The Impact of American Idol:
In 5 television seasons beginning in 2002, American Idol has arguably had a more significant impact on American popular music than any television show in history. The numbers speak for themselves. Check out the details:
The Making of Music Moguls:
American Idol has had significant continuity from season to season provided by its core of onscreen personalities. The 3 primary judges have remained the same from season to season, and outside of an additional co-host in the first season, the host has remained the same as well. Among the judges, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson, Cowell has utilized the success of his appearance on the show to help continue building a musical empire. Host Ryan Seacrest has become a household name helping expand beyond his base as a top radio personality.
2002 - Season 1:
It did not take long for American Idol to become a TV and pop music phenomenon. The season ended with a battle between frizzy haired Justin Guarini and girl-next-door Kelly Clarkson. Despite the fact that she assumed she would lose, Kelly Clarkson walked off with the title and a star was born.
2003 - Season 2:
The battle for victory in the second season of American Idol wound down to a competition between 2 seemingly unlikely candidates. "Velvet Teddy Bear" Ruben Studdard squared off against thin, geeky Clay Aiken. Studdard was victorious with a slim margin in the final voting, but it was Clay Aiken who gained revenge at the record store.
2004 - Season 3:
Season 3's eventual winner Fantasia Barrino turned in one of the most memorable of all American Idol performances with an emotional reading of Gershwin's standard "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess. Another of season 3's contestants was Jennifer Hudson who would eventually deliver a showstopping performance in the film version of Dreamgirls.
2005 - Season 4:
Rock flexed its muscle in the 4th season of American Idol with not one, but two rockers among the finalists. Fan favorite Constantine Maroulis managed only a 6th place finish, but the other rocker, Alabama's Bo Bice, made it all the way to the final showdown. Unfortunately, he was defeated by a hair by country superstar in the making Carrie Underwood. Another first for American Idol in season 4 was the departure of Mario Vazquez from the competition after making it to the group of 12 finalists.
2006 - Season 5:
After Chris Daughtry made a shocking early exit as 4th runner-up, there was little drama left in the fifth season of American Idol as, to no one's surprise, Taylor Hicks was crowned the victor. However, it seems that Daughtry's rock group is avenging his loss at pop radio.
The Songs of American Idol:
At its best, one service performed by American Idol is that it helps educate its audience about the incredibly rich treasure trove of popular songs that enriched our lives through the 20th century and into the current one. Beginning in 2006 this site provided complete coverage of information on the songs performed by American Idol finalists.
