American Idol is a singing competition television series created by Simon Fuller. Produced by Fremantle North America and 19 Entertainment, it originally aired on Fox for 15 seasons (2002-2016). After a two-year hiatus, the show was revived and began airing on ABC in 2018. The show discovers new solo recording artists.
In 2001, Pop Idol debuted in Britain, created by Simon Fuller, with Nigel Lythgoe as showrunner and Simon Cowell as one of the judges, proving successful with the viewing public.
In 2001, Simon Fuller, Simon Cowell, and TV producer Simon Jones attempted to sell the Pop Idol format to the United States; however, the idea was initially met with poor responses from all the television networks including UPN and Fox.
On June 11, 2002, American Idol, a singing competition television series created by Simon Fuller, first aired on Fox.
In June 2002, American Idol premiered and became a surprise hit. The first show had 9.9 million viewers, and the finale averaged 23 million, with over 40 million watching some part of it.
On September 4, 2002, Kelly Clarkson won the first season of American Idol, defeating Justin Guarini in the final showdown.
From 2002 the finals of American Idol were broadcast in primetime from CBS Television City in Los Angeles, in front of a live studio audience.
From 2002 to 2008, American Idol aired on Network Ten in Australia.
From 2002, American Idol was aired live in Canada by CTV and/or CTV Two, in simulcast with Fox.
In 2002, American Idol had the lowest-rated Wednesday show among the 18-34 demographic since the first season.
In 2002, American Idol received mixed early reviews, with some critics praising its entertainment value and talent discovery, while others criticized its commercialism and product placement. The decision to have the winner sing the national anthem at the Lincoln Memorial on the anniversary of 9/11 also drew criticism.
In the summer of 2002, American Idol: The Search for a Superstar debuted on Fox after Rupert Murdoch was persuaded to buy the series by his daughter, Elisabeth. Nigel Lythgoe became the showrunner.
In January 2003, the second season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest as the sole host, and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell returning as judges. Kristin Adams joined as a correspondent.
From 2002 to 2003, American Idol aired on RCTI in Indonesia with Indonesian subtitles.
In 2003, American Idol lost its Top 10 position in the Nielsen ratings by the end of the 2013–14 television season for the first time since its entry to the rankings
In 2003, American Idol surpassed the Academy Awards as the most-watched non-sports entertainment event on U.S. television, breaking records typically dominated by drama shows and sitcoms.
In 2003, Brian Dunkleman quit American Idol, resulting in Ryan Seacrest becoming the sole emcee starting with the second season.
In 2003, Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini starred in "From Justin to Kelly", a musical film that was widely panned.
In 2003, Ruben Studdard's album, Soulful, reached No. 1 on the US Billboard 200.
In 2003, the average viewership for American Idol fell below 20 million viewers for the first time since 2003, marking a drop of 23% in total viewers.
On January 19, 2004, the third season of American Idol premiered, featuring Ryan Seacrest as host and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell as judges. William Hung, whose off-key rendition of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" became popular, also became a contestant.
By 2004, American Idol had become the most-watched show on American television.
From 2004 to 2007, American Idol was broadcast in Philippines on ABC.
From 2004 to 2012, American Idol helped Fox achieve the longest period of 18-49 demographic victory in the Nielsen ratings, standing at 8 straight years.
In 2004, American Idol was estimated to generate $900 million through TV ad sales, albums, merchandise, and concert tickets.
In 2004, concerns about power voting in American Idol started to become apparent, affecting the voting results to a limited degree through online communities such as DialIdol and Vote for the Worst.
On January 18, 2005, the fourth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest as host and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell as judges. This was the first full season to be aired in high definition.
In May 2005, Carrie Underwood won the fourth season of American Idol, with Bo Bice as the runner-up. Both released the coronation song "Inside Your Heaven."
From 2005, Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG) partnered with Sony Music Entertainment to form Sony BMG Music Entertainment, which distributed American Idol's music.
In 2005, American Idol helped Fox become the number one U.S. TV network among adults aged 18–49, the key demographic coveted by advertisers.
In 2005, American Idol won the People's Choice Award for favorite competition/reality show.
On January 17, 2006, the fifth season of American Idol began with Ryan Seacrest as host and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell as judges. This season remains the highest-rated in the show's history.
On May 30, 2006, Taylor Hicks was named American Idol, with Katharine McPhee as the runner-up. Hicks released "Do I Make You Proud" as his first single and McPhee's was "My Destiny".
Starting September 30, 2006, the first season of American Idol was repackaged as "American Idol Rewind" and syndicated directly to stations in the U.S.
In 2006, American Idol won the People's Choice Award for favorite competition/reality show.
In 2006, LeAnn Rimes commented on Carrie Underwood winning Best Female Artist in the Country Music Awards, suggesting that Underwood had not "paid her dues" long enough to deserve the award, reflecting a broader industry sentiment about the fast-track success offered by shows like American Idol.
On January 16, 2007, the sixth season of American Idol began with Ryan Seacrest as host and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell as judges. The premiere drew 37.3 million viewers, peaking at over 41 million in the last half hour.
On May 24, 2007, "This Is My Now", the winning song from the American Idol Songwriter contest, was released by Sparks. The song was also performed by both finalists during the finale.
From 2004 to 2007, American Idol was broadcast in Philippines on ABC.
From 2005–2007, Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG) partnered with Sony Music Entertainment to form Sony BMG Music Entertainment, which distributed American Idol's music.
In 2007, American Idol alums accounted for 2.1% of all music sales, showcasing the show's impact on the music industry.
In 2007, American Idol won a Creative Arts Emmy and a Governor's Award for its Idol Gives Back edition.
In 2007, Idol: The Musical, a musical based on the American Idol TV-show, played off-Broadway but closed after its official opening night.
In 2007, Jordin Sparks won American Idol. It would be several years before another female won American Idol.
In 2007, the ratings rebounded for the seventh-season finale with the excitement over the battle of the Davids, and improved over the sixth season as the series' third most watched finale. Due in part to the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, overall ratings for the season were down 10% from the sixth season.
On January 15, 2008, the seventh season of American Idol premiered with a two-day, four-hour event. Ryan Seacrest returned as host, along with judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell. Media attention focused on contestants with prior recording contracts.
On March 11, 2008, American Idol debuted a new state-of-the-art set and stage, along with a new on-air look, for the finals.
On April 9, 2008, Idol Gives Back returned and raised $64 million for charity.
On May 21, 2008, David Cook was announced as the winner of American Idol, becoming the first rocker to win the show.
On May 22, 2008, "The Time of My Life", the winning song from the American Idol Songwriter contest, was recorded by David Cook and released.
From 2008, following their acquisition of BMG, Sony Music handled the distribution of American Idol's music.
From 2008–11, American Idol was broadcast in Philippines on QTV, then GMA News TV.
In 2008, American Idol once again surpassed the Academy Awards as the most-watched non-sports entertainment event on U.S. television.
In 2008, American Idol pushed Fox to become the number one U.S. TV network in overall viewers.
In 2008, American Idol won a Creative Arts Emmy.
In 2008, The 2007-2008 Writer's Guild Strike was a contributing factor to the fall in viewership across all networks
On January 13, 2009, the eighth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, along with judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell. Kara DioGuardi was introduced as a fourth judge.
On February 14, 2009, The Walt Disney Company launched "The American Idol Experience" at Disney's Hollywood Studios, offering guests a chance to audition and perform on a replicated Idol set.
In 2009, Bruce Gower won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series for American Idol. The show also won three Creative Arts Emmys that year.
In 2009, Nigel Lythgoe left as executive producer to focus on international versions of So You Think You Can Dance. The Hollywood round was moved to the Kodak Theatre and extended to two weeks. Idol Gives Back was canceled due to the global recession.
In 2009, after the eighth season, Paula Abdul left American Idol due to disagreements with show producers over contract terms. Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres replaced Abdul for the ninth season.
In 2009, during the eighth season, households in the Southeastern United States were 10% more likely to watch American Idol, and those in the East Central region were 16% more likely to watch.
On January 12, 2010, the ninth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, along with judges Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, and Simon Cowell. Ellen DeGeneres replaced Paula Abdul at the start of Hollywood Week.
As of January 2010, Nielsen SoundScan data showed that 85 percent of the 47 million CDs sold by American Idol contestants were by those with ties to the American South.
On April 21, 2010, Idol Gives Back returned and raised $45 million. That same week, Adam Lambert was invited back as a mentor.
By 2010, PepsiCo's decision not to sponsor American Idol earlier, contributed to Pepsi losing market share, falling to third place in the United States.
By 2010, four American Idol winners had each surpassed one million radio spins, with Kelly Clarkson leading with over four million spins.
In 2010, American Idol won the People's Choice Award for favorite competition/reality show.
In 2010, Ellen DeGeneres left American Idol after one season, Kara DioGuardi was let go after two seasons, and Simon Cowell left to launch the American version of The X Factor.
In 2010, Harry Connick Jr. served as a mentor for Idol.
In 2010, NBC's coverage of the Winter Olympics beat American Idol in the ratings, drawing 30.1 million viewers compared to Idol's 18.4 million. Despite this, American Idol finished its ninth season as the most-watched TV series for the sixth year running.
In 2010, UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M Records replaced Sony as the music label for American Idol.
In 2010, the median age of American Idol viewers reached 47.2, compared to 32.1 in its first season, and the demographics became less diverse, although Fox maintained its lead in the 18–49 demographic ratings in the United States.
On January 19, 2011, the tenth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host and Randy Jackson returning as a judge. Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler joined Randy Jackson as judges.
On April 7, 2011, Pia Toscano, a presumed favorite, was unexpectedly eliminated in ninth place. Her elimination drew criticism from former Idol contestants and actor Tom Hanks.
From 2011 to 2013, American Idol was broadcast by B-Channel (now RTV) in Indonesia.
In 2011, American Idol won two Creative Arts Emmys and the first Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Reality Competition.
In 2011, American Idol's seven-year run as the most-watched show on American television ended.
In 2011, Scotty McCreery won the competition, with Lauren Alaina as runner-up. McCreery released "I Love You This Big", and Alaina released "Like My Mother Does".
In 2011, Simon Cowell introduced the American version of his show The X Factor.
On January 18, 2012, the eleventh season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host and Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Randy Jackson returning as judges. One more finalist would join the Top 24 making it the Top 25.
From 2012–16, American Idol was broadcast in Philippines on ETC.
In 2012, American Idol helped Fox achieve the longest period of 18-49 demographic victory in the Nielsen ratings, standing at 8 straight years.
In 2012, American Idol won the People's Choice Award for favorite competition/reality show.
In 2012, American Idol's almost decade-long run as the most watched non-scripted primetime television series came to an end, after holding the title since 2003.
In 2012, American Idol's ratings began to decline.
In 2012, American Idol's success ended Fox's unprecedented eight consecutive years (from 2005) as the leading U.S. TV network among adults aged 18–49.
In 2012, Harry Connick Jr. served as a mentor for Idol.
In 2012, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler both left the American Idol judging panel after two seasons.
In 2012, an analysis revealed that 48% of the 131 American Idol finalists up to that point had connections to the Southern United States.
On January 16, 2013, the twelfth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host and Randy Jackson returning as a judge. The judging panel consisted of Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj.
In 2013, American Idol aired again on Network Ten in Australia.
In 2013, American Idol suffered a significant decline in the 18-49 demographic, with a drop of 28% from the twelfth season.
In 2013, TV Guide ranked American Idol No. 48 on its list of the 60 Best Series of All Time.
On January 15, 2014, the thirteenth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host and Keith Urban returning as a judge. Former judge Jennifer Lopez and former mentor Harry Connick, Jr. joined Urban on the panel.
In August 2014, Yes TV announced that it had picked up the Canadian rights to American Idol, beginning in its 2015 season, after CTV dropped the show after its thirteenth season.
On August 30, 2014, The American Idol Experience attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios closed its doors after several years of operation.
By 2014, ad revenue from American Idol had fallen to $427 million, with a 30-second spot costing less than $300,000, reflecting a decline in viewership.
From 2014 to 2015, American Idol aired on digital channel Eleven, a sister channel to Network Ten, in Australia.
In 2014, after departing the judges table after twelve seasons, Randy Jackson returned as the in-house mentor for the thirteenth season, after which he left American Idol permanently.
On January 7, 2015, the fourteenth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, and Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. returning as judges.
On May 11, 2015, Fox announced that the fifteenth season would be the final season of American Idol.
As of 2015, Carrie Underwood has sold 16 million albums in the U.S. and 65 million records worldwide, making her the most successful American Idol contestant in the U.S.
Starting in 2015, Yes TV began airing American Idol in Canada after picking up the rights in August 2014.
On January 6, 2016, the fifteenth and final season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, with Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban, and Jennifer Lopez all returning as judges.
April 7, 2016 marked the end of American Idol's 15-season run on Fox after airing since 2002.
In April 2016, the fifteenth season of American Idol concluded on Fox.
By 2016, the last year of broadcast for American Idol, its alumni had achieved 458 number one hits on the Billboard charts.
By 2016, the number of imitative singing shows on American television, spurred by the success of American Idol, had reached 17.
By the end of its original run in 2016, American Idol alumni had secured 13 Grammy Award wins out of 54 Grammy nominations.
By the end of its original run on Fox in 2016, American Idol contestants had sold more than 60 million albums in the U.S. and over 100 million records globally.
From 2002-2016, American Idol was aired live in several countries simulcast with the U.S. broadcast on Fox.
In 2016, American Idol ended and never regained its Top 10 position by the series' end.
In 2016, American Idol was cancelled after its fifteenth season.
In 2016, American Idol's final season aired on Fox8 in Australia, hours after the original U.S. broadcast.
In 2016, Brian Dunkleman returned to American Idol as a guest for the initial series finale on Fox.
In May 2017, ABC acquired the rights to American Idol.
In May 2017, ABC made a bid to revive American Idol after talks with Fremantle Media stalled. ABC acquired the rights to the series, and American Idol returned for the 2017–18 television season.
In July 2017, it was announced that Ryan Seacrest would return as host of American Idol's revival.
In September 2017, it was revealed that Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie would serve as judges for the American Idol revival.
In 2017, it was announced that American Idol would return to CTV Two for its sixteenth season.
On March 11, 2018, American Idol returned to television after a hiatus, with a revival of the series airing on ABC.
In March 2018, American Idol returned for its sixteenth season on ABC.
On May 21, 2018, Maddie Poppe was crowned the winner of season 16, with Caleb Lee Hutchinson as runner-up and Gabby Barrett in third place. Her winning song was "Going, Going, Gone". Caleb Lee Hutchinson released "Johnny Cash Heart" as a single, while Gabby Barrett's song was "Rivers Deep".
From 2018, American Idol was aired live in several countries simulcast with the U.S. broadcast on ABC.
From 2018–19, American Idol was broadcast in Philippines on ETC.
In 2018, Ryan Seacrest continued his role as the sole host of American Idol after the two-year hiatus.
In 2018, when American Idol was revived by ABC, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie were selected as judges for the sixteenth season.
On March 3, 2019, the seventeenth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, and Bryan, Perry and Richie returning as judges.
On April 8, 2019, during the seventeenth season, Bobby Bones subbed for Ryan Seacrest as host of American Idol after Seacrest fell ill.
On May 13, 2019, the series was renewed for an eighteenth season.
On May 19, 2019, Laine Hardy was crowned the winner of season 17, with Alejandro Aranda as runner-up. Hardy released a single, "Flame", immediately after the win.
On June 28, 2019, Alejandro Aranda released a song he performed in the finale, "Tonight", under the name Scarypoolparty.
Until 2019 the finals of American Idol were broadcast in primetime from CBS Television City in Los Angeles, in front of a live studio audience.
On February 16, 2020, the eighteenth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, and Bryan, Perry and Richie returning as judges.
On May 15, 2020, ABC renewed the series for a nineteenth season.
On February 14, 2021, the nineteenth season of American Idol premiered with Ryan Seacrest returning as host, and Bryan, Perry and Richie returning as judges.
On May 13, 2021, ABC officially renewed American Idol for a twentieth season. The renewal confirmed that Seacrest would return as host, with Bryan, Perry, and Richie also returning as judges.
In 2021 the finals of American Idol were broadcast in primetime from CBS Television City in Los Angeles, in front of a live studio audience.
On February 27, 2022, season 20 of American Idol premiered on ABC, featuring Ryan Seacrest as host and Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie as judges.
On May 13, 2022, ABC renewed American Idol for a twenty-first season, ensuring the return of Ryan Seacrest as host, alongside judges Bryan, Perry, and Richie.
In 2022 the finals of American Idol were broadcast in primetime from CBS Television City in Los Angeles, in front of a live studio audience.
On February 19, 2023, the twenty-first season of American Idol premiered. Ryan Seacrest resumed his role as host, while Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie returned as judges.
On May 16, 2023, ABC announced the renewal of American Idol for its twenty-second season, confirming the return of Ryan Seacrest as host, with Bryan, Perry, and Richie continuing as judges.
Starting in 2023, the venue for the finals of American Idol changed to Red Studios.
In February 2024, Katy Perry revealed that the twenty-second season would be her final season as a judge on American Idol.
American Idol's twenty-second season premiered on February 18, 2024, with Ryan Seacrest hosting and Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie returning as judges.
On May 10, 2024, ABC announced the renewal of American Idol for a twenty-third season and was in talks with "high-profile stars" to replace Katy Perry.
In May 2024, Katy Perry left American Idol after seven seasons.
On July 31, 2024, it was announced that former Idol winner Carrie Underwood would replace Katy Perry, joining Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie for the twenty-third season.
Since 2024, American Idol is broadcast in Philippines on TV5.
On March 9, 2025, American Idol's twenty-third season premiered with Ryan Seacrest as host, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie returning as judges, and Underwood replacing Katy Perry.
On May 9, 2025, it was announced that American Idol had been renewed for a twenty-fourth season.
As of May 2025, American Idol has aired eight seasons on ABC.
As of 2025, American Idol finalists had earned 5 Grammy Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Tony Award, a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Critics' Choice Award.
As of 2025, American Idol marked the most recent time that a live regular non-sports primetime series had garnered such viewership in the United States, a record it achieved in 2008.
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