Summary
Originally conceived as the US version of Britain's Pop Idol, American Idol has since exploded into a full-fledged pop culture phenomena, launching the careers of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, resurrecting Paula Abdul and introducing America to a guy named Simon Cowell. Each week, contestants belt out stirring renditions of classic pop songs, while enduring the slings and arrows of the judges (or in Simon's case spears and axes) before America votes to decide who will be the next American Idol.