American Idol

The first season of American Idol premiered on June 11, 2002 (under the full title American Idol: The Search For A Superstar) and continued until September 4, 2002. It was won by Kelly Clarkson. This season was co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman, who left the show after one season.

Season # 2: Ruben Studdard

The second season of American Idol premiered on January 21, 2003 and continued until May 21, 2003. It was won by Ruben Studdard. Auditions were held in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Detroit, Atlanta, Nashville, and Austin in the fall of 2002.

Season # 3: Fantasia Barrino

The third season of American Idol premiered on January 19, 2004 and continued until May 26, 2004. The third season was won by Fantasia Barrino, who defeated Diana DeGarmo by an approximate margin of 2% (1.3 million votes); the vote total (65 million votes) was the highest recorded vote total in the show's history until the May 23, 2007 finale of American Idol 6. This season also featured Jennifer Hudson, who was controversially voted off in an early round but went on to become an Academy Award-winning actress.

Season # 4: Carrie Underwood

The fourth season of American Idol premiered on January 18, 2005 and continued until May 25, 2005. It was hosted by Ryan Seacrest. Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell also returned to judge. It was won by Carrie Underwood.

Season # 5: Taylor Hicks

Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell returned to judge, and Ryan Seacrest returned to host. It is the most successful season to date ratings-wise and also with 13 contestants (including all of the top 9) getting record deals - seven of them with major labels. It was also the first season of the series to be aired in high definition.

Season # 6: Jordin Sparks

The sixth season of American Idol premiered on the Fox Broadcasting Company on January 16, 2007 and ran until May 23, 2007. Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson returned to judge once again, and Ryan Seacrest returned as host. Jordin Sparks won the competition.

Season # 7: American Idol 7

Ryan Seacrest continues to host the show with Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson returning as judges. The successful program continues to search for and discover the best young singer in the country, through a series of nationwide auditions along with weekly rounds of intense competition and eliminations airing live, based on public voting by phone.