American Idol is a reality TV competition to find new solo singing talent, whose performances are critiqued by three judges and the winner is determined by the viewers through telephone and SMS text voting.

The original three judges were award-winning music executive and music manager Simon Cowell, Grammy award-winning record producer and music manager Randy Jackson, and Grammy award-winning pop singer and Emmy award-winning choreographer Paula Abdul. Paula Abdul left the judges panel in 2009 and was replaced by Kara DioGuardi. In 2010, Simon Cowell announced that he'llbe leaving the judges table to take on a new show, the American version of a England's popular reality TV show X-Factor. Kara DioGuardi has also left the judges panrl so that the current judging panel consists of Randy Jackson; the other positions are unfilled. The show is hosted by Ryan Seacrest.

Previous American Idol winners include Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, and Lee DeWyze.