How do you turn a talent search into a phenomenon? Simple. You let America be the judge. In the summer of 2002, that's exactly what producer Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment along with FremantleMedia did for Fox Television. Beginning with an open call for auditions in seven cities across the country, American Idol judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell narrowed a field of over 10,000 pop singer wannabes to one American Idol.
Ryan Seacrest
Brian Dunkleman
Simon Cowell
Paula Abdul
Randy Jackson
Kelly Clarkson
Justin Guarini
Nikki McKibbin
Tamyra Gray
R.J. Helton
Christina Christian
Ryan Starr
AJ Gil
Jim Verraros
EJay Day