American Idol
**Overview of American Idol**
American Idol is a reality television series that features aspiring singers competing for a recording contract, while being critiqued by a panel of celebrity judges. Created by Simon Fuller, the show first premiered in June 2002 on the FOX network and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, particularly among younger audiences. Contestants audition in front of the judges, and each week, selected performers showcase their talents, receiving feedback and encouragement, as well as critiques—sometimes harsh—from judges. Viewers participate by voting for their favorite contestants, contributing to their elimination or advancement in the competition.
The show's format has evolved over the years, with changes in judges and hosts, most notably featuring Ryan Seacrest as the long-time host and Simon Cowell as one of the original judges. American Idol not only launched the careers of several successful artists, including Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, but it also impacted the music industry by inspiring a new generation of aspiring pop singers. The series was known for its emotional storytelling, fundraising efforts, and significant ratings, which led to lucrative advertising opportunities. Although it concluded its original run in 2015, American Idol was revived by ABC in 2017 and continues to attract viewers with a fresh panel of judges.
American Idol
IDENTIFICATION: Television reality series in which singers compete, are critiqued by a three-person panel of celebrity judges, and are eliminated by viewers
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Simon Fuller (b. 1960)
From 2002 to 2015, the unmatched success of the reality show American Idol greatly affected the FOX network. The show targeted the youth demographic and quickly became part of FOX’s regular-season lineup. The show’s blend of emotional and entertaining elements contributed to its success and increased the ratings of other FOX programs. The show continued to enjoy success after moving to the ABC network in 2017.
Executive producer Simon Fuller created American Idol based on shows that were successful in other countries. Though summer television viewership had traditionally been low in the United States, when American Idol debuted in June 2002, it was received enthusiastically by teens and children, and it became an immediate success. Over the years, the FOX network heavily promoted upcoming seasons, which debuted each January. A few years after the show debuted, advertisements sold by FOX during American Idol were the most expensive for a television series.
Initial episodes of each American Idol season included highlights of open auditions, which were held at venues across the United States. Some performers gained fame merely for their terrible auditions. Each week selected contestants performed and received criticism and advice from the judges. Viewers were encouraged to vote by both phone and text message, and results were announced on a second weekly episode. Winners received solo recording contracts and were managed by Fuller’s company, 19 Entertainment. The series was coproduced by FremantleMedia North America.
For the first few seasons, the age range for contestants was quite young—sixteen to twenty-four. In later years, the format was expanded and adjusted. The hosts and judges changed slightly over time. The first season was hosted by Brian Dunkleman and Ryan Seacrest. By the second season, Seacrest was the solo host. Initial judges were Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. It was widely acknowledged that Cowell’s caustic comments and callous treatment of contestants accounted for much of the show’s success. Abdul, who was a judge until 2009, treated competitors more gently, as did Jackson. The combination of nurturing and nastiness was a key component of American Idol. Later judges included Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Lopez, Ellen DeGeneres, Steven Tyler, and Keith Urban.
Fuller also developed similar shows for other countries and signed licensing agreements for products ranging from backpacks to Barbie dolls. Other FOX series enjoyed increased ratings as a result of both their proximity to American Idol on the schedule and heavy promotion during the show. The network was not alone in profiting—product placement and mentions of major sponsors were extremely lucrative for the producers, and FOX affiliates were allocated three minutes an hour to sell local ads. The show experienced small ratings declines beginning in 2007.
Idol Winners
Contestants signed contracts in advance, giving 19 Entertainment the right to manage them for three years, and Fuller guided several winners successfully. Runners-up who wanted to pursue singing careers were also contractually obligated to be managed by Fuller if he was interested in signing them. The contestants who performed on American Idol tour to large crowds. Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken, Fantasia Barrino, Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry, Adam Lambert, and Jordin Sparks were among the contestants who achieved some post–American Idol fame. Season-one winner Clarkson’s “A Moment Like This” made chart history with its swift rise to the number-one position on Billboard Hot 100.
Successes and Setbacks
Winning the competition was no guarantee of success, and such top finishers as Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard lost their record contracts as a result of poor sales. Several contests who did not win were triumphant in their careers, however. Though season-three contestant Jennifer Hudson did not win American Idol, she earned a supporting role in the film Dreamgirls (2006), for which she received a 2007 Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and other awards. She also earned a Grammy Award for best rhythm-and-blues album in 2009. Though Daughtry came in fourth place in the fifth season of Idol, he sold 3.6 million copies of his first album.
Impact
The success of American Idol and of many of the singers featured on the show changed the music industry. Numerous young people aspired to be pop singers. Though a few, such as Hudson, went on to perform soul music or achieved success on the country or rock charts, most contestants brought a pop style to the show. Music teachers saw increasing numbers of students who wanted to be famous pop singers as a result of the show’s popularity among teenagers.
The American Idol phenomenon extended to charity. Several special fundraising episodes drew donations for such organizations as Feeding America, Malaria No More, and Save the Children. Guests including President Barack Obama, U2’s Bono, and NFL quarterbacks Eli and Peyton Manning appeared on fundraising episodes. By the end of the decade, the Idol Gives Back program had raised more than $140 million for charitable organizations. On May 11, 2015, the FOX network announced that the fifteenth season of American Idol would be the last. However, in May 2017, ABC announced that it had acquired the rights to American Idol and planned to relaunch the series for a 2017–18 season. During that season, the sixteenth, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie served as judges. Perry left the show after its twenty-second season in May 2024, telling the audience that she wanted to focus on her music.
Bibliography
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Halperin, Shirley. American Idol: Celebrating Ten Years—The Official Backstage Pass. Abrams, 2011.
Hibberd, James. “ABC Officially Revives American Idol, Chides Fox for Canceling.” Entertainment Weekly, 9 May 2017, ew.com/tv/2017/05/09/american-idol-abc-2. Accessed 23 May 2024.
Lieberman, David. “‘American Idol’ Zooms from Hit Show to Massive Business.” USA Today, 29 Mar. 2005. Web. 3 Aug. 2012.
Tinoco, Armando. "Katy Perry Sheds Tears As She Says Goodbye To ‘American Idol’ After Seven Seasons." Deadline, 19 May 2024, deadline.com/2024/05/katy-perry-tears-goodbye-american-idol-1235923738/. Accessed 23 May 2024.