‘American Idol’ Series Details

Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, Ryan Seacrest, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson
Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, Ryan Seacrest, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson on the set of AMERICAN IDOL Sunday, Sept, 16. CR: Michael Becker / FOX.

Judges: Keith Urban, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and Randy Jackson

Host: Ryan Seacrest

Season 1 Premiere: June 11, 2002
Season 2 Debut: June 21, 2003
Season 3 Debut: January 19, 2004
Season 4 Debut: January 18, 2005
Season 5 Debut: January 17, 2006
Season 6 Debut: January 16, 2007
Season 7 Debut: January 15, 2008
Season 8 Debut: January 13, 2009
Season 9 Debut: January 12, 2010
Season 10 Debut: January 19, 2011
Season 11 Debut: January 18, 2012
Season 12 Debut: January 16, 2013

Genre: Reality
Running Time: 1 hour
Network: Fox

News: Steven Tyler leaves AI
News: Fox offers three new ways to audition
News: Mariah Carey signs on
News: AI season 12 has 4 judges (3 are new)

The Synopsis: A variety program that empowers viewers to discover America’s next solo superstar. Competing hopefuls sing for a panel of expert industry judges and for the television audience, and viewers vote weekly for their favorite performers.

Season #11
DeAndre Brackensick
Hollie Cavanagh
Colton Dixon
Heejun Han
Skylar Laine
Joshua Ledet
Phillip Phillips – Winner
Jessica Sanchez
Elise Testone
Erika Van Pelt

Season #10
Casey Abrams
Naima Adedapo
Lauren Alaina
James Durbin
Stefano Langone
Jacob Lusk
Scotty McCreery – Winner
Paul McDonald
Thia Megia
Haley Reinhart
Pia Toscano

Other Past Winners:
Season 1 – Kelly Clarkson
Season 2 – Ruben Studdard
Season 3 – Fantasia Barrino
Season 4 – Carrie Underwood
Season 5 – Taylor Hicks
Season 6 – Jordin Sparks
Season 7 – David Cook
Season 8 – Kris Allen
Season 9 – Lee DeWyze