American Idol ( season 1 ) - wikipedia American Idol ( season 1 ) American Idol : The Search for a Superstar Season 1 Broadcast from June 11 -- September 4, 2002 Judges Paula Abdul Simon Cowell Randy Jackson Host ( s ) Ryan Seacrest Brian Dunkleman Broadcaster Fox Finals venue Kodak Theatre Winner Kelly Clarkson Clarkson at the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C. Origin Burleson, Texas, U.S. Song `` A Moment Like This '' Genre ( s ) Pop, pop rock Runner - up Justin Guarini Chronology 2002 ▶ The first season of American Idol premiered on June 11, 2002 ( under the full title American Idol : The Search for a Superstar ) and continued until September 4, 2002. It was won by Kelly Clarkson. That first season was co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman, the latter of whom left the show after the season ended. The winner, Kelly Clarkson, signed with RCA Records, the label in partnership with American Idol 's 19 Recordings. Immediately post-finale, Clarkson released two singles, including the coronation song, `` A Moment Like This ''. `` A Moment Like This '' went on to break a thirty - eight - year - old record held by The Beatles for a song 's biggest leap to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It jumped up from number fifty - two to number one in just one week. She held that record for five years but she reclaimed that record back in 2009 with her hit single `` My Life Would Suck Without You '' when it jumped up from number ninety - seven to number one. Clarkson has enjoyed a successful recording career since winning, with multiple - platinum albums, a number of Top 10 hit singles and three Grammy Awards. Runner - up Justin Guarini also signed with RCA Records, eventually debuting an album in 2003 after the conclusion of season 2. RCA dropped him shortly after its debut. In addition to Clarkson and Guarini, also signed were Nikki McKibbin, Tamyra Gray, R.J. Helton, and Christina Christian. After the finale, a special show in Las Vegas was also shown on September 23, 2002 where all 30 of the contestants who made the judges ' initial cut performed during in a two - hour concert. The show inspired a 2003 musical film, From Justin to Kelly, featuring Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini. Contents 1 Regional auditions 1.1 Structure of auditions 2 Hollywood week 3 Semi-finals 3.1 Group 1 3.2 Group 2 3.3 Group 3 3.4 Wild Card Round 4 Top 10 Finalists 5 Finals 5.1 Top 10 -- Motown 5.2 Top 8 -- 1960s 5.3 Top 7 -- 1970s 5.4 Top 6 -- Big Band 5.5 Top 5 -- Burt Bacharach Love Songs 5.6 Top 4 -- 1980 / 1990s 5.7 Top 3 -- Contestant 's choice & Judges ' choice 5.8 Top 2 -- Finale 6 Elimination chart 7 Controversy 8 Contestants who appeared on other shows 9 US Nielsen ratings 10 American Idol Rewind 11 Releases 11.1 Minor or independent releases 12 See also 13 References 14 External links Regional auditions Auditions were held in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, and Seattle in the spring of 2002, and around 10,000 attended the auditions. Episode Air Date Audition City Date Audition Venues Golden Tickets June 11, 2002 Los Angeles, California April 20 -- 22, 2002 Westin Bonaventure Hotel 31 Seattle, Washington April 23 -- 25, 2002 Hyatt Regency Hotel 10 Chicago, Illinois April 26 -- 28, 2002 Congress Plaza Hotel 23 New York City, New York April 29 - May 1, 2002 Millenium Hilton Hotel 25 Atlanta, Georgia May 3 -- 5, 2002 AmericasMart / Callanwolde Fine Arts Center 15 Dallas, Texas May 5 -- 7, 2002 Wyndham Anatole Hotel 11 Miami, Florida May 11, 2002 Fontainebleau Hilton 6 Total Tickets to Hollywood 121 One of the more prominent auditioners this season was Tamika Bush who objected to the judges ' critiques and their pronunciation of her name. She was later invited back to critique the contestants ' semifinal performance. Kristin Holt who auditioned in Dallas was put through to the Hollywood rounds, but in her rush to embrace the judges, fell and slipped under the judges ' table. Kelly Clarkson was notable for being largely absent in the audition episode, and she remains the only winner whose audition was not aired in the original broadcast. The other top 10 finalists in Season 1 whose audition were not shown were Nikki McKibbin and EJ Day. Structure of auditions There are usually three stages in the audition process in every season, the first stage being the open call audition advertised. In this stage those auditioning each sings briefly in groups of five in front of selectors, though some may be asked to sing further. Most of those who attended are eliminated at this stage with only a limited number of auditioners selected to proceed further. In the second round they sing in front the executive producers and more are eliminated. In some later years a further round may be added before this round of audition. In the last round those who survive the first two - stage sing in front of the judges and this is the audition shown on television. Those who gain at least two `` yes '' votes from the three judges then receive a golden ticket to Hollywood. In the first season, the second and third stage of the audition may take place within a single day, but in the following seasons each stage of the audition may take place on separate days. The initial audition venue need not necessarily be the final audition venue in front of the judges, and in later seasons, up to three separate venues may be used for the auditions in each city. The venues and dates of the second audition in front of the producers are not specifically listed in these pages. Originally there was a fourth judge, a monkey who would react to the performers ' singing for comic effect. The monkey judge was only present in the first day of auditions, and was edited out of the first episode prior to airing. In the early seasons, the entire audition process in each city took place within a relatively short span of time, 3 days in the case of Season 1, but became progressively extended in later seasons until the callback date may be many weeks after the initial auditions. Hollywood Week The Hollywood week rounds were held in Pasadena Civic Center where 121 contestants competed for a place in the finals. The contestants first emerged on stage in groups of 9 or 10 but performed solo unaccompanied, and those who did not impress the judges were cut after the group finished their individual performances. 65 were selected to proceed on to the next round. The singers were expected to learn their songs that night and perform the next day in groups of three. The girls and boys were separated and given crash course to learn their song, which was Dionne Warwick 's `` I Say a Little Prayer '' for the girls and `` For Once in My Life '' for the boys. Many however frequently forgot the lyrics. Again those who failed to impress were cut immediately after their performance. 45 made it to the next round, and the 20 cut were given their last chance to voice their opinion to the judges before leaving. In the final round, the remaining 45 were given new songs to learn and each performed solo and a cappella. 30 contestants would be chosen after this round. In this round Justin Guarini impressed the judges and his fellow contestants alike. The Top 15 were first announced, the judges then select 15 more out of the remaining 30. The 30 were split into two groups and the judges then go to each group to announce the chosen group. Delano Cagnolatti was initially amongst those announced as the Top 30, but he was later disqualified for falsifying his age, and became the first person to be disqualified on American Idol. He was replaced by EJay Day. Semifinals The 30 contestants who reached this stage in this season were referred to in the show as the finalists. Before their performance, the contestants took part in intensive music workshop where they were given vocal coaching by Debra Byrd and advice by stylists. The contestants were held in the Red Room before they each emerged to perform solo with piano accompaniment. There was no studio audience at this stage and the performance was pre-taped. The audience voted after each round of performance, and the results of the vote were announced the next day live. A total of 3.3 million votes were cast in the first week of voting. Below are the three semi-final groups with contestants listed in their performance order. In each group, three people advanced to the next round, based on votes by the viewers. Group 1 Order Contestant Song ( original artist ) Result Tamyra Gray `` And I Am Telling You I 'm Not Going '' ( Jennifer Holliday ) Advanced Jim Verraros `` When I Fall in Love '' ( Doris Day ) Advanced Adriel Herrera `` I 'll Be '' ( Edwin McCain ) Eliminated Rodesia Eaves `` Daydream Believer '' ( The Monkees ) Eliminated 5 Natalie Burge `` Crazy '' ( Willie Nelson ) Eliminated 6 Brad Estrin `` Just Once '' ( James Ingram ) Eliminated 7 Ryan Starr `` The Frim - Fram Sauce '' ( Nat King Cole ) Advanced 8 Justinn Waddell `` When a Man Loves a Woman '' ( Percy Sledge ) Eliminated 9 Kelli Glover `` I Will Always Love You '' ( Dolly Parton ) Wild Card 10 Christopher Aaron `` Still in Love '' ( Brian McKnight ) Wild Card Group 2 Order Contestant Song ( original artist ) Result Alexis Lopez `` I Will Survive '' ( Gloria Gaynor ) Wild Card Gil Sinuet `` Ribbon in the Sky '' ( Stevie Wonder ) Eliminated Angela Peel `` Run to You '' ( Whitney Houston ) Wild Card A.J. Gil `` All or Nothing '' ( O - Town ) Advanced 5 Tenia Taylor `` Greatest Love of All '' ( George Benson ) Eliminated 6 Alexandra Bachelier `` Save the Best for Last '' ( Vanessa Williams ) Eliminated 7 Jazmin Lowery `` You Put a Move on My Heart '' ( Tamia ) Eliminated 8 Jamar Simmons `` Careless Whisper '' ( Wham ! ) Eliminated 9 Kelly Clarkson `` Respect '' ( Otis Redding ) Advanced 10 Justin Guarini `` Ribbon in the Sky '' ( Stevie Wonder ) Advanced Group 3 Order Contestant Song ( original artist ) Result R.J. Helton `` I 'll Be There '' ( The Jackson 5 ) Wild Card Kristin Holt `` Fallin ' '' ( Alicia Keys ) Eliminated Mark Scott `` My Girl '' ( The Temptations ) Eliminated Nikki McKibbin `` Total Eclipse of the Heart '' ( Bonnie Tyler ) Advanced 5 Chris Badano `` I Swear '' ( John Michael Montgomery ) Eliminated 6 Melanie Sanders `` And I Am Telling You I 'm Not Going '' ( Jennifer Holliday ) Eliminated 7 EJay Day `` I 'll Be '' ( Edwin McCain ) Advanced 8 Tanesha Ross `` Until You Come Back to Me ( That 's What I 'm Gonna Do ) '' ( Aretha Franklin ) Eliminated 9 Khaleef Chiles `` My Cherie Amour '' ( Stevie Wonder ) Eliminated 10 Christina Christian `` At Last '' ( Glenn Miller and his Orchestra ) Advanced Wild Card round Following those nine singers advancing, five of the remaining 21 semi-finalists were selected by the judges to compete in the Wild Card round. Following another performance by each Wild Card contender, the judges selected one contestant to advance to the final group of 10. Order Contestant Song ( original artist ) Result Kelli Glover `` How Am I Supposed to Live Without You '' ( Laura Branigan ) Eliminated Christopher Aaron `` On Bended Knee '' ( Boyz II Men ) Eliminated Alexis Lopez `` Saving All My Love for You '' ( Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. ) Eliminated R.J. Helton `` Lately '' ( Stevie Wonder ) Advanced 5 Angela Peel `` As We Lay '' ( Shirley Murdock ) Eliminated Top 10 finalists Back - EJay Day, R.J. Helton, A.J. Gil Middle - Tamyra Gray, Kelly Clarkson, Ryan Starr Front - Justin Guarini, Nikki McKibbin, Christina Christian, Jim Verraros Kelly Clarkson ( born April 24, 1982 in Fort Worth, Texas, 20 years old at the time of the show ) is from Burleson, Texas and auditioned in Dallas, Texas with Etta James ' `` At Last '' and Madonna 's `` Express Yourself. '' She performed Aretha Franklin 's version of `` Respect '' and Vanessa Williams ' `` Save The Best For Last '' in the Hollywood rounds. Justin Guarini ( born October 28, 1978 in Columbus, Georgia, 23 years old at the time of the show ) is from Doylestown, Pennsylvania and auditioned in New York City with The Jackson 5 's version of `` Who 's Lovin ' You. '' He performed Oleta Adams ' version of `` Get Here '' in the Hollywood rounds. Nikki McKibbin ( born September 28, 1978 in Grand Prairie, Texas, 23 years old at the time of the show ) auditioned in Dallas with her married name Nikki Ozment. She had previously been on Popstars : USA and auditioned with Gloria Gaynor 's `` I Will Survive '' and Whitney Houston 's `` One Moment in Time. '' She performed The Righteous Brothers ' version of `` Unchained Melody '' in the Hollywood rounds. Tamyra Gray ( born July 26, 1979 in Takoma Park, Maryland, 22 years old at the start of the season ) is from Atlanta, Georgia and auditioned there with Mariah Carey 's `` Vision Of Love. '' She had appeared on TV commercials and worked with other artists before auditioning for Idol, and was crowned Miss Atlanta in 1998. She performed Oleta Adams ' version of `` Get Here '' in Hollywood. R.J. Helton ( born May 17, 1981 in Pasadena, Texas, 21 years old at the time of the show ) is from Cumming, Georgia, and auditioned in Atlanta with The Jackson 5 's `` Never Can Say Goodbye. '' He had made demo CDs before appearing on American Idol. Christina Christian ( born June 21, 1981 in Brooklyn, New York, 21 years old at the time of the show ) and auditioned in Miami, Florida with Stevie Wonder 's `` Is n't She Lovely ? '' She performed Diana Ross ' version of `` Ai n't No Mountain High Enough '' in Hollywood Ryan Starr ( born November 21, 1982 in Sunland, California, 19 years old at the time of the show ) auditioned in Los Angeles using her birth name Tiffany Montgomery. Her audition song was Bill Withers ' `` Lean On Me. '' She performed Bill Withers ' `` Ai n't No Sunshine '' in the Hollywood rounds. A.J. Gil ( born July 5, 1984 in San Diego, California, 17 years old at the time of the show ) is from Tacoma, Washington and auditioned in Seattle, Washington with `` The Star - Spangled Banner. '' Jim Verraros ( born February 8, 1983 in Chicago, Illinois, 19 years old at the time of the show ) is from Crystal Lake, Illinois, and auditioned in Chicago with Nat King Cole 's version of `` When I Fall In Love. '' He grew up with Deaf parents and is fluent in ASL ( American Sign Language ). He performed Diana Ross ' `` Ai n't No Mountain High Enough '' in Hollywood. EJay Day ( born September 13, 1981 in Lawrenceville, Georgia, 20 years old at the time of the show ) did not originally qualify for the semifinals, but was later chosen to replace disqualified contestant Delano Cagnolatti. He auditioned in Atlanta with Oleta Adams ' `` Get Here. '' Finals The finals were broadcast live, in front of a live studio audience. The finals lasted for eight weeks, each finalist performed a song or songs selected from a weekly theme. During the first few weeks, contestants sang one song each. By the top four week, the contestants sang two songs each, and in the finale the two finalists performed three songs apiece. The results of public vote were revealed in the night following the performance night in the results show. The three or two contestants in the later rounds who received the lowest number of votes were typically called the Bottom Three or Two. From the bottom three, one contestant was sent to safety so that two contestants remained and finally the contestant who received the lowest amount of votes was eliminated from the competition. A farewell video with montage of the eliminated contestant is shown. This season largely set the pattern for later seasons, such as group performance by the contestants during the result shows, home town visits for the top 3, and performing the songs for the top 2 that would be released immediately after the finale. In this season, there are no guest mentor apart from the Burt Bacharach week where the composer helped the contestants prepare their songs. The finale was between Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini, and Kelly Clarkson was declared the winner with 58 % out of 15.5 million votes cast. Over 110 million votes were cast over the entire season. A television special from Las Vegas starring the top thirty - two finalists aired later, a thirty date tour with the top ten followed, as did the box office bomb movie titled From Justin to Kelly. Top 10 -- Motown Order Contestant Song ( original artist ) Result Ryan Starr `` If You Really Love Me '' ( Stevie Wonder ) Safe R.J. Helton `` I Ca n't Help Myself ( Sugar Pie Honey Bunch ) '' ( The Four Tops ) Safe Nikki McKibbin `` Ben '' ( Michael Jackson ) Bottom 3 EJay Day `` My Girl '' ( The Temptations ) Eliminated 5 Tamyra Gray `` Touch Me in the Morning '' ( Diana Ross ) Safe 6 Justin Guarini `` For Once in My Life '' ( Jean DuShon ) Safe 7 Jim Verraros `` Easy '' ( The Commodores ) Eliminated 8 Kelly Clarkson `` You 're All I Need to Get By '' ( Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell ) Safe 9 A.J. Gil `` My Cherie Amour '' ( Stevie Wonder ) Safe 10 Christina Christian `` Ai n't No Mountain High Enough '' ( Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell ) Safe Top 8 -- 1960s Order Contestant Song ( original artist ) Result R.J. Helton `` Under the Boardwalk '' ( The Drifters ) Safe Tamyra Gray `` A Fool in Love '' ( Ike & Tina Turner ) Safe Nikki McKibbin `` Piece of My Heart '' ( Erma Franklin ) Safe A.J. Gil `` How Sweet It Is ( To Be Loved by You ) '' ( Marvin Gaye ) Eliminated 5 Kelly Clarkson `` ( You Make Me Feel Like ) A Natural Woman '' ( Aretha Franklin ) Safe 6 Christina Christian `` When a Man Loves a Woman '' ( Percy Sledge ) Bottom 3 7 Justin Guarini `` Sunny '' ( Mieko Hirota ) Safe 8 Ryan Starr `` You Really Got Me '' ( The Kinks ) Bottom 2 Group performance : `` California Dreamin ' '' ( The Mamas & the Papas ) Top 7 -- 1970s Order Contestant Song ( original artist ) Result Nikki McKibbin `` Heartbreaker '' ( Pat Benatar ) Bottom 3 Ryan Starr `` Last Dance '' ( Donna Summer ) Eliminated Christina Christian `` Ai n't No Sunshine '' ( Bill Withers ) Safe Justin Guarini `` Someday We 'll All Be Free '' ( Donny Hathaway ) Bottom 2 5 Kelly Clarkson `` Do n't Play That Song ( You Lied ) '' ( Ben E. King ) Safe 6 R.J. Helton `` Superstition '' ( Stevie Wonder ) Safe 7 Tamyra Gray `` If I Were Your Woman '' ( Gladys Knight & the Pips ) Safe Group performance : `` Joy to the World '' ( Three Dog Night ) Top 6 -- Big Band Order Contestant Song ( original artist ) Result Tamyra Gray `` Minnie the Moocher '' ( Cab Calloway ) Safe Justin Guarini `` Route 66 '' ( Nat King Cole ) Safe Nikki McKibbin `` Hard - Hearted Hannah '' ( Dolly Kay ) Bottom 3 Christina Christian `` The Glory of Love '' ( Benny Goodman And His Orchestra ) Eliminated 5 R.J. Helton `` I Wo n't Dance '' ( Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers ) Bottom 2 6 Kelly Clarkson `` Stuff Like That There '' ( Betty Hutton ) Safe Group performance : `` Bandstand Boogie '' ( Barry Manilow ) Top 5 -- Burt Bacharach Love Songs Mentor - Burt Bacharach Order Contestant Song ( original artist ) Result Kelly Clarkson `` Walk On By '' ( Dionne Warwick ) Safe R.J. Helton `` Arthur 's Theme ( Best That You Can Do ) '' ( Christopher Cross ) Eliminated Tamyra Gray `` A House is Not a Home '' ( Dionne Warwick ) Safe Justin Guarini `` The Look of Love '' ( Dusty Springfield ) Safe 5 Nikki McKibbin `` ( There 's ) Always Something There to Remind Me '' ( Lou Johnson ) Bottom 2 Group performance : That 's What Friends Are For '' ( performance night ) Group performance : Burt Bacharach Medley Top 4 -- 1980 / 1990s Each contestant sang two songs. Order Contestant Song ( original artist ) Result Tamyra Gray `` New Attitude '' ( Patti LaBelle ) Eliminated Nikki McKibbin `` Mary Jane '' ( Alanis Morissette ) Bottom 2 Kelly Clarkson `` It 's Raining Men '' ( The Weather Girls ) Safe Justin Guarini `` Get Here '' ( Brenda Russell ) Safe 5 Tamyra Gray `` Feel the Fire '' ( Stephanie Mills ) Eliminated 6 Nikki McKibbin `` I 'm the Only One '' ( Melissa Etheridge ) Bottom 2 7 Kelly Clarkson `` I Surrender '' ( Celine Dion ) Safe 8 Justin Guarini `` P.Y.T. ( Pretty Young Thing ) '' ( Michael Jackson ) Safe Group performance : Paula Abdul Medley Top 3 -- Contestant 's choice & Judges ' choice Each contestant sang two songs. Order Contestant Song ( original artist ) Result Nikki McKibbin `` Edge of Seventeen '' ( Stevie Nicks ) Eliminated Justin Guarini `` Let 's Stay Together '' ( Al Green ) Safe Kelly Clarkson `` Think Twice '' ( Celine Dion ) Safe Nikki McKibbin `` Black Velvet '' ( Alannah Myles ) Eliminated 5 Justin Guarini `` Do n't Let the Sun Go Down on Me '' ( Elton John ) Safe 6 Kelly Clarkson `` Without You '' ( Badfinger ) Safe Group performance : `` Love Will Keep Us Together '' ( Neil Sedaka ) The top 3 each reprised their performances - Nikki McKibbin - Black Velvet ( Alannah Myles ) Justin Guarini - Let 's Stay Together ( Al Green ) Kelly Clarkson - Without You ( Badfinger ) Top 2 -- Finale Each contestant sang three songs. Order Contestant Song ( original artist ) Result Justin Guarini `` Before Your Love '' Runner - Up Kelly Clarkson `` A Moment Like This '' Winner Justin Guarini `` Get Here '' ( Brenda Russell ) Runner - Up Kelly Clarkson `` Respect '' ( Otis Redding ) Winner 5 Justin Guarini `` A Moment Like This '' Runner - Up 6 Kelly Clarkson `` Before Your Love '' Winner Elimination chart Top 30 Wild Card Top 10 Winner Did Not Perform Safe Safe First Safe Last Eliminated Stage : Semi-finals Wild Card Finals Week : 6 / 19 6 / 26 7 / 3 7 / 10 7 / 17 7 / 24 7 / 31 8 / 7 8 / 14 8 / 21 8 / 28 9 / 4 Place Contestant Result Kelly Clarkson 2nd Winner Justin Guarini 1st Bottom 2 Runner - Up Nikki McKibbin 2nd Bottom 3 Bottom 3 Bottom 3 Bottom 2 Bottom 2 Elim Tamyra Gray 1st Elim 5 R.J. Helton Wild Card Top 10 Bottom 2 Elim 6 Christina Christian 1st Bottom 3 Elim 7 Ryan Starr 2nd Bottom 2 Elim 8 A.J. Gil 3rd Elim 9 -- 10 Jim Verraros 3rd Elim EJay Day 3rd 11 -- 14 Christopher Aaron Wild Card Elim Kelli Glover Wild Card Alexis Lopez Wild Card Angela Peel Wild Card 15 -- 30 Chris Badano Elim Khaleef Chiles Kristin Holt Melanie Sanders Mark Scott Tanesha Ross Alexandra Bachelier Elim Jamar Simmons Jazmin Lowery Gil Sinuet Tenia Taylor Natalie Burge Elim Rodesia Eaves Brad Estrin Adriel Herrera Justinn Waddell Controversy It was revealed during the season that around 100 phone - phreak hackers with power - dialing hardware and software were able to place as many as 10,000 votes a night from a single phone line with the touch of a button. However, FremantleMedia, which produces the show, contended that the hackers have had ' statistically insignificant ' effect on the vote. Simon Cowell also insisted that Tamyra Gray 's unexpected ouster from the show only strengthened the producers ' contention that the voting was fair. Nevertheless, concerns were raised about possible unfairness in the situation of a tight vote. Ken Warwick later said in Season 5 that equipment was put in place afterwards to address this issue but it has never detected such a problem since. Idol contestants were reported to having to sign a ' phone book - thick ' contract that gives producers ' sole discretion ' to pick the winners and change the rules. Producer Nigel Lythgoe however said that the contracts had to anticipate every possible situation, and was not intended to rig the show in favor of any contestant. Controversy erupted when the winner of Season 1, Kelly Clarkson, was invited to sing `` The Star - Spangled Banner '' in a deal arranged by her then management company, 19 Entertainment, at a special commemoration for the first anniversary of 9 / 11 attacks at Washington 's Lincoln Memorial. Some critics suggested that Clarkson 's appearance would turn a somber occasion of national mourning into a `` giant promotional opportunity ''. Kelly Clarkson herself considered withdrawing from the commemoration, saying `` I think it is a bad idea... If anybody thinks I 'm trying to market anything, well, that 's awful. '' and added `` I am not going to do it. '' She was however unable to withdraw from the event. Contestants who appeared on other shows Semi finalist Kelli Glover appeared on the fourth season of America 's Got Talent in 2009 and was eliminated during Judgement Week ; she would return to that show for its ninth season in 2014 and made it to the live shows. Us nielsen ratings Season one of American Idol was a surprise summer hit show of 2002 and had an average viewership of 12.7 million per episode. It was the summer 's highest - rated show in the 18 / 49 demographic. Episode list Show Episode Air date Week rank Rating / Share 18 - 49 rating Viewers ( millions ) `` Auditions '' June 11, 2002 12 6.1 / 11 4.8 9.85 `` Hollywood Week '' June 12, 2002 6 6.9 / 12 5.2 11.24 `` Top 30 : Group 1 '' June 18, 2002 6 6.2 / 11 5.2 10.30 `` Top 30 : Group 1 results '' June 19, 2002 22 5.8 / 10 4.7 9.47 5 `` Top 30 : Group 2 '' June 25, 2002 11 5.5 / 9 4.5 9.08 6 `` Top 30 : Group 2 results '' June 26, 2002 17 5.3 / 9 4.2 8.53 7 `` Top 30 : Group 3 '' July 2, 2002 7 5.9 / 10 5.3 10.28 8 `` Top 30 : Group 3 results '' July 3, 2002 26 4.4 / 8 N / A 7.5 9 `` Wildcard Show '' July 10, 2002 14 5.4 / 9 4.1 8.97 10 `` Top 10 Perform '' July 16, 2002 6 6.0 / 11 5.3 10.28 11 `` Top 10 Results '' July 17, 2002 12 5.5 / 9 4.8 9.39 12 `` Top 8 Finalists '' July 23, 2002 7 6.6 / 11 5.5 10.77 13 `` Top 8 Results '' July 24, 2002 16 5.7 / 10 4.4 9.13 14 `` Top 7 Finalists '' July 30, 2002 5 7.1 / 12 6.3 12.20 15 `` Top 7 Results '' July 31, 2002 10 6.2 / 10 5.0 10.20 16 `` Top 6 Finalists '' August 6, 2002 7.0 / 12 6.2 12.20 17 `` Top 6 Results '' August 7, 2002 8 6.4 / 11 5.2 10.82 18 `` Top 5 Finalists '' August 13, 2002 7.4 / 12 6.2 12.67 19 `` Top 5 Results '' August 14, 2002 6.9 / 11 5.7 12.05 20 `` Top 4 Finalists '' August 20, 2002 8.8 / 14 7.9 15.29 21 `` Top 4 Results '' August 21, 2002 8.0 / 13 7.1 14.10 22 `` Top 3 Finalists '' August 27, 2002 8.7 / 14 7.5 14.98 23 `` Top 3 Results '' August 28, 2002 9.7 / 16 8.3 16.94 24 `` Top 2 Finalists '' September 3, 2002 10.5 / 16 9.3 18.69 25 `` Season 1 Finale '' September 4, 2002 12.6 / 21 10.7 22.77 American Idol Rewind Main article : American Idol Rewind Re-edited episodes of American Idol season 1 are now being shown in syndication as American Idol Rewind. The new episodes feature commentary from some of the first season 's top 30, including Justin Guarini, Jim Verraros, Christina Christian, Nikki McKibbin, Angela Peel, and Kelli Glover. Rewind also showcases footage that was not seen in the initial run of season 1, including Kelly Clarkson 's full audition. Releases Minor or independent releases ( This list does not include pre-Idol releases ) Unsaid and Understood ( Jim Verraros - album, 2003 ) Real Life ( RJ Helton - album, 2004 ) `` Even If '' ( RJ Helton - single, 2004 ) `` My Devotion '' ( RJ Helton - single, 2004 ) `` My Religion '' ( Ryan Starr - single, 2004 ) Human Again ( Adriel Herrera - album ) Rollercoaster ( Jim Verraros - album, 2005 ) Stranger Things Have Happened ( Justin Guarini - album, 2005 ) `` To Be with You '' ( Nikki McKibbin - single, 2006 ) `` The Lie '' ( Nikki McKibbin - single, 2006 ) Voyces United for UNHCR ( Brad Estrin - album, 2006 ) `` You Make it Better '' ( Jim Verraros - single, 2007 ) Unleashed ( Nikki McKibbin - album, 2007 ) `` Revolve '' ( Justin Guarini - EP, 2008 ) `` Here to There '' ( Nikki McKibbin - single, 2008 ) `` Electric Love '' ( Jim Verraros - single, 2009 ) `` Touch ( Dont U Want 2 ? ) ( Jim Verraros - single, 2009 ) `` Do Not Disturb '' ( Jim Verraros - single, 2009 ) `` Inconsolable '' ( Nikki McKibbin - single, 2009 ) `` Celebrity High '' ( Nikki McKibbin 's band Love Stricken Demise - single, 2011 ) Do Not Disturb ( Jim Verraros - album, 2011 ) Psychotrip ( Nikki McKibbin 's band Love Stricken Demise - EP, 2012 ) Source : See also American Idols LIVE ! 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Jump up ^ `` Tech - savvy viewers may skew ' American Idol ' vote ''. Usatoday.com. 2002 - 08 - 17. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. Jump up ^ Susman, Gary ( 2002 - 08 - 23 ). `` Simon Says ''. Ew.com. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. Jump up ^ American Idol Voting May Be Skewed Archived April 15, 2006, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ `` American Idol Producer Ken Warwick Denies Voting Problems ''. Realitytvmagazine.sheknows.com. Archived from the original on 2011 - 04 - 02. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. Jump up ^ Susman, Gary ( 2002 - 08 - 21 ). `` Campaign Promise ''. Ew.com. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. Jump up ^ Alex Kuczynski ( 2002 - 09 - 07 ). `` TRACES OF TERROR : THE SINGER ; ' Idol ' Star Rethinks 9 / 11 Role ''. Washington ( Dc ) : Nytimes.com. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. Jump up ^ Silverman, Stephen M. `` Kelly Clarkson Hits Sour Note over 9 / 11 ''. People.com. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. Jump up ^ Bill Carter ( 2003 - 05 - 23 ). `` NY Times May 23, 2003 ''. Nytimes.com. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. Jump up ^ `` Some late summer trophies for ' Idol ' ''. Medialifemagazine.com. Archived from the original on 2011 - 09 - 02. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. ^ Jump up to : `` AI Week 1 ''. Medialifemagazine.com. Archived from the original on 2011 - 09 - 20. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. ^ Jump up to : `` AI Week 2 ''. Medialifemagazine.com. Archived from the original on 2007 - 09 - 30. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. ^ Jump up to : `` AI Week 3 ''. Medialifemagazine.com. Archived from the original on 2005 - 11 - 12. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. Jump up ^ `` AI Week 4 ''. Medialifemagazine.com. Archived from the original on 2005 - 10 - 31. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. Jump up ^ Published on Jul 19, 2002 ( 2002 - 07 - 19 ). `` EW ''. EW. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. Jump up ^ `` AI Week 5 ''. Medialifemagazine.com. Archived from the original on 2005 - 11 - 05. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. ^ Jump up to : `` AI Week 6 ''. Medialifemagazine.com. Archived from the original on 2005 - 11 - 04. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. ^ Jump up to : `` AI Week 7 ''. Medialifemagazine.com. Archived from the original on 2004 - 06 - 22. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. ^ Jump up to : `` AI Week 8 ''. Medialifemagazine.com. Archived from the original on 2011 - 09 - 20. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. ^ Jump up to : `` AI Week 9 ''. Medialifemagazine.com. Archived from the original on 2006 - 01 - 11. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. ^ Jump up to : `` AI Week 10 ''. Medialifemagazine.com. Archived from the original on 2005 - 11 - 04. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. ^ Jump up to : `` AI Week 11 ''. Medialifemagazine.com. Archived from the original on 2011 - 09 - 02. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. ^ Jump up to : `` AI Week 12 ''. Medialifemagazine.com. Archived from the original on 2013 - 01 - 28. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. ^ Jump up to : `` AI Week 13 ''. Medialifemagazine.com. Archived from the original on 2005 - 11 - 11. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. Jump up ^ `` ' American Idol Rewind ' to debut in weekend syndication in September ''. Realitytvworld.com. 2006 - 01 - 20. Retrieved 2014 - 08 - 17. Jump up ^ Idolsmusic.com Archived 2006 - 02 - 27 at the Wayback Machine. External links Official American Idol Contestants Website American Idol ( Season 1 ) on IMDb American Idol ( Season 1 ) at TV.com American Idol season 1 Finalists Kelly Clarkson Justin Guarini Nikki McKibbin Tamyra Gray R.J. Helton Christina Christian Ryan Starr A.J. Gil Jim Verraros EJay Day Other sources Tour `` A Moment Like This '' `` Before Your Love '' American Idol Episodes Season 1 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Finalists Winners Kelly Clarkson Ruben Studdard Fantasia Barrino Carrie Underwood Taylor Hicks Jordin Sparks David Cook Kris Allen Lee DeWyze Scotty McCreery Phillip Phillips Candice Glover Caleb Johnson Nick Fradiani Trent Harmon Runners - up Justin Guarini Clay Aiken Diana DeGarmo Bo Bice Katharine McPhee Blake Lewis David Archuleta Adam Lambert Crystal Bowersox Lauren Alaina Jessica Sanchez Kree Harrison Jena Irene Clark Beckham La'Porsha Renae Winners ' singles `` A Moment Like This '' `` Flying Without Wings '' `` I Believe '' `` Inside Your Heaven '' `` Do I Make You Proud '' `` This Is My Now '' `` The Time of My Life '' `` No Boundaries '' `` Beautiful Day '' `` I Love You This Big '' `` Home '' `` I Am Beautiful '' `` As Long as You Love Me '' `` Beautiful Life '' `` Falling '' Concert tours 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Related programming Idol ( franchise ) American Juniors Idol Christmas Idol Extra Idol Gives Back Idol Rewind World Idol Related articles Alumni album sales Alumni awards and nominations Alumni in film, television and theater Alumni single sales Compilation series Controversies Discography Finalists Hot 100 singles `` Judge Me Tender '' The American Idol Experience Video game Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=American_Idol_(season_1)&oldid=822018601 '' Categories : American Idol seasons 2002 American television seasons 2002 in American television 2002 in American music First events Hidden categories : All articles with dead external links Articles with dead external links from August 2014 Webarchive template wayback links Talk Contents About Wikipedia Español فارسی Gaeilge Bahasa Indonesia Italiano Português Suomi ไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt Edit links This page was last edited on 23 January 2018, at 23 : 23. 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Question: who won the first american idol contest in 2002
Answer: Kelly Clarkson