"American Idol" is a talent show of sorts that is televised on the Fox network every week on Tuesday and Wednesday. In its second season, the show began in January with three "American Idol" judges touring the U.S. in search of those with good singing talent. The three judges are Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson (record producer), and Simon Cowell (record producer).

Thousands of young people auditioned at major cities in the U.S. At the end of the auditions at each city, a group of the "best" was chosen and was flown out to Hollywood for the next round of competition. The judges narrowed down their selections further until only a group of 30 contestants was left. Then, the weekly shows started where two more judges, a mystery guest and the American public, got to voice their opinions.

Each Tuesday during a one-hour show, the group of singers competes against one another in front of the five judges. (The mystery guest is announced at the beginning of Tuesday’s show.) After each singer performs, each judge (except the American public, of course) gives their opinion on how well (or not) they did. At the end of the show, the American public can call in to vote for their favorite. They can even text message their vote if they are AT&T wireless phone subscribers. On Wednesday’s show, those with the most votes get to stay, and the one with the least amount of votes must leave the show.

Ultimately, only one performer will prevail and will be crowned "American Idol". That person will receive a million-dollar contract with a major recording company.

Kelly Clarkson - 2002 "American Idol"