Originally conceived as the US version of Britain's Pop Idol, American Idol has since exploded into a full-fledged pop culture phenomena, launching the careers of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, resurrecting Paula Abdul and introducing America to a guy named Simon Cowell. Each week, contestants belt out stirring renditions of classic pop songs, while enduring the slings and arrows of the judges (or in Simon's case spears and axes) before America votes to decide who will be the next American Idol.
Reality
Yes, it's a reality show, but with a life-altering twist. People have left this show, some eliminated and some who won, and become true stars. Long standing (well, so far) and lucrative careers have been born on the American Idol stage, some for which we can be grateful.
Won - Top TV Series
Catherine Dennis
Julian Gingell
Barry Stone (ASCAP Award)
Nominated - Outstanding Art Direction for a Variety, Music Program, or Special
Andy Walmsley (production designer)
James Yarnell (art director)
For episode #519. (Emmy)
Won - Outstanding Reality Series (Image Award)
Nominated - Outstanding Variety (Series or Special) (Image Award)
Won - Top TV Series
Catherine Dennis
Julian Gingell
Barry Stone (ASCAP Award)
Nominated - Outstanding Art Direction for a Variety, Music Program or Special
Andy Walmsley (production designer)
James Yarnell (art director)
For episode #419. (Emmy)
Nominated - Outstanding Directing for Non-Fiction Programming
Bruce Gowers (director)
For episode "Finale". (Emmy)
2007 - DGA Award (Nominated)
Won - Favorite TV Show (Blimp Award)
2008 - Blimp Award (Won)
Nominated - Outstanding Lighting Direction (Electronic, Multi-Camera) for a VMC Programming
Kieran Healy (lighting designer)
Matt Firestone (lighting director)
George Harvey (lighting director)
For episode "Finale". (Emmy)
2008 - Image Award (Nominated)
2006 - ASCAP Award (Won)
2007 - Emmy (Won)
Ryan Seacreat - Host
Simon Cowell - Judge
Randy Jackson - Judge
Ellen DeGeneres - Judge
Kara DioGuardi - Judge