American Idol

A famous talent show where many people compete on live TV to see who can win. After passing the trials with the three judges, the finalists compete live to earn the viewers' votes. Whoever wins becomes the next American Idol.

Judges
Simon Cowell (left for the US version of X Factor)

Randy Jackson

Paula Abdul (2002-2009, joined Simon on X Factor)

Kara DioGuardi (2009–2010)

Ellen DeGeneres (2010)

Jennifer Lopez (2011–2012)

Steven Tyler (2011–2012)

Mariah Carey (2013–Present)

Notable American Idol Contestants
Kelly Clarkson

Justin Guarini

Ruben Studdard

Jennifer Hudson

Clay Aiken

Carrie Underwood

Fantasia Barrino

Jordin Sparks

Chris Daughtry

Inventor
Based on the British show Pop Idol by Simon Fuller.

In Popular Culture
Idol was parodied on Sesame Street as "The American I". The judges had to find the real American "I", or in this case, the letter I. The judges choose Prairie Dawn, the host, instead.

Idol was also parodied on MadTV. The judges made appearances on the show. Idol was parodied twice on MadTV.

At Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum in New York City, there was an exhibit in the museum called "American Idol at Madam Tussaud's". The exhibit was similar to the show but it had karaoke singing on it. The judges were shown but they were realistic animatronics.

On the FOX show, The Lang Report, American Idol was parodied as "All Star American Idol" where celebrities dressed up as other singing artists.

Spin-Offs & Similar Shows
American Juniors — Spin Off show with kids shown in 2001.

America's Got Talent

Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento

The X Factor

Links
Official Site

Main Wiki