'American Idol'
	FAQs
	Season 1: Kelly Clarkson Justin Guarini, Nikki McKibbon, Tamyra Gray, RJ Helton, Christina Christian, Ryan Starr, A.J. Gil, Jim Verraros, and EJay Day Season 2: Ruben Studdard Clay Aiken, Kimberley Locke, Joshua Gracin, Trenyce, Carmen Rasmusen, Kimberly Caldwell, Rickey Smith, Julia DeMato, Charles Grigsby, Vanessa Olivarez, and Corey Clark Season 3: Fantasia Barrino Diano DeGarmo, JasmineTrias, La Toya London, George Huff, John Stevens, Jennifer Hudson, Jon Peter Lewis, Camile Velasco, Amy Adams, Matthew Rogers, and Leah LaBelle Season 4: Carrie Underwood Bo Bice, Mikalah Gordon, Lindsey Cardinale, Jessica Sierra, Nikko Smith, Nadia Turner, Anwar Robinson, Constantine Maroulis, Scott Savol, Anthony Fedorov, and Vonzell Solomon Season 5: Taylor Hicks Katharine McPhee, Elliott Yamin, Chris Daughtry, Paris Bennett, Kellie Pickler, Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Mandisa, Lisa Tucker, Kevin Covais, and Melissa McGhee Season 6: Jordin Sparks Blake Lewis, Melinda Doolittle Lakisha Jones, Chris Richardson Philip Stacy, Sanjaya Malakar, Haley Scarnato, Gina Glocksen, Chris Sligh, Stephanie Edwards, and Brandon Rogers Season 7: David Cook David Archuleta, Sysha Mercado Jason Castro , Brooke White, Carly Smithson, Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, Ramiele Maluba, Chikeze, Amanda Overmyer, and David Hernandez Season 8: Kris Allen Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta, Matt Giraud, Anoop Desai, Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre, Megan Joy, Michael Sarver, Alexis Grace, Jasmine Murray, Jorge Nunez Season 9: Lee DeWyze Crystal Bowersox, Casey James, Michael Lynche, Aaron Kelley, Siobhan Magnus, Tim Urban, Katie Stevens, Andrew Garcia, Didi Benami, Paige Miles, Lacey Brown Season 10: Scotty McCreery Lauren Alaina, Haley Reinhart, James Durbin, Jacob Lusk, Casey Abrams, Stefano Langone, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Thia Megia, Naima Adedapo, Karen Rodriguez, Ashton Jones Season 11: Phil Phillips Season 12: Candice Glover Season 13: Caleb Johnson Season 14: Nick Fradiani Season 15: Trent Harmon

The US version of the American Idol competition began in June, 2002 with 10,000 entrants. The show was a hit its first season for FOX and grew into a monster TV hit in the following years - kick-starting the music careers of many singers and spawning similar shows in hundreds of countries. The winner of the show receives a recording contract, although the success of the show has resulted in several of the top singers getting contracts and acting opportunities. American Idol's roots began with the UK version, Pop Idol, early in 2002 with the winner Will Young later topping UK Singles charts and breaking single-sales records.

The television show American Idol: The Search for a Superstar debuted on FOX with the judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. The trio became the decision-makers of who would move on further within the competition before the American public began the selection process.

Season 1 winner: Kelly Clarkson
Justin Guarini (voted off September 4)
Nikki McKibbon (voted off August 28)
Tamyra Gray (voted off August 21)
RJ Helton (voted off August 14)
Christina Christian (voted off August 7)
Ryan Starr (voted off July 31)
A.J. Gil (voted off July 24)
Jim Verraros (voted off July 17)
EJay Day (voted off July 17).

With 2 remaining finalists, Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini, America voted Kelly Clarkson as the first US American Idol with 58% of the votes.
The American Finalists along with winner Kelly Clarkson performed live in Las Vegas for a special concert airing on Fox.

American Idol Greatest Moments was released and included tracks from all Top 10 finalists including 4 tracks by Kelly Clarkson, 2 by Justin Guarini, and 1 group song (a cover of "California Dreamin'"). The 10 finalists also toured for 6 weeks during October and November.
Justin Guarini and Tamyra Gray both signed a record deal with Simon's label.

American Idol Greatest Moments was certified gold.

The second outing of American Idol was back on the TV screens. Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson were back as judges and ratings continued to soar.

Tamyra Gray started appearing in episodes of Boston Public on FOX.

Season 2 winner: Ruben Studdard
Clay Aiken (voted off May 21)
Kimberley Locke (voted off May 14)
Joshua Gracin (voted off May 7)
Trenyce (voted off April 30)
Carmen Rasmusen (voted off April 23)
Kimberly Caldwell (voted off April 16)
Rickey Smith (voted off April 9)
Corey Clark (kicked off over assault allegations April 2)
Julia DeMato (voted off March 26)
Charles Grigsby (voted off March 19)
Vanessa Olivarez (voted off March 12)

The Season 2 American Idol Finalists recorded a charity single of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The USA."

The Season 2 American Idol Finalists recording of "God Bless The USA" topped the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Sales chart for 8 weeks.
American Idol Season 2: All Time Classic American Love Songs was released.
Ruben Studdard was voted the winner of American Idol 2 with just over 50% of the vote (with only about 130,000 votes separating him from Clay Aiken). Studdard said of the win: "I just feel elated, man. This is wonderful, man. I've dreamed of being in this place my whole life and I am finally here, and there is nothing better than being able to live out your dream."
American Idol Season 2: All Time Classic American Love Songs was certified gold and the single "God Bless The USA" was certified gold.

Justin Guarini released his debut LP - Justin Guarini.
Ruben Studdard hit the Top 40 with "Flying Without Wings."
Clay Aiken topped the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart for 2 weeks and Hot 100 Singles Sales chart for 11 weeks with "This Is The Night" selling over 392,000 copies its first week of release in the US - compared to over 285,000 copies Ruben Studdard sold with "Flying Without Wings" which came in at #2. The same #1-#2 debut occurred on the Canadian singles chart.
Ruben Studdard topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales chart for 8 weeks with "Superstar / Flying Without Wings."
Ruben Studdard filmed a cameo appearance as himself for next years film Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.
Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini's movie - From Justin To Kelly - hit theaters and only grossed 2.9 million dollars its first week of release (coming in at #11 for the weekend of its release).

Justin Guarini was facing legal troubles after being accused of being reckless on a jet ski in Texas and almost injuring a 5 year old girl.
The American Idol finalists began touring together. The tour did not include Josh Gracin because he was "unable to complete his required training (in the Marines) in the allotted time."
American Idol was nominated for 6 Emmy Awards.
Ruben Studdard's single "Flying Without Wings/Superstar" was certified gold.

Ruben Studdard appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone.
Ruben Studdard filed a lawsuit against the clothing line 205 Flava Inc claiming they were unfairly profiting by using his image to promote their clothing which has the large '205' across the front. The clothing received much publicity when Studdard wore the shirts while on American Idol. The lawsuit was later settled.

American Idol Christmas was released and included holiday tracks from the top favorites of the last 2 seasons.

Justin Guarini was hit with a lawsuit by a couple whose car was hit from behind by Guarini's truck in Pennsylvania last March.

Justin Guarini was reportedly dropped by his record label, RCA. His debut LP had sold 134,000 copies.
American Idol Christmas was certified gold.
Ruben Studdard released his debut LP, Soulful.
Ruben Studdard topped the Billboard 200 LP chart for a week with Soulful selling over 416,000 copies its first week of release in the US.
Ruben Studdard hit the Top 40 with "Sorry 2004."
from the LP Soulful
ARC chart run: 40 - 36 - 34 - 32 - 29 - off
Ruben Studdard topped the Billboard Year-End Charts with the Top Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Single Sales ("Flying Without Wings/Superstar").

Kimberley Locke: # 26 Singles Artist of the Year ~ Ruben Studdard: # 94 Singles Artist of the Year

American Idol 3 began.
Soulful was certified platinum.
Ruben Studdard topped the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart for 2 weeks with Soulful.
Kimberley Locke hit the Top 40 with "Eighth World Wonder."

Ruben Studdard was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance - Male ("Superstar").

Season 3 winner: Fantasia Barrino
Diano DeGarmo (voted off May 26)
Jasmine Trias (voted off May 19)
LaToya London (voted off May 12)
George Huff (voted off May 5)
John Stevens (voted off April 28)
Jennifer Hudson (voted off April 21)
Jon Peter Lewis (voted off April 15)
Camile Velasco (voted off April 7)
Amy Adams (voted off March 31)
Matthew Rogers (voted off March 24)
Leah LaBelle (voted off March 17)

Ruben Studdard topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart with "Sorry 2004."
Ruben Studdard won a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist.
Kimberley Locke topped the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Sales chart with "Eighth World Wonder."

A surprise star came out of the American Idol 3 auditions in the form of William Hung who was best remembered for his rendition of "She Bangs." The result was being booted by the judges early on, but gaining a following and eventually a recording deal with Kock Records and the release of Inspiration.
Kimberley Locke hit the Top 10 with "Eighth World Wonder."
American Idol Season 3: Greatest Soul Classics was released.
Elton John echoed the feelings of many American Idol fans after Jennifer Hudson was felt to be prematurely voted out of the contest: "The three people I was really impressed with, and they just happened to be black, young female singers, and they all seem to be landing in the bottom three. They have great voices. The fact that they're constantly in the bottom three - and I don't want to set myself up here - but I find it incredibly racist." The following week, voters appeared to redeem themselves by letting go John Stevens, who received consistent negative feedback from the judges.

Kimberley Locke released One Love.
Kimberley Locke topped the Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales chart with the remixes of "Eighth World Wonder."
Tamyra Gray released her debut LP The Dreamer.
Fantasia Barrino was named the American Idol for Season 3. Her first single "I Believe" was co-written by Tamyra Gray.

Josh Gracin released his debut LP, Josh Gracin.
Diana DeGarmo released her single "Dreams / Don't Cry Out Loud / I Believe."

Kimberley Locke hit the Top 40 with "Wrong."

Diana DeGarmo topped the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Sales chart with "Dreams."

George Huff released the holiday EP, George Huff Christmas.
Ruben Studdard was nominated for an American Music Awards for Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist.
Ruben Studdard released I Need An Angel.
Ruben Studdard was hospitalized for exhaustion.

Diana DeGarmo released her solo LP Blue Skies.

The 4th season of American Idol began.

Kimberley Locke could be heard on the Disneymania 3 compilation on the track "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes."

Josh Gracin topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart with "Nothin' To Lose."

Season 4 winner: Carrie Underwood
Bo Bice (voted off May 25)
Vonzell Solomon (voted off May 18)
Anthony Fedorov (voted off May 11)
Scott Savol (voted off May 4)
Constantine Maroulis (voted off April 27)
Anwar Robinson (voted off April 20)
Nadia Turner (voted off April 13)
Nikko Smith (voted off April 6)
Jessica Sierra (voted off March 30)
Mikalah Gordon (voted off March 24)
Lindsey Cardinale (voted off March 16)

The finalists released their benefit single "When You Say You Love Me."
Ruben Studdard's I Need An Angel was certified gold.

The finalists topped the Canadian singles chart with "When You Say You Love Me."
The finalists released American Idol Season 4: The Showstoppers.
Carrie Underwood was named the American Idol for Season 4.

Bo Bice told Rolling Stone that he was happy he didn't win American Idol: "The label 'American Idol' was not for me. I'm not a pop person. It would have been harder to play my kind of music if I had won."
Bo Bice released the single "Inside Your Heaven / Vehicle."
Bo Bice got married.
Josh Gracin's Josh Gracin was certified gold.

Bo Bice topped the Billboard Hot Pop 100 chart, Pop 100 chart, and the Hot Singles Sales chart with " "Inside Your Heaven."

Bo Bice missed some of the 'American Idols Live Tour' when he required emergency surgery for a "kink in his intestines."

Ruben Studdard could be heard on the Ray Charles LP Genius And Friends with the duet "Imagine."
LaToya London released Love And Life.
Bo Bice and his wife had a son.

Kimberley Locke topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart with "Up On The Housetop."
Bo Bice released The Real Thing.
Bo Bice was rushed to the hospital due to complications from his recent intestinal surgery.
Ruben Studdard topped the Billboard Year-End Charts as the Top Gospel Artist and with the Top Gospel Album (I Need An Angel).

Bo Bice: # 33 Singles Artist of the Year

Bo Bice hit the Top 40 with "The Real Thing."
The 5th season of American Idol began.

Season 5 winner: Taylor Hicks
Katharine McPhee (voted off May 24)
Elliott Yamin (voted off May 17)
Chris Daughtry (voted off May 10)
Paris Bennett (voted off May 3)
Kellie Pickler (voted off April 26)
Ace Young (voted off April 19)
Bucky Covington (voted off April 12)
Mandisa (voted off April 5)
Lisa Tucker (voted off March 29)
Kevin Covais (voted off March 22)
Melissa McGhee (voted off March 15)

Bo Bice's The Real Thing was certified gold.

Bo Bice hit the Top 10 with "The Real Thing."
American Idol Season 5 Encores was released.
Taylor Hicks was named the American Idol of Season 5.

Taylor Hicks released the CD single "Do I Make You Proud / Takin' It To The Streets."
Katharine McPhee released the CD single "My Destiny / Somewhere Over The Rainbow."

Taylor Hicks topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, Pop 100 chart, and Hot Singles Sales chart with "Do I Make You Proud / Takin' It To The Streets."
Taylor Hicks topped the Canadian singles chart with "Do I Make You Proud / Takin' It To The Streets."
Taylor Hicks hit the Top 40 with "Do I Make You Proud."

Bo Bice hit the Top 40 with "U Make Me Better."

Ruben Studdard's next LP The Return was released.
Kellie Pickler released her debut LP Small Town Girl (Billboard peak: # 9 - Rolling Stone: - Entertainment Weekly: C).

Kellie Picker topped the Billboard Top Country Albums chart with Small Town Girl.
Taylor Hick's single "Do I Make You Proud / Takin' It To The Streets" was certified gold.

Ruben Studdard topped the Billboard Adult R&B chart with "Change Me."
Taylor Hicks released his debut LP Taylor Hicks.
Kimberley Locke topped the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart with "Jingle Bells."
Taylor Hicks topped the Billboard Year-End Charts with the Top Hot 100 Single Sales ("Do I Make You Proud / Takin' It To The Streets").

Elliott Yamin: # 24 Singles Artist of the Year - Katharine McPhee: # 63 Singles Artist of the Year

The 6th season of American Idol began.
Katharine McPhee released her debut LP Katharine McPhee (Billboard peak: # 2 - Entertainment Weekly: C+).
Taylor Hick's LP Taylor Hicks was certified platinum.
Kellie Picker's LP Small Town Girl was certified gold.

Katharine McPhee hit the Top 40 with "Over It."

Season 6 winner: Jordin Sparks Blake Lewis (voted off May 23) Melinda Doolittle (voted off May 16) Lakisha Jones (voted off May 9) Chris Richardson (voted off May 2) Philip Stacy (voted off May 2) Sanjaya Malakar (voted off April 18) Haley Scarnato (voted off April 11) Gina Glocksen (voted off April 4) Chris Sligh (voted off March 28) Stephanie Edwards (voted off March 21) Brandon Rogers (voted off March 14)

Elliot Yamin released his debut Elliot Yamin (Billboard peak: # 3).

Bucky Covington released his debut Bucky Covington (Billboard peak: # 4 - Entertainment Weekly: B+).
Elliot Yamin hit the Top 40 with "Wait For You."
from the LP Elliot Yamin
ARC chart run: 40 - 37 - 32 - 31 - 29 - 21 - 16 - 12 - 10 - 12 - 10 - 9 - 10 - 9 - 6 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 4 - 6 - 10 - 12 - 15 - 18 - 20 - 23 - 25 - 28 - 32 - off
available for download at iTunes and Amazon.mp3

Bucky Covington topped the Billboard Country Albums chart with Bucky Covington.
Kimberley Locke released her second LP Based On A True Story (Billboard peak: # 160 - Entertainment Weekly: C).
Paris Bennett released her debut LP Princess P (Billboard peak: # 133 - Entertainment Weekly: C+).
EPs by Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis were released for digital download.

Kimberley Locke topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart with "Change."
Blake Lewis hit the Top 40 with his remake of "You Give Love A Bad Name."
Elliot Yamin hit the Top 10 with "Wait For You."

Mandisa released True Beauty (Billboard peak: # 43 - Entertainment Weekly: B-).
Constantine Maroulis released Maroulis (Billboard peak: # 75 - Entertainment Weekly: D+).

Elliot Yamin's LP Elliot Yamin and single "Wait For You" were certified gold.

Bo Bice released See The Light (Billboard peak: # 150 - Entertainment Weekly: C).

Kimberley Locke topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart with "Frosty The Snowman."
Blake Lewis released Audio Day Dream (Billboard peak: # 10 - Entertainment Weekly: C).
Elliot Yamin released Sounds Of The Season: The Elliott Yamin Holiday Collection.

David Cook: # 42 Singles Artist of the Year - David Archuleta: # 47 Singles Artist of the Year

Kimberley Locke topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart for a week with "Band Of Gold."
The 7th season of American Idol began.

Mandisa was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album (True Beauty).

Idol judge Randy Jackson released Randy Jackson's Music Club, Volume 1.

Season 7 winner: David Cook David Archuleta (voted off May 21) Sysha Mercado (voted off May 14) Jason Castro (voted off May 7) Brooke White (voted off April 30) Carly Smithson (voted off April 23) Kristy Lee Cook (voted off April 16) Michael Johns (voted off April 9) Ramiele Maluba (voted off April 2) Chikeze (voted off March 26) Amanda Overmyer (voted off March 19) David Hernandez (voted off March 12)

Kellie Pickler won 3 CMT Music Awards.
Phil Stacey released Phil Stacey.

David Cook was named the American Idol with 56% of the vote.
David Cook made chart history on the Billboard Hot 100 chart when 11 of his songs debuted on the chart in the same week - American Idol allowed downloads from finalists to be reported on the iTunes charts. Cook hit the chart with the songs "The Time Of My Life," "Dream Big," "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," "The World I Know," "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing," "Billie Jean," "Always Be My Baby," "Hello," "The Music Of The Night," "Eleanor Rigby", and "I'm Alive."
Elliott Yamin could be heard on the compilation Disneymania, Vol. 6 with the track "Can You Feel The Love Tonight."

David Cook topped the Billboard Hot Digital Songs chart and Hot Digital Tracks chart with "The Time Of My Life."
David Cook hit the Top 40 with "The Time Of My Life."

Kimberley Locke topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart with "Fall."

David Archuleta hit the Top 40 with "Crush."
David Archuleta topped the Billboard Hot Digital Songs chart and Hot Digital Tracks chart with "Crush."
It was announced that the next season of American Idol would add a 4th judge - singer-songwriter Kara DioGuardi.

David Cook topped the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart with "The Time Of My Life."
Taylor Hicks appeared from June into September on Broadway in the revival of Grease playing the Teen Angel.

Kellie Pickler released her 2nd LP Kellie Pickler (Billboard peak: # 9) and topped the Billboard Country Albums chart.
David Cook hit the Top 40 with "Light On."

David Cook performed on Saturday Night Live.
David Archuleta released his debut LP David Archuleta (Billboard peak: # 2 - Rolling Stone: - Entertainment Weekly: C+).
David Cook released his debut LP David Cook (Billboard peak: # 3 - Rolling Stone: - Entertainment Weekly: B).

David Cook topped the Billboard Top Digital Albums with David Cook.

David Cook: # 56 Singles Artist of the Year - Kris Allen: # 68 Singles Artist of the Year

The 8th season of American Idol began with addition of a 4th judge Kara DioGuardi.
David Cook's LP David Cook and David Archuleta's LP David Archuleta was certified gold.
Melinda Doolittle released her debut LP Coming Back To You (Billboard peak: # 58 - Entertainment Weekly: B+).

Season 8 winner: Kris Allen Adam Lambert (voted off March 20) Danny Gokey ( voted off May 13) Allison Iraheta ( voted off May 6) Matt Giraud (voted off April 15 but saved by judges and voted off April 29) Anoop Desai (voted off April 22) Lil Rounds (voted off April 22) Scott MacIntyre (voted off April 8) Megan Joy (voted off April 1) Michael Sarver (voted off March 26) Alexis Grace (voted off March 18) Jasmine Murray (voted off March 11) Jorge Nunez (voted off March 11)

Taylor Hicks released The Distance (Billboard peak: # 58 - Entertainment Weekly: C).
Mandisa released the gospel LP Freedom.

Kris Allen was voted the American Idol.
Elliott Yamin released Fight For Love (Billboard peak: # 26).
Ruben Studdard released his next LP Love Is (Billboard peak: # 36 - Entertainment Weekly: B+).

Kris Allen hit the Top 40 with "No Boundaries."
Michael Johns (Season 7) released Hold Back My Heart.
Adam Lambert appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone.

Brooke White (Season 7) released her debut LP High Hopes And Heartbreaks (Billboard peak: # 50).

Abdul announced she would be leaving American Idol after 8 seasons.

It was announced that Ellen DeGeneres would be the 4th judge on American Idol when it begins its 9th season, replacing recently departed, Paula Abdul.

David Archuleta released Christmas From The Heart (available at iTunes and Amazon-mp3).

Kris Allen hit the Top 40 with "Live Like We're Dying."
Kris Allen released his debut LP Kris Allen (Billboard peak: # 11 - Entertainment Weekly: B-).
Adam Lambert released his debut LP For Your Enterainment (Billboard peak: # 3 - Entertainment Weekly: B+).

Allison Iraheta released her debut LP Just Like You (Billboard peak: # 35 - Entertainment Weekly: A-).
Adam Lambert hit the Top 40 with "Whataya Want From Me."

Adam Lambert: # 20 Singles Artist of the Year -- Kris Allen: # 52 Singles Artist of the Year

The 9th season of American Idol began with addition of judge Ellen DeGeneres.
Katharine McPhee released Unbroken (Entertainment Weekly: C+).
Mandisa was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album (Freedom).

Season 9 winner: Lee DeWyze Crystal Bowersox (voted off May 26) Lacey Brown (voted off March 17) Paige Miles (voted off March 24) Didi Benami (voted off March 31) Andrew Garcia (voted off April 14) Katie Stevens (voted off April 14) Tim Urban (voted off April 21) Siobhan Magnus (voted off April 28) Aaron Kelley (voted off May 5) Michael Lynche (voted off April 7 but saved by judges - voted off May 12) Casey James (voted off May 19)

Danny Gokey released his debut LP My Best Days.
Kris Allen hit the Top 10 with "Live Like We're Dying."

Jason Castro released his debut LP Jason Castro.
Blake Lewis topped the Billboard Dance Club Play Songs chart with "Heartbreak On Vinyl."

American Idol - Season 9 was released.

Adam Lambert hit the Top 40 with "If I Had You."

It was announced that Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler would be joining Randy as judges on the next installment of American Idol - replacing Ellen, Simon, and Kara.

David Archuleta released The Other Side of Down.

Lee DeWyze released his debut LP Live it Up (available on iTunes and Amazon.mp3.

Crystal Bowersox released Farmer's Daughter.

The 10th season of American Idol began with new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez joining Randy Jackson - and without Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres, and Kara DioGuardi.

Adam Lambert was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance - Male ("Whataya Want From Me").

Season 10 finalists:
Scott McCreery
Ashton Jones (voted off March 10th)
Karen Rodriguez (voted off March 17th)
Naima Adedapo (voted off March 31st)
Thia Megia (voted off March 31st)
Pia Toscano (voted off April 7th)
Paul McDonald (voted off April 14th)
Stefano Langone (voted off April 21st)
Casey Abrams (voted off April 28th)
Jacob Lusk (voted off May 5th)
James Durbin (voted off May 12th)
Haley Reinhart (voted off May 19th)
Lauren Alaina (voted off May 25th)

American Idol 10th Anniversary - The Hits was released.
Adam Lambert released the CD/DVD Glam Nation Live.

David Cook released This Loud Morning.

Scotty McCreery released Clear As Day (available for download at iTunes and Amazon.mp3).
Scotty McCreery topped the Billboard 200 LP chart, Country Albums chart, and Digital Albums chart with Clear As Day.
Lauren Alaina released Wildflower.

'Old' Adam Lambert material was released Beg For Mercy.
James Durbin released Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster.
Scotty McCreery's Clear As Day was certified gold.

Phillip Phillips: # 35 Singles Artist of the Year

The 11th season of American Idol began with dipping ratings.
Kellie Pickler (Season 5) released 100 Proof.
Scotty McCreery's Clear As Day was certified platinum.

Season 11 finalists: Phillip Phillips, Heejun Han, Joshua Ledt, Colton Dixon, Jermaine Jones, Deandre Brackensick, Jeremy Rosado, Jesica Sanchez, Hollie Cavanagh, Skylar Laine, Shannon Magrane, Elise Testone, Erika Van Pelt

Elliott Yamin released Let's Get To What's Real.

Adam Lambert released Trespassing.
Kris Allen released Thank You Camellia.
Phil Phillips won season 11.
Adam Lambert topped the Billboard 200 LP chart and Digital Albums chart with Trespassing.
Crystal Bowersoix released Once Upon A Time...

American Idol Season 11 Top 10 Highlights was released.

Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler quit the show.
Phillip Phillip's American Idol Season 11 Highlights was released.
Mariah Carey joined American Idol.
Jordin Sparks could be heard on the soundtrack for Sparkle (a movie she starred in) on several tracks.

David Archuleta released BEGIN.
Phillip Phillips hit the Top 40 with "Home" after the song was used in the Olympics coverage of women's gymnastics.
from the LP The World From The Side Of The Moon
ARC chart run: 39 - 33 - 30 - 26 - 24 - 20 - 19 - 19 - 16 - 21 - 21 - 21 - 16 - 13 - 12 - 11 - 8 - 7 - 7 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 8 - 22 - 26 - 39 - off
Year-End Chart Position: # 14
available for download at iTunes and Amazon.mp3
Phillip Phillips topped the Billboard Digital Songs chart with "Home."
Jordan Sparks could be seen in the film Sparkle.

Scotty McCreery released Christmas With Scotty McCreery.
US: Platinum
Billboard Top 200 LPs peak: # 4

Phillip Phillips released his debut LP The World From The Side Of The Moon.
US: Gold
Billboard Top 200 LPs peak: # 4
Rolling Stone:
available for download at iTunes and Amazon.mp3

Phillip Phillips hit the Top 10 with "Home."
Phillip Phillips topped the Billboard Rock Albums chart with The World From The Side Of The Moon.

Phillip Phillips: # 44 Singles Artist of the Year

The 12th season of American Idol began with new judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and Keith Urban joining Randy Jackson.

Phillip Phillips topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart with "Home."

Crystal Bowersox released All That For This (Billboard peak: # 71).
David Archuleta released No Matter How Far (Billboard peak: # 110).

Candice Glover won American Idol.

Phillip Phillips hit the Top 40 with "Gone, Gone Gone."
from the LP The World From The Side Of The Moon
ARC chart run: 37 - 29 - 26 - 24 - 22 - 20 - 20 - 18 - 18 - 21 - 24 - 21 - 20 - 22 - 21 - 25 - 36 - off
Year-End Chart Position: # 64
available for download at iTunes and Amazon.mp3

Mandisa released Overcomer.
Billboard peak: # 29
Phillip Phillips topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart with "Gone, Gone Gone."

Scotty McCreery released See You Tonight.
available for download at iTunes and Amazon.mp3

November 2: Scotty McCreery topped the Billboard Country Albums chart with See You Tonight.
November 11: Kellie Pickler released The Woman i Am.
November 24: Phillip Phillips was nominated for an American Music Awards for Favorite New Artist of the Year.

• January 15: The 13th season of American Idol started with judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Connick, Jr.
• January 26: Mandisa won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album (Overcomer) and was nominated for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance.

• February 4: Ruben Studdard released Unconditional Love.
• February 18: Candice Glover released Music Speaks.

• May 19: Phillip Phillips released Behind The Light.
  Tracks: "Searchlight" - "Raging Fire" - "Trigger" - "Lead On" - "Alive Again" - "Open Your Eyes" - "Fool For You" - "Thicket" - "Fly" - "Unpack Your Heart" - "FACE" - "Midnight Sun" - "My Boy" - "Don't Trust Me" - "Armless Crawler"
  available for download at iTunes and Amazon.mp3
• May 21: Caleb Johnson won the 13th season of American Idol.

• August 1: Michael Johns, from the 7th season of American Idol died at the age of 35.
• August 13: Kris Allen released Horizons.
  Tracks: "Young Love" - "Prove It To You" - "Beautiful & Wild" - "In Time" - "Lost" - "Don't Set Me Free" - "Everybody Just Wants To Dance" - "Parachute" - "It's Always You" - "Girl Across The Room"

Adam Lambert: # 52 Singles Artist of the Year

• January 7: The 14th season of American Idol started with judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Connick, Jr. back again.

• It was announced that the 15th season of American Idol will be the last.
• March 13: Nick Fradiani won the 14th season of American Idol.

• May 30: Adam Lambert hit the ARC Weekly Top 40 with "Ghost Town."
  ARC chart run: 37 - 37 - 33 - 31 - 29 - 28 - 32 - 30 - 29 - 27 - 26 - 26 - 23 - 23 - 23 - 26 - 26 - 23 - 25 - 37 - off
  Year-End Chart Position: # 61
  available for download at iTunes and Amazon.mp3

• June 16: Adam Lambert released The Original High.
  Tracks: "Ghost Town" - "The Original High" - "Another Lonely Night" - "Underground" - "There I Said It" - "Rumors" (featuring Tove Lo) - "Evil In The Night" - "Lucy" (featuring Brian May) - "Things I Didn't Say" - "The Light" - "Heavy Fire"
  Billboard Top 200 LPs peak: # 3
  available for download at iTunes and Amazon.mp3
• June 27: Nick Fradiani hit the ARC Weekly Top 40 with "Beautiful Life."
  from the LP Hurricane
  ARC chart run: 39 - 39 - off
  Year-End Chart Position: # 156
  available for download at iTunes and Amazon.mp3

• September 18: David Cook released Digital Vein.
• September 18: Katharine McPhee released Hysteria.

• January 6: The 15th and last season of American Idol started with judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Connick, Jr. back again.

• April 7: Trent Harmon was crowned the winner of the final season of American Idol after a star-studded finale for the show.

• October 22: Nick Fradiani hit the ARC Weekly Top 40 with "All On You."
  from the LP Hurricane
  ARC chart run: 38 - 31 - 30 - 32 - 33 - 35 - 36 - off
  Year-End Chart Position: # 118
  available for download at iTunes and Amazon.mp3

• October 11: Adam Lambert released the EP Velvet: Side A.

• March 20: Lambert released Velvet.

• May 22: Archuleta released Therapy Sessions.

• June 27: McCreery topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart with "In Between."

• October 2: Lambert with Queen released Live Around The World.
  available for download at iTunes and Amazon.mp3
  available on vinyl
  Live Tracks: "Tear It Up" - "Now I'm Here" - "Another One Bites The Dust" - "Fat Bottomed Girls" - "Don't Stop Me Now" - "I Want To Break Free" - "Somebody To Love" - "Love Kills - The Balld" - "I Was Born To Love You" - "Under Pressure" - "Who Wants To Live Forever" - "The Show Must Go On" - "Love Of My Life" - "Bohemian Rhapsody" - "Radio Ga-Ga" - "Ay-Ohs" - "Hammer To Fall" - "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" - "We Will Rock You" - "We Are THe Champions"
• October 15: Lambert with Queen topped the UK LP chart with Live Around The World.

• September 17: McCreery released Same Truck.

• October 2: McCreery topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart with "You Time."

• February 24: Adam Lambert released High Drama.

• May 10: McCreery released Rise & Fall.
  
  
  
  
  
  

	American Idol Greatest Moments Released: October, 2002 US: Gold Billboard peak: # 4 Tracks: "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" (Kelly) - "Respect" (Kelly) - "For Once In My Life" (Justin) - "Get Here" (Justin) - "Piece Of My Heart" (Nikki) - "A House Is Not A Home" (Tamyra) - "Lately" (R.J.) - "Ain't No Sunshine" (Christina) - "If You Really Love Me" (Ryan) - "My Cherie Amour" (A.J.) - "I'll Be" (E.J.) - "Easy" (Jim) - "California Dream" (all finalists) - "Before Your Love" (Kelly) - "A Moment Like This" (Kelly)
	American Idol Season 2: All Time Classic American Love Songs Released: May, 2003 US: Gold Billboard peak: # 2 Tracks: "God Bless The USA" (Everyone) - "What The World Needs Now" (Everyone) - "Superstar" (Ruben) - "On The Wings Of Love" (Clay) - "At Last" (Julie) - "Three Times A Lady" (Joshua) - "Let's Stay Together" (Trenyce) - "Back At One" (Rickey) - "Killing Me Softly" (Kimberly C) - "Open Arms" (Corey) - "How Do I Live" (Carmen) - "Over The Rainbow" (Kimberley L) - "Overjoyed" (Everyone)
	American Idol Christmas Released: October, 2003 US: Gold Tracks: "The First Noel" (Clay Aiken) - "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" (Ruben Studdard & Tamyra Gray) - "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" (Ensemble) - "Silent Night" (Tamyra Gray) - "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" (Ensemble) - "Christmas Song" (Kimberly Locke) - "I'll Be Home For Christmas" (Justin Guarini) - "Winter Wonderland" (Christina Christian) - "This Christmas" (Ruben Studdard) - "Oh Holy Night" (Kelly Clarkson) - "My Grown-Up Christmas" (Kelly Clarkson)
	American Idol Season 3: Greatest Soul Classics Released: April, 2004 Tracks: "Chain Of Fools" (Fantasia Barrino) - "Me And Mrs. Jones" (George Huff) - "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" (Diana DeGarmo) - "If You Don't Know Me By Now" (LaToya Jackson) - "Neither One Of Us" (Jennifer Hudson) - "You Make Me Feel Brand New" (Amy Adams) - "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay" (Matt Rogers) - "Midnight Train To Georgia" (Jasmine Trias) - "My Girl" (John Peter Lewis) - "Until You Come Back To Me" (Camile Velasco) - "Betcha By Golly, Wow" (Leah Labelle) - "You Are Everything" (John Stevens) - "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (Ensemble)
	American Idol Season 4: The Showstoppers Released: May, 2005 Tracks: "Independence Day" (Carrie Underwood) - "I Don't Want To Be" (Bo Bice) - "Best Of My Love" (Vonzell Solomon) - "A House Is Not A Home" (Anwar Robinson) - "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" (Nadia Turner) - "Part-Time Lover" (Nikko Smith) - "My Funny Valentine" (Constantine Maroulis) - "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" (Jessica Sierra) - "Everytime You Go Away" (Anthony Federov) - "Against All Odds" (Scott Soval) - "Knock On Wood" (Lindsey Cardinale) - "God Bless The Child" (Mikalah Gordon) - "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" (Ensemble)
	American Idol Season 5 Encores Released: May, 2006 Billboard peak: # 3 Entertainment Weekly: C Tracks: "What About Love" (Melissa McGhee) - "Superstition" (Bucky Covington) - "I'm Every Woman" (Mandisa) - "Wanted Dead Or Alive" (Chris Daughtry) - "Father Figure" (Ace Young) - "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" (Lisa Tucker) - "Walkin' After Midnight" (Kellie Pickler) - "Moody Food For Love" (Elliott Yamin) - "Think" (Katharine McPhee) - "Midnight Train To Georgia" (Paris Bennett) - "When I Fall In Love" (Kevin Covais)