By: Maureen Meosky
The first show of its kind, American Idol has become a staple in American television. Before the year 2002, talent competitions focused solely on singing were unheard of.
Created by Simon Fuller, and originally judged by Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson, American Idol was an instant success, kicking off its first season with 9.85 million US viewers. The show’s success continued to grow throughout the next few years, reaching its height in Season 6 with 37 million viewers. By Season 4, Idol was the most-watched show on American television.
With all of this viewership, mainstream stars were quickly born; even in American Idol’s first season, winner Kelly Clarkson took American pop music by storm. Shortly following the show’s finale, the nineteen year-old victor’s first Album, Thankful, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200.
One of the most famous country artists of all time, Carrie Underwood, made her claim to fame through American Idol. Underwood is often thought to be the American Idol’s greatest success. In her first album alone, Underwood’s record-breaking achievements were astounding. Her first album, titled Some Hearts, won three Grammys. Carrie Underwood’s success exemplifies the dream American Idol has offered for those who choose to chase it.
Other superstars born from this show include Taylor Hicks, Jordan Sparks, Kris Allen, and Phillip Phillips, all of whom rose to prominence in their respective fields shortly after winning the show. Several of Idol’s success stories were not even victors, including Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken, and Adam Lambert.
Clearly, American Idol isn’t considered a staple in US television for nothing. An incredible number of talented people have achieved their dreams of becoming big names in the music business, which was, before Idol, a very difficult business to break into. Even now, fifteen years later, The Voice, Idol’s primary competitor, hasn’t reached half the ratings American television’s masterpiece received in its prime.
Simon Fuller is seldom willing to open up to publicity, so little is known about his opinion of the show’s success. It isn’t hard to guess that he’s proud of what he’s built, though, as no other show in American history has had such a resounding impact on the music industry. American Idol set the stage for the modern-day televised talent competition, and because of that, it won’t soon be forgotten.
