American Idol hit our shores the summer of 2002 after the major success of the British version, Pop Idol. An instant success, American Idol has helped regular people like Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, and Taylor Hicks become household names and major musical celebrities. Millions of viewers vote each year to help decide who, out of the tens of thousands of hopeful singers, will become the next American Idol. A highlight of the show is watching the crazy audition process as people line up for days to get their chance in front of judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. Whether accomplished singers or hopeless wannabes, the contestants sing their hearts out and risk harsh criticism from the judges.

Simon Cowell is famous, both in the U.K. and the U.S, but more for his harsh criticism than for his 20-years of experience in the music industry. Former pop star and Emmy and Grammy Award-winner Paula Abdul is more constructive in her criticism and is constantly attacked for her positive spin on things. Grammy Award-winning producer Randy Jackson plays mediator between the two is always supportive to his "dawgs."