As the first season of American Idol unfolded, America quickly learned about the new show that would become a cultural phenomenon.
At the first stage of the competition, singers auditioned at venues all over the country -- and it was the bad singers who caught America's attention.
We were shocked at how many awful singers were delusional enough to think they should sing outside of the shower. When "mean judge" Simon Cowell insulted these singers, we couldn't help but laugh. Of course, there were some viewers who felt that Simon was too mean. Either way, America was talking about those awful auditions and Simon's brutally honest comments the next day.
The bad auditions were a hit, but there were also some talented singers who walked into the auditions that first season. When the auditions and semifinal rounds were over, ten finalists remained. They were
- Tamyra Gray
- Nikki McKibbin
- Christina Christian
- A.J. Gill Jim Verraros
- Justin Guarini
- RJ Helton
- Ryan Starr
- Ejay Day
- Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson, who was a favorite from the very beginning, won the title. Justin Guarini was runner-up. By the time the finale aired, the show was officially a smash hit. An estimated 50 million people watched the finale in September, 2002.
Both Kelly and Justin were signed to RCA records after the finale. Kelly went on to become one of music's biggest stars. Justin was dropped from RCA after his first album flopped.