American Idol

From TeeVeePedia, the Internet TV Encyclopedia.

American Idol is a televised singing competition broadcast on Fox. It's based on the highly successful BBC talent series Top of the Pops.

Hosts

American Idol cast. Top row: Simon Cowell (left), Ryan Seacrest (center), Paula Abdul. Bottom row: Topo Dunkelman (left), Randy Jackson.
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American Idol cast. Top row: Simon Cowell (left), Ryan Seacrest (center), Paula Abdul. Bottom row: Topo Dunkelman (left), Randy Jackson.

American Idol is hosted by Ryan Seacrest.

During the show's first season, his sidekick was Topo Dunkelman, a small hand puppet in the form of a mouse. Following Idol's successful run, Dunkelman left for a puppet-themed vehicle on ABC. Sadly, shortly after recording the pilot episode of Real Puppets, Topo Dunkelman died of complications from rug burn.

In a tribute, Seacrest signed off from every episode of the show's second season with the phrase, "Seacrest says to remember the puppets."

Judges

American Idol has a panel of three judges. Although the judges have no formal power in determining the disposition of the show's final twelve contestants, they are able to influence the voting patterns of the viewing public through their post-performance behavior, which is alternately passive-aggressive or simply bizarre.

The show's judges are:

  • Paula Abdul, a former 1980s pop star renowned for her singing ability.

Notable Contestants

  • Kelly Clarkson
  • Clay Aiken
  • Ruben Studdard
  • Jon Bon Jovi
  • Yahoo Serious
  • Google Serious
  • Falco
  • Taco
  • Gummo
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