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American Idol

Original title: American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
  • TV Series
  • 2002–
  • TV-PG
  • 42m
IMDb RATING
4.3/10
23K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
1,615
358
Lionel Richie, Ryan Seacrest, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan in American Idol (2002)
Trailer
Play trailer0:31
85 Videos
99+ Photos
Talent CompetitionDocumentaryGame ShowMusicReality TV

Twelve American finalists (six men and six women) compete in a singing contest.Twelve American finalists (six men and six women) compete in a singing contest.Twelve American finalists (six men and six women) compete in a singing contest.

  • Creator
    • Simon Fuller
  • Stars
    • Ryan Seacrest
    • Mark Thompson
    • Randy Jackson
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    4.3/10
    23K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    1,615
    358
    • Creator
      • Simon Fuller
    • Stars
      • Ryan Seacrest
      • Mark Thompson
      • Randy Jackson
    • 175User reviews
    • 11Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Won 9 Primetime Emmys
      • 55 wins & 170 nominations total

    Episodes732

    Browse episodes
    TopTop-rated

    Videos85

    American Idol: The Top 36
    Clip 2:17
    American Idol: The Top 36
    American Idol: Olivia Works With David Cook
    Clip 1:22
    American Idol: Olivia Works With David Cook
    American Idol: Olivia Works With David Cook
    Clip 1:22
    American Idol: Olivia Works With David Cook
    American Idol: Shelby Works With Constantine
    Clip 1:16
    American Idol: Shelby Works With Constantine
    American Idol: Dalton Rapattoni Performance
    Clip 1:26
    American Idol: Dalton Rapattoni Performance
    American Idol: Ryan's Crushes
    Clip 1:05
    American Idol: Ryan's Crushes
    American Idol: Group Rounds
    Clip 1:09
    American Idol: Group Rounds

    Photos3000

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    + 3K
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    Top cast99+

    Edit
    Ryan Seacrest
    Ryan Seacrest
    • Self - Host…
    Mark Thompson
    Mark Thompson
    • Announcer…
    Randy Jackson
    Randy Jackson
    • Self - Judge…
    Simon Cowell
    Simon Cowell
    • Self - Judge…
    Paula Abdul
    Paula Abdul
    • Self - Judge…
    Lionel Richie
    Lionel Richie
    • Self - Judge…
    Luke Bryan
    Luke Bryan
    • Self - Judge…
    Jennifer Lopez
    Jennifer Lopez
    • Self - Judge…
    Katy Perry
    Katy Perry
    • Self - Judge…
    Keith Urban
    Keith Urban
    • Self - Judge…
    Kara DioGuardi
    Kara DioGuardi
    • Self - Judge…
    Steven Tyler
    Steven Tyler
    • Self - Judge…
    Carrie Underwood
    Carrie Underwood
    • Self - Contestant…
    Harry Connick Jr.
    Harry Connick Jr.
    • Self - Judge…
    Jimmy Iovine
    Jimmy Iovine
    • Self - Mentor…
    Ruben Studdard
    Ruben Studdard
    • Self - Contestant…
    Clay Aiken
    Clay Aiken
    • Self - Contestant…
    Fantasia Barrino
    Fantasia Barrino
    • Self…
    • Creator
      • Simon Fuller
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Kelly Clarkson and Kris Allen are the only winners to not have their entire audition shown on television - while Kris had a clip of his shown, Kelly's was not shown at all.
    • Goofs
      The judges on inconsistent on how many songs they allow the contestants to sing. Notably, Kellie Pickler was asked by Paula to sing an additional twenty seconds of a different song during her initial audition.
    • Quotes

      Simon Cowell - Judge: [Repeated line] And I'm not being rude.

    • Crazy credits
      Portions of this program not affecting the outcome have been edited.
    • Connections
      Edited into American Idol Rewind (2006)

    User reviews175

    Featured review

    Gives "Reality" TV a whole new meaning.

    If it weren't for Simon Cowell, I have to wonder how many people would watch this show. I admit this says something of my character, but he's the reason I watch this show. His blunt matter of fact, tell-it-like-is approach to telling the unvarnished truth to the no-talent wannabes who audition is something I find very refreshing. Especially when their egos and attitudes are directly proportional to the extent that they suck -- meaning the more they suck, the more ego and attitude they tend to have. (Not with all, but certainly a lot of them) Then there are others who don't have attitude and are devastated by criticism and can be seen in tears later, and even if they were bad I feel a little sorry for them. But that's simply the reality, of the music business and if these kids can't handle it, then they shouldn't be trying to forge a career as a musical artist.

    That's reality, and Simon gives them this much needed reality check. It's reality TV in every sense of the word.
    • thelonewolf74
    • Feb 18, 2004
    • Permalink

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    FAQ18

    • How many seasons does American Idol have?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • June 11, 2002 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • ABC (United States)
      • American Idol
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • American Idol 10
    • Filming locations
      • Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, California, USA(season finales for Seasons 1, 3-6, and 14 and 15)
    • Production companies
      • Fremantle
      • FremantleMedia
      • 19 Television
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      42 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1080i (HDTV)
      • HDTV 720p

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    Lionel Richie, Ryan Seacrest, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan in American Idol (2002)
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