American Idol: The Search For A Superstar

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.

Full Cast of American Idol: The Search For A Superstar

Ryan Seacrest as Host

Ryan Seacrest

Host
Paula Abdul as Judge

Paula Abdul

Judge
Kelly Clarkson as Contestant / Winner

Kelly Clarkson

Contestant / Winner
Randy Jackson as Judge

Randy Jackson

Judge
Brian Dunkleman as Host

Brian Dunkleman

Host
Simon Cowell as Judge

Simon Cowell

Judge