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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
Lionel Richie, Ryan Seacrest, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan in American Idol (2002)
Trailer
Play trailer0:31
85 Videos
99+ Photos
Talent CompetitionGame 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
    • Creator
      • Simon Fuller
    • Stars
      • Ryan Seacrest
      • Mark Thompson
      • Randy Jackson
    • 182User reviews
    • 11Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Won 9 Primetime Emmys
      • 55 wins & 178 nominations total

    Episodes

    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

    Photos3008

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 3K
    View Poster

    Top Cast99+

    Ryan Seacrest
    Ryan Seacrest
    • Self - Host
    • 2002–2026
    Mark Thompson
    Mark Thompson
    • Self - Announcer
    • 2002–2015
    Randy Jackson
    Randy Jackson
    • Self - Judge…
    • 2002–2026
    Simon Cowell
    Simon Cowell
    • Self - Judge…
    • 2002–2016
    Paula Abdul
    Paula Abdul
    • Self - Judge…
    • 2002–2026
    Lionel Richie
    Lionel Richie
    • Self - Judge…
    • 2003–2026
    Luke Bryan
    Luke Bryan
    • Self - Judge
    • 2018–2026
    Jennifer Lopez
    Jennifer Lopez
    • Self - Judge…
    • 2007–2016
    Katy Perry
    Katy Perry
    • Self - Judge…
    • 2009–2024
    Keith Urban
    Keith Urban
    • Self - Judge…
    • 2008–2023
    Kara DioGuardi
    Kara DioGuardi
    • Self - Judge
    • 2009–2016
    Carrie Underwood
    Carrie Underwood
    • Self - Judge…
    • 2005–2026
    Steven Tyler
    Steven Tyler
    • Self - Judge…
    • 2011–2016
    Harry Connick Jr.
    Harry Connick Jr.
    • Self - Judge…
    • 2010–2021
    Jimmy Iovine
    Jimmy Iovine
    • Self - Mentor…
    • 2011–2013
    Ruben Studdard
    Ruben Studdard
    • Self - Contestant…
    • 2003–2023
    Clay Aiken
    Clay Aiken
    • Self - Contestant…
    • 2003–2026
    Fantasia Barrino
    Fantasia Barrino
    • Self - Finalist…
    • 2004–2025
    • Creator
      • Simon Fuller
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews182

    4.322.8K
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    Related interests

    Christina Aguilera, Pharrell Williams, Blake Shelton, and Adam Levine in The Voice (2011)
    Talent Competition
    Bill Barretta and Pat Sajak in Wheel of Fortune (1983)
    Game Show
    Prince and Apollonia Kotero in Purple Rain (1984)
    Music
    Kim Kardashian in The Kardashians (2022)
    Reality TV

    Storyline

    Did you know

    • Trivia
      Kelly Clarkson holds the record for the most albums sold by an American Idol alumni with nearly 10 million records. Also, her songs have been downloaded nearly 10 million times. Carrie Underwood is second with album and digital download sales of 15.7 million.
    • 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
      • [on announcing the results]
      • Ryan Seacrest: Dim the lights... and here we go.
    • Crazy credits
      Portions of this program not affecting the outcome have been edited.
    • Connections
      Edited into American Idol Rewind (2006)

    Top picks

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    Details

    • 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

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

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