Watch American Idol
- TV-PG
- 2009
- 21 Seasons
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4.2 (21,929)
American Idol is an American singing competition that premiered on June 11, 2002, on Fox. The show aims to find talented singers from across the country and put them on a national platform to showcase their abilities. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the show became an instant hit and has since become a cultural phenomenon. In the early seasons of the show, Seacrest was joined by co-host Brian Dunkleman. However, Dunkleman's role was later trimmed down to just the audition episodes, and he was eventually replaced by a rotating group of guest hosts before Seacrest became the sole host. The show follows a simple premise: contestants audition for a panel of judges who determine whether they will advance to the next stage of the competition or be sent home. Contestants who make it through the audition round then compete in a series of live performances, where they are judged by the viewing audience and the judges. Each week, the contestant with the lowest number of votes is eliminated. The original trio of judges consisted of music executive Randy Jackson, singer Paula Abdul, and songwriter/producer Simon Cowell. The judges were known for their blunt critiques, with Cowell in particular earning a reputation for being harsh. Over the show's 19 seasons, it has become known for its memorable performances, emotional moments, and the discovery of talented performers who have gone on to become major stars. Among the show's alumni are Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Phillip Phillips, and more. The show has undergone several changes over the years, including numerous format changes and the departure of original judge Paula Abdul after eight seasons. Additional judges who have been featured on the show include Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie. In 2018, American Idol moved to ABC, with longtime host Ryan Seacrest returning to his hosting duties. The show also brought back judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. The current iteration of the show is still going strong, with viewers tuning in to see who will be crowned the next American Idol. In conclusion, American Idol has been a mainstay of American television for nearly two decades. Its concept of discovering talented singers and giving them a platform to showcase their abilities has made it one of the most successful and beloved competition shows of all time. With its charismatic host, rotating panel of judges, and unforgettable performances, it's no wonder that fans continue to Watch American Idol Online to this day.