American Idol, a reality music talent competition seeking to find the most talented pop singer in the U.S., got its start in 2002. Since the beginning, American Idol has been a ratings champion as viewers tune in each week to watch and then vote for their favorites. The viewer votes make the final decision each week for who goes home – and, ultimately, who is crowned the American Idol winner.

Equally as entertaining as the finalists’ performances are the amusing audition videos, where hopes are dashed and wannabes often get mad at the judges.

Host: Ryan Seacrest

American Idol Judges: Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell.

• Season 1 Winner: Kelly Clarkson, runner-up Justin Guarini
• Season 2 Winner: Ruben Studdard, runner-up Clay Aiken
• Season 3 Winner: Fantasia Barrino, runner-up Diana Degarmo (notably, future Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson competed in season 3)
• Season 4 Winner: Carrie Underwood, runner-up Bo Bice
• Season 5 Winner: Taylor Hicks, runner-up Katharine McPhee (notably, season 5 launched the careers of Chris Daughtry and Kellie Pickler)
• Season 6 Winner: Jordin Sparks, runner-up Blake Lewis
• Season 7 Winner: Unknown at time of this writing, but David Cook and David Archuleta were in the final two.

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