
April 4	Gina Glocksen	Haley Scarnato (2)	Phil Stacey (3)
April 11	Haley Scarnato (3)	Phil Stacey (4)	Chris Richardson (2)
April 18	Sanjaya Malakar (2)	LaKisha Jones	Blake Lewis
	Bottom Two
May 2	Phil Stacey (5)	Chris Richardson (3)
	Final Four
May 9	LaKisha Jones (2)
May 16	Melinda Doolittle
May 23	Blake Lewis (2)	Jordin Sparks

• On the March 21st results show, only the bottom two were announced. Events 1489 - The Queen of Cyprus, Catherine Cornaro, sells her kingdom to Venice. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem. Events 37 - Roman Emperor Caligula accepts the titles of the Principate, entitled to him by the Senate. Events 1581 - Francis Drake completes a circumnavigation of the world and is knighted by Elizabeth I. Events 491 - Flavius Anastasius becomes Byzantine Emperor, with the name of Anastasius I. Events 1025 - Bolesław Chrobry is crowned in Gniezno, becoming the first King of Poland. Events 1194 - King Richard I of England gives Portsmouth its first Royal Charter. Events 1457 BC - Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC between Thutmose III and a large Canaanite coalition under the King of Events 1204 - Baldwin IX Count of Flanders is crowned as the first Emperor of the Latin Empire. Events 1430 - Siege of Compiègne: Joan of Arc is captured by the Burgundians while leading an army to relieve Compiègne
• From the Final 6 onward, only the names of the eliminated contestants were announced, with no mention of a bottom three or two.

Season 7

Main article: American Idol (season 7)

American Idol returned for its seventh season on January 15, 2008^[23] for a two day, four hour premiere. The seventh season of American Idol, the annual reality show and singing competition began on January 15, 2008 and concluded Events 588 BC - Nebuchadrezzar II of Babylon lays siege to Jerusalem under Zedekiah 's reign 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common David Cook was crowned the winner of American Idol season 7 on May 21, 2008, with a record breaking 56% of the 97. David Roland Cook (born December 20, 1982) is an American Alt-rock, Post-Grunge Singer-songwriter. 5 million votes. Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe revealed small changes for the show upon its return in 2008. It was reported that more attention would be paid to who the contestants are, where they come from, and why fans should care to vote for them. Still, the executive producer owns up to the fact that season 6 took the focus away from the contestants, their backgrounds and their talent, and it needs to get back on track. ^[24]

In Season 6, relatively little was known about the contestants, which was evident by the fact that Sanjaya's hair was the biggest "personal" story of each week. While there were a couple of big changes planned, Lythgoe stated that "fans shouldn't fret". Despite cries that every season in the initial audition process the judges were cruel and mean, there was little to no adjustment made to that part of the show. One significant change was allowing contestants to play their own instruments (Contestants on Canadian Idol and Australian Idol are also allowed to play instruments. Canadian Idol is a Reality television show on the Canadian television network CTV, based on the popular British show Rules Auditions Auditions are held in major cities around Australia to find each season's contestants ) This change has brought a new depth to the show, as it has displayed musicianship in addition to good voices.

As the return of American Idol drew close a former contestant spoke out about the show's credibility. Season 5 sensation Chris Daughtry was quoted saying "I feel like it's definitely lacking some credibility at this point. Christopher Adam Daughtry (born December 26 1979 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, United States) is a Grammy nominated American I'm sure that it will be used against me, but that's the truth. "

On March 11, 2008, American Idol debuted a new state-of-the-art set and stage, along with a new on-air look. Events 1425 BC - Thutmose III, Pharaoh of Egypt, dies (according to the Low Chronology of the 18th Dynasty 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The two-night season finale, as announced by Seacrest, was broadcasted live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles last May 20 and 21. LA Live is currently under construction in Downtown Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West

Idol Gives Back raised more than $75 million in 2007 for underprivileged children, and returned on April 9, 2008. Idol Gives Back is the name of a charitable campaign that spanned two episodes of American Idol during its sixth season. Events 193 - Septimius Severus is proclaimed Roman Emperor by the army in Illyricum (in the Balkans) 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Brad Pitt was scheduled to appear for this event. William Bradley "Brad" Pitt Pitt received a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination for his role in the 1995 film Twelve Monkeys ^[25]. It is said that the revenue earned from the April 9, 2008 event is comparable to the amount raised in 2007 and will be distributed by the Idol Gives Back Foundation ^[26]. Events 193 - Septimius Severus is proclaimed Roman Emperor by the army in Illyricum (in the Balkans) 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Idol Gives Back is the name of a charitable campaign that spanned two episodes of American Idol during its sixth season.

The media has noted that several of the semi-finalists have previously had record deals, including Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, and Carly Smithson. (Eventual winner David Cook released an independent solo album 2 years prior to his audition for the show, but was never a part of a record label or contract. Analog Heart is the debut solo album by singer/guitarist David Cook. ) Idol rules state that contestants may have had a record deal in the past, but are still eligible as long as they are no longer under contract when Idol begins. None of the finalists are currently under contract.

This season of American Idol produced two Top 3 contestants that were never in bottom 2 or 3, David Archuleta and David Cook. David James Archuleta (born December 28 1990 is an American singer David Roland Cook (born December 20, 1982) is an American Alt-rock, Post-Grunge Singer-songwriter. They will join Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, and Melinda Doolittle as the Top 3 contestants to never have been in the bottom 3 or 2. Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24 1982 is an American Pop rock singer songwriter and occasional actress. Clay Aiken (born Clayton Holmes Grissom on November 30, 1978) is an American pop Singer who began his rise to fame on the Carrie Marie Underwood (born March 10 1983 in Muskogee, Oklahoma) is an American Country Singer-songwriter. Taylor Reuben Hicks (October 7 1976 is an American singer who achieved fame in 2006 as a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol Jordin Brianna Sparks (born December 22 1989 Sparks is an Evangelical Christian and attends Calvary Community Church in Phoenix Arizona Melinda Marie Doolittle (born on October 6, 1977) is an American Singer who finished as the third place finalist on the sixth season David Archuleta and Clay Aiken are the only runner-ups to have never been in the bottom 2 or 3. This season's finale was also the first time in the show's history where neither one of the Top 2 were ever in the bottom 3.

Date	Bottom Three
March 12	David Hernandez	Kristy Lee Cook	Syesha Mercado
March 19	Amanda Overmyer	Kristy Lee Cook (2)	Carly Smithson
March 26	Chikezie Eze	Syesha Mercado (2)	Jason Castro
April 2	Ramiele Malubay	Kristy Lee Cook (3)	Brooke White
April 101	Michael Johns	Carly Smithson (2)	Syesha Mercado (3)
April 16	Kristy Lee Cook (4)	Brooke White (2)	Syesha Mercado (4)
	Bottom Two
April 23	Carly Smithson (3)	Syesha Mercado (5)
	Final Five
April 302	Brooke White (3)
May 72	Jason Castro (2)
May 142	Syesha Mercado (6)
May 21 2	David Archuleta	David Cook

¹ None of the bottom 3 on the April 10th results show was sent back to safety before the elimination announcement. Events 538 - Witiges, king of the Ostrogoths ends his siege of Rome and retreats to Ravenna, leaving Events 1279 - A Mongolian victory in the Battle of Yamen ends the Song Dynasty in China. Events 1026 - Pope John XIX crowns Conrad II as Holy Roman Emperor. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of Events 879 - Louis III becomes King of the Western Franks. 1407 - the lama Events 1178 BC - A Solar eclipse may have marked the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom Events 215 BC - A temple is built on the Capitoline Hill dedicated to Venus Erycina to commemorate the Roman defeat at Events 313 - Roman emperor Licinius unifies the entire Eastern Roman Empire under his rule Events 558 - In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses Events 1264 - Battle of Lewes: Henry III of England is captured in France making Simon de Montfort the Events 878 - Syracuse Italy is captured by the Muslim sultan of Sicily.
² From the Final 5 onward, only the names of the eliminated contestants were announced, with no mention of a bottom three or two.

Media sponsorship

American Idol is often noted for advertising its sponsors during the show's runtime. Being the number-one-rated show in the United States, it costs around $700,000 for a 30-second commercial. ^[27]

Apple iTunes has joined as a Season 7 major sponsor in the U. iTunes is a proprietary digital media player application introduced by Apple Inc S. , and Ryan Seacrest notes during the program that all performances are available via iTunes. Video is regularly shown of contestants learning their songs by rehearsing with iPods. Coca-Cola is a major sponsor in the U. Coca-Cola is a carbonated Soft drink sold in stores restaurants and Vending machines in more than 200 countries S. , and all the judges, hosts, and contestants are seen consuming beverages out of cups bearing the Coca-Cola logo -- although video evidence suggests Abdul pretends to drink from one cup in which there is no liquid. ^[28] The sponsorship also depicts contestants and host Seacrest gathering for a "Keeping it Real" segment between songs in the "Coca-Cola Red Room," the show's equivalent to the traditional green room. A green room is a room in a Theater, Studio, or other public venue for the accommodation of performers or speakers when not required on (During rebroadcast on ITV in the UK, the Coca-Cola logo is obscured in the shots. Independent Television (generally known as ITV) is a public service network of British commercial television broadcasters set up under the Independent ) In seasons 1 through 4, after every Wednesday results show, the host and remaining contestants meet in the Coca-Cola Red Room to discuss next week's theme; the footage of this meeting is shown at the start of the following Tuesday's performance show. The red room was removed in Season 7 at the beginning of the top 12 when American Idol switched to a new stage.

Text voting is made possible by AT&T Mobility, formerly Cingular Wireless. AT&T Mobility LLC (usually branded AT&T, and formerly named Cingular Wireless LLC) is the wholly owned wireless subsidiary of AT&T Inc It was provided by AT&T Wireless Services before Cingular acquired that company. AT&T Wireless Services Inc, formerly part of AT&T Corp, was a Wireless Telephone carrier in the United States, based in Redmond Washington

Kellogg and Pop-Tarts are also two major sponsors, especially of the cast tour that follows the end of every season. Kellogg Company (often referred to as simply Kellogg or Kellogg's, or even more formally Kellogg's of Battle Creek) is an American multinational Pop-Tarts is the brand for a flat rectangular Toaster pastry approximately by made by the Kellogg Company. ^[29] Products from the Ford Motor Company also receive prominent product placement; contestants appear in Ford commercials on the results shows, and the final two of Seasons 4, 5 and 6 each won free Mustangs. Ford Motor Company is an American Multinational corporation and the world's fourth largest automaker based on Worldwide vehicle sales, following Previous contestants Kelly Clarkson and Taylor Hicks have also been tapped to do commercials for Ford. Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24 1982 is an American Pop rock singer songwriter and occasional actress. Taylor Reuben Hicks (October 7 1976 is an American singer who achieved fame in 2006 as a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol Also, in the top 24's studio, in the red room there is a glass table with a Ford tire inside of it. The camera routinely captures the logo.

Contestants will occasionally don Old Navy clothing during performances,^[29] and celebrity stylist Steven Cojocaru appeared in two previous seasons to assist contestants with picking out wardrobe pieces from Old Navy. Old Navy is a Brand of clothing and chain of stores owned by Gap Inc Steven "Cojo" Cojocaru (born January 5, 1970) is a Fashion critic Clairol hair care products also sponsors the show, with contestants usually getting Clairol-guided hair makeovers after the first two or three episodes during the round of 12. Clairol is a Personal care products division of Procter & Gamble. ^[29]

Controversy

Main article: American Idol controversy

• American Idol has come under fire for maintaining what some claim to be total control of the careers of the winners of the contest. The American singing competition show American Idol has generated controversy over the years in numerous areas Former co-host Brian Dunkleman referred to the show as "owning" the winning contestants, noting that winners sign contracts to only record with companies owned by the show's producers and to allow related agencies to manage their careers. Brian Dunkleman (born September 25 1971 in Ellicottville New York) is a Comedian and Actor
• During season three, controversy arose at the poor showing during the semi-finals of three highly praised African American contestants, Jennifer Hudson, LaToya London and Fantasia Barrino - collectively known during that season as the 'Three Divas'. African Americans or Black Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have origins in any of the black populations of Africa Jennifer Kate Hudson (born September 12 1981 is an American actress, singer and model. La Toya Renee London (born on December 29, 1978) is an American R&B and soul Singer and Actress who was the Fantasia Monique Barrino (born June 30, 1984) or simply Fantasia, is an American R&B / soul singer and Broadway After the surprise elimination of Hudson, Sir Elton John, who was a guest judge for that season criticized the vote as 'incredibly racist' in a press conference. Sir Elton Hercules John CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947 is an English pop / rock Singer, Composer ^[30] The elimination of both Hudson and London relatively early in the competition has been pointed out as a classic demonstration of vote splitting in the American idol vote. Vote splitting is an electoral effect in which the distribution of votes among multiple similar candidates reduces the chance of winning for any of the similar candidates and ^[31] However, it should also be noted that Fantasia went on to win that season of American Idol.
• Since the 2004 season, American Idol producers have battled online community services such as the websites DialIdol.com, Worldsentiment. A website (alternatively web site or Web site, a back-construction from the Proper noun World Wide Web) is a collection of Web pages DialIdol is both the name of a Computer program for Microsoft Windows and its associated website that tracks voting trends for American Idol com, and VotefortheWorst.com. VoteForTheWorstcom ( VFTW) is a website that is devoted to voting for the worst contestants on the Fox Network television series American Idol DialIdol predicts which contestants may be voted off or are in danger of being voted off based on the percentage of times an automatic dialer encounters a busy signal for each contestant; Worldsentiment uses very large samplings and algorithms to predict the outcome of the vote-off; and VotefortheWorst exhorts viewers to vote for what the site deems to be the worst contestant, rather than the best. Some in the media have implied that Las Vegas odds makers exert behind-the-scenes influence in protecting the services. ^[32][33]
• Season 7 contestant Carly Smithson has stirred up controversy due to a prior major label record deal she had with MCA Records. Carly Smithson ( Irish: ??? (née Hennessy; Irish: Ó hAonghusa) (born September 12, 1983) is a Meteor Award It has been reported that MCA spent over 2 million dollars promoting Smithson's previous album "Ultimate High", which she made under the name Carly Hennessy. The album sold 378 copies, but is now available on iTunes. iTunes is a proprietary digital media player application introduced by Apple Inc To further complicate things, Randy Jackson worked for MCA during the same period of time that Smithson was signed, and was part of the team that signed her to MCA. The show made no mention of this deal. In addition, contestants Michael Johns and Kristy Lee Cook were also represented by a major record label at one time and have made albums. ^[34][35] Contestant Robbie Carrico was formerly a member of the group Boyz N Girlz United, who had a minor hit in 2000 with the single "Messed Around", as well as opening for Britney Spears in 1999. ^[36] This new information raises questions as to whether this year's contestants can be considered "amateur", noting their prior work within the entertainment industry. According to a poll by AOL Television, 63 percent of those polled believed that contestants who have already had record deals should not be contestants on American Idol. ^[37]
• In the April 20, 2008 edition of Celebrity Fit Club, Brian Dunkleman made claims that he was not fired from American Idol and he was going to break his silence at that point. With that he made the claims that he left the show "because those kids (the contestants) were not treated in the right way". He then went on to say that leaving American Idol was the biggest mistake of his life.
• Judge Paula Abdul caused controversy on Season 7, top 5 performance night when she slipped up, commenting on two performances when only one was shown. This has been cited by many as proof of American Idol's scripted nature. However, it was reported on the next night that Abdul had listened to some of the contestants' rehearsals and had gotten confused due to the rushed nature of that performance night.

Television ratings

U. S.

Seasonal rankings (based on average total viewers per episode) of American Idol on FOX.

Each U. S. network television season starts in late September and ends in late May, which coincides with the completion of May sweeps. Nielsen Ratings are audience measurement systems developed by Nielsen Media Research to determine the Audience size and composition of television

Season[38]	Premiered		Ended		TV Season	Timeslot	Rank
	Date	Viewers (in millions)	Date	Viewers (in millions)
1st[39]	June 11-June 12, 2002	9. The first season of American Idol premiered on June 11, 2002 (under the full title American Idol The Search for a Superstar Events 1184 BC - Trojan War: Troy is sacked and burned according to the calculations of Eratosthenes. Events 1381 - Peasants' Revolt: in England, rebels arrive at Blackheath. See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. 90	Final Performances: September 3, 2002	18. Events 36 BC - In the Battle of Naulochus, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, Admiral of Octavian, defeats Sextus Pompeius See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. 69	2002	Tuesday 9:00PM (performance show)	#30
			Season Finale: September 4, 2002	22. Events 476 - Romulus Augustus, last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, is deposed when Odoacer proclaims himself See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. 77		Wednesday 9:30PM (results show)	#25
2nd[40]	January 21-January 22, 2003	26. The second season of American Idol premiered on January 21, 2003 and continued until May 21, 2003. Events 1189 - Philip II of France and Richard I of England begin to assemble troops to wage the Third Crusade. Events 565 - Eutychius is deposed as Patriarch of Constantinople by John Scholasticus. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. 50	Final Performances: May 20, 2003	25. Events 325 - The First Council of Nicaea &ndash the first Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church is held Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. 67	2003	Tuesday 8:00PM (performance show)	#5
			Season Finale: May 21, 2003	34. Events 878 - Syracuse Italy is captured by the Muslim sultan of Sicily. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. 24		Wednesday 8:30PM (results show)	#3
3rd[41]	January 19-January 20, 2004	28. The third season of American Idol premiered on January 19, 2004 and continued until May 26, 2004. Events 1419 - Hundred Years' War: Rouen surrenders to Henry V of England completing his reconquest of Normandy. Events 250 - Emperor Decius begins a widespread persecution of Christians in Rome. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " 56	Final Performances: May 25, 2004	25. Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " 13	2004	Tuesday 8:00PM (performance show)	#2
			Season Finale: May 26, 2004	28. Events 451 - The Battle of Avarayr between Armenian rebels and the Sassanid Empire takes place "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " 84		Wednesday 8:30PM (results show)	#3
4th[42]	January 18-January 19, 2005	33. The fourth season of American Idol premiered on January 18, 2005 and continued until May 25, 2005. Events 350 - Generallus Magnentius deposes Roman Emperor Constans and proclaims himself Emperor Events 1419 - Hundred Years' War: Rouen surrenders to Henry V of England completing his reconquest of Normandy. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. 58	Final Performances: May 24, 2005	28. Events 1218 - The Fifth Crusade leaves Acre for Egypt. 1276 - Magnus Ladulås is crowned Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. 05	2005	Tuesday 8:00PM (performance show)	#1
			Season Finale: May 25, 2005	30. Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. 27		Wednesday 8:00PM (results show)	#3
5th[43]	January 17-January 18, 2006	35. The fifth season of American Idol began on January 17, 2006 and concluded on May 24, 2006. Events 38 BC - Octavian marries Livia Drusilla. 1287 - King Alfonso III of Aragon invades Minorca Events 350 - Generallus Magnentius deposes Roman Emperor Constans and proclaims himself Emperor Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. 53	Final Performances: May 23, 2006	31. Events 1430 - Siege of Compiègne: Joan of Arc is captured by the Burgundians while leading an army to relieve Compiègne Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. 78	2006	Tuesday 8:00PM (performance show)	#1
			Season Finale: May 24, 2006	36. Events 1218 - The Fifth Crusade leaves Acre for Egypt. 1276 - Magnus Ladulås is crowned Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. 38		Wednesday 8:00PM (results show)	#1
6th[44][45][46]	January 16-January 17, 2007	37. The sixth season of American Idol premiered on the Fox Broadcasting Company on January 16, 2007 and ran until May 23, Events 27 BC - The title Augustus is bestowed upon Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian by the Roman Senate. Events 38 BC - Octavian marries Livia Drusilla. 1287 - King Alfonso III of Aragon invades Minorca Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. 7	Final Performances: May 22, 2007	25. Events 334 BC - The Greek army of Alexander the Great defeats Darius III of Persia in the Battle of the Granicus. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. 33	2007	Tuesday 8:00PM (performance show)	#2
			Season Finale: May 23, 2007	30. Events 1430 - Siege of Compiègne: Joan of Arc is captured by the Burgundians while leading an army to relieve Compiègne Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. 74		Wednesday 8:00PM (results show)	#1
7th[47][48][49][50]	January 15-January 16, 2008	33. The seventh season of American Idol, the annual reality show and singing competition began on January 15, 2008 and concluded Events 588 BC - Nebuchadrezzar II of Babylon lays siege to Jerusalem under Zedekiah 's reign Events 27 BC - The title Augustus is bestowed upon Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian by the Roman Senate. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common 4	Final Performances: May 20, 2008	27. Events 325 - The First Council of Nicaea &ndash the first Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church is held 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common 06	2008	Tuesday 8:00PM (performance show)	#1
			Season Finale: May 21, 2008	31. Events 878 - Syracuse Italy is captured by the Muslim sultan of Sicily. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common 66		Wednesday 9:00PM (results show)	#2

Unlike most successful television programs, past and present, American Idol has maintained and even grown its audience numbers beyond its first few seasons.

A growing number of television executives have begun to regard American Idol as a programming force unlike any seen before. Jeff Zucker, the new chief executive of NBC Universal, said, “I think Idol is the most impactful show in the history of television. Jeffrey Zucker (born April 9, 1965) is an American Television executive and President & CEO of NBC Universal. NBC Universal is a media and Entertainment company formed in May 2004 by the combination of General Electric 's NBC with Vivendi Universal The Television Technology can be divided along two lines those developments that depended upon both mechanical and electronic Principles and ”^[51]

American Idol's consistent dominance of an hour two or three nights a week exceeds the 30- or 60-minute reach of previous hits such as The Cosby Show. The Cosby Show is an American television Situation comedy starring Bill Cosby, first airing on September 20, 1984 As a result, competing networks—whose personnel call the show "the Death Star"^[52]—have often rearranged their schedules in order to minimize losses. The Death Star is a Fictional Space station and Superweapon appearing in the Star Wars movies and expanded universe. Conversely, FOX has used American Idol to help promote other programs on its schedule. ^[51]

Season Six: On the season finale of the sixth season, the ratings of American Idol saw a drop of 19%^[53] from last year, when Taylor Hicks was crowned as the 2006 Idol. Taylor Reuben Hicks (October 7 1976 is an American singer who achieved fame in 2006 as a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol Ratings of the season finale peaked at 34. 9 million viewers at 10pm, just five minutes before Jordin Sparks was declared the winner of Idol. Jordin Brianna Sparks (born December 22 1989 Sparks is an Evangelical Christian and attends Calvary Community Church in Phoenix Arizona ^[54]

The ratings decline continued into season seven, starting with the premiere which was down 11% among total viewers and 13% among adults ages 18 to 49 from last year. ^[55] The performance show featuring the top seven finalist was the lowest-rated Tuesday American Idol show in five years among adults ages 18 to 49. The subsequent results show, in which Kristy Lee Cook was eliminated, delivered American Idol's lowest-rated Wednesday among adults ages 18 to 34 since its first season back in 2002. As of April 2008, ratings for season seven are down 7% in average total viewers compared to season six. International holidays and other major events April 1 - April Fools' Day April 4 - Qingming Festival (Mainland ^[56]

International

American Idol is broadcast to over 100 nations outside of the United States; however, these aren't live broadcasts and may be tape delayed by several days or weeks (excluding Canada, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates, where episodes are also aired live). The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page For the biogeographical region see Malesia Malaysia (məˈleɪʒə or /məˈleɪziə/ is a country that consists of thirteen states and India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country Pakistan () officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East and The Republic of Indonesia ( (Republik Indonesia is a Country in Southeast Asia. The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP In those instances, the shows are combined into one episode to summarize the results. Australia airs episodes just 5 hours after their US showing and the UK airs episodes 2 days after their US showing on digital channel ITV2. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located The United States of America —commonly referred to as the ITV2 is a 24 hour a day Free-to-air entertainment Television channel in the United Kingdom owned by ITV Digital Channels Ltd, a division of It is also aired in Ireland on TV3 Ireland 2 days after the showing. TV3 Ireland was the first independent Television channel in Ireland, entirely funded by revenue from advertising In Brazil, the show airs 8 days after the showing in the United States. |utc_offset = -2 to -4 |time_zone_DST = BRST |utc_offset_DST = -2 to -5 |cctld

Currently American Idol is televised on TVNZ in New Zealand, Fox in the United States, CTV in Canada, MNET Series in South Africa, FOX8 in Australia, ITV2 in the UK, Global TV in Indonesia, TV3 Ireland in Ireland, Star World in several parts of Asia, aTV World in Hong Kong, QTV11 in the Philippines and on TV4 in Sweden. Television New Zealand (TVNZ is a state-owned television broadcasting corporation in New Zealand. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island The United States of America —commonly referred to as the CTV is a Canadian English language Television network. It is Canada's largest privately owned network the main television asset of CTVglobemedia Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page FOX8 is an Australian Cable and Satellite channel available on Foxtel, Austar and Optus Television's subscription platforms For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. ITV2 is a 24 hour a day Free-to-air entertainment Television channel in the United Kingdom owned by ITV Digital Channels Ltd, a division of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located Global TV is an Indonesian private Television station based in West Jakarta. The Republic of Indonesia ( (Republik Indonesia is a Country in Southeast Asia. TV3 Ireland was the first independent Television channel in Ireland, entirely funded by revenue from advertising Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world STAR World is an Asian English language cable and Satellite television owned by STAR TV. Asia Television Limited ( is one of the two free-to-air television broadcasters in Hong Kong, the other being its arch-rival Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB Hong Kong ( officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a territory located on China 's south coast on the Pearl River Delta, and borders Q (formerly known as Quality TeleVision) is a Television network owned GMA Network Inc The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP TV4 is the largest commercial Television channel in Sweden. It started broadcasting by Satellite in 1990 and since 1992, on "Sverige" redirects here For other uses see Sweden (disambiguation and Sverige (disambiguation.

The seventh season of American Idol is exclusively being broadcast direct to Australia via satellite on FOX8. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. FOX8 is an Australian Cable and Satellite channel available on Foxtel, Austar and Optus Television's subscription platforms

It also airs in Mexico in two markets in English -- Tijuana, Baja California and Matamoros, Tamaulipas -- because those markets have Fox affiliates that serve US markets. Tijuana (ˌtiːəˈwɑːnə Spanish, ti'xwana|ti'ʍana is the largest city of the Mexican state of Baja California, situated on the U The Tijuana broadcast is a same-day broadcast, as it is located on the West Coast with its Fox affiliate XETV. XETV, channel 6 is a television station licensed to Tijuana Baja California, Mexico, serving as the CW Television Network affiliate for the The Matamoros broadcast is live, as it is in the Central time zone on XHRIO.

Top-selling American Idol alumni

Main article: Top-selling American Idol alumni

Major award–winning American Idol alumni

Further information: List of Awards/Nominations for American Idol Finalist

Idol Contestant & Season	American Music Awards	Billboard Music Awards	Grammy Awards	Academy Awards
Kelly Clarkson (Season 1, Winner)	4	12	2 2006 Best Female Pop Vocal 2006 Best Pop Vocal Album	0
Clay Aiken (Season 2, Runner-Up)	1	3	0	0
Fantasia Barrino (Season 3, Winner)	0	3	0	0
Jennifer Hudson (Season 3, 7th Place)	0	0	0	1
Carrie Underwood (Season 4, Winner)	4	13	3 2008 Best Female Country Vocal 2007 Best New Artist 2007 Best Female Country Vocal	0
Chris Daughtry (Season 5, 4th Place)	3	6	0	0

On a detailed note, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are the only two Idols to win at all three of these major music awards shows. This article provides a list of top-selling Albums recorded by alumni of the popular American televised singing competition American Idol. This is a list of major award wins and nominations for different American Idol contestants The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences "The Oscar" redirects here for the film see The Oscar (film. Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24 1982 is an American Pop rock singer songwriter and occasional actress. Clay Aiken (born Clayton Holmes Grissom on November 30, 1978) is an American pop Singer who began his rise to fame on the Fantasia Monique Barrino (born June 30, 1984) or simply Fantasia, is an American R&B / soul singer and Broadway Jennifer Kate Hudson (born September 12 1981 is an American actress, singer and model. Carrie Marie Underwood (born March 10 1983 in Muskogee, Oklahoma) is an American Country Singer-songwriter. Christopher Adam Daughtry (born December 26 1979 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, United States) is a Grammy nominated American Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24 1982 is an American Pop rock singer songwriter and occasional actress. Carrie Marie Underwood (born March 10 1983 in Muskogee, Oklahoma) is an American Country Singer-songwriter. Carrie Underwood is the only Idol to sweep up honors at all these awards ceremonies in the same season (2006-2007) (2007-2008), and the only Idol to win Best New Artist at the Grammys. Carrie Marie Underwood (born March 10 1983 in Muskogee, Oklahoma) is an American Country Singer-songwriter. The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Kelly Clarkson is the only Idol who has received a Grammy Award for an album, as opposed to a vocal performance or new artist of the year. Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24 1982 is an American Pop rock singer songwriter and occasional actress. The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Jennifer Hudson is the first and only Idol to be nominated for and to win an Academy Award. Jennifer Kate Hudson (born September 12 1981 is an American actress, singer and model. "The Oscar" redirects here for the film see The Oscar (film. She won the Best Supporting Actress category in February 2007 for her performance as 'Effie' in the hit film Dreamgirls, based on the musical of the same name. Best Supporting Actor or Best Supporting Actress is an accolade given by a group of Film or Theatre professionals in recognition of the work Dreamgirls is a Broadway musical, which opened on December 20, 1981 at the Imperial Theatre.

American Idol Hot 100 singles

Main article: American Idol Hot 100 singles

American Idol video games

• American Idol - PlayStation 2, personal computer, Game Boy Advance, mobile phone
• Karaoke Revolution Presents American Idol - PlayStation 2
• Karaoke Revolution Presents American Idol Encore - PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360

Spin-offs

• The Next Great American Band^[57]
• American Juniors
• American Idol Rewind
• American Idol Extra
• An American Idol Christmas
• From Justin to Kelly

Theme park attraction

On February 7, 2008, The Walt Disney Company announced the development of "The American Idol Experience", a live attraction based on American Idol to be built at its Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. American Idol is a Video game. It is based on the Fox Network show American Idol. A personal computer ( PC) is any Computer whose original sales price size and capabilities make it useful for individuals and which is intended to be operated The Game Boy Advance (often shortened to GBA) is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed manufactured and marketed by Nintendo. Karaoke Revolution and its many sequels are Video games for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Nintendo GameCube, Wii, Karaoke Revolution and its many sequels are Video games for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Nintendo GameCube, Wii, The Next Great American Band was a Reality television talent show American Juniors also known as 19 Juniors was a Reality television series broadcast on the Fox Network as a Spin-off of American Idol Rewind is a syndicated television series that premiered on September 30, 2006. American Idol Extra is a television show that is shown on the Fox Reality channel and Star! and billed as "the show that picks up right An American Idol Christmas (also titled A Very Idol Christmas in Canada) is a Christmas television special for the television shows American Idol From Justin to Kelly is a 2003 comedy - musical - Romance film starring Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini, Events 457 - Leo I becomes emperor of the Byzantine Empire. 1074 - Battle of Montesarchio in which the Prince 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The American Idol Experience is a theme park attraction under construction within Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida Disney's Hollywood Studios is a Theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Walt Disney World Resort is the most visited and largest recreational resort in the world containing four Theme parks two Water parks twenty-three themed hotels Florida ( is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the The show will be co-produced by 19 Entertainment. Set to open in January 2009, park guests will be able to audition and possibly perform in the live show. Winners will be selected by a combination of audience vote and input from a panel of judges, although the exact format has yet to be decided. Winners each day will have the chance to audition for the real TV series. ^[58]

See also

America's Best Dance Crew America's Got Talent America's Most Talented Kid American Juniors American popular music Anathema Australian Idol Ídolos Brazil 'Brazilian Idol' Canadian Idol Deutschland sucht den Superstar 'German Idol' DialIdol Idol Camp Idol series Idol Gives Back Indian Idol Latin American Idol Music of the United States

Malaysian Idol Music competitions Nouvelle Star New Zealand Idol Kochav Nolad 'Israeli Idol' Objetivo Fama One In A Million Pinoy Idol Pop Idol Star Search Superstar USA Teen idol Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour The X-Factor Star Academy You're A Star

Footnotes

External links

• American Idol Official Website (owned by Fox Interactive Media)
• TVWeek.com Producer Shop Talk With Exec Producer Nigel Lythgoe

Not to be confused with Fox Interactive Fox Interactive Media (FIM oversees the Internet business operations of media giant News Corporation

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