American_Idol

qas: question: Who is the creator of American Idol?
answers: text: Simon Fuller

question: What company produces American idol?
answers: text: 19 Entertainment

question: What year did American Idol begin airing?
answers: text: 2002

question: What British show is American Idols format based on?
answers: text: Pop Idol

question: What television network does American Idol air on?
answers: text: Fox

question: What company produces American Idol?
answers: text: 19 Entertainment

question: What British series is American Idols format based on?
answers: text: Pop Idol

question: Who created American Idol?
answers: text: Simon Fuller

question: Who produced American Idol?
answers: text: 19 Entertainment

question: When did American Idol first air on TV?
answers: text: June 11, 2002

question: What British show was American Idol based on?
answers: text: Pop Idol
context: American Idol is an American singing competition series created by Simon Fuller and produced by 19 Entertainment, and is distributed by FremantleMedia North America. It began airing on Fox on June 11, 2002, as an addition to the Idols format based on the British series Pop Idol and has since become one of the most successful shows in the history of American television. The concept of the series is to find new solo recording artists, with the winner being determined by the viewers in America. Winners chosen by viewers through telephone, Internet, and SMS text voting were 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, and Nick Fradiani.

qas: question: What record producer was an original judge on American Idol?
answers: text: Randy Jackson

question: What comedian was an original host on American Idol? 
answers: text: Brian Dunkleman

question: What actress is a judge on the most current season of American Idol? 
answers: text: Jennifer Lopez

question: Who was a host on all seasons of American Idol?
answers: text: Ryan Seacrest

question: What comedian was an original host on American Idol?
answers: text: Brian Dunkleman

question: What pop singer was an original judge on American Idol?
answers: text: Paula Abdul

question: What actress is a judge on the most current season of American Idol?
answers: text: Jennifer Lopez

question: Which original judge was a record producer and music manager?
answers: text: Randy Jackson

question: Which original judge was a choreographer?
answers: text: Paula Abdul

question: Which original judge was a music executive?
answers: text: Simon Cowell

question: Which judge is a country music singer?
answers: text: Keith Urban

question: Which judge is a jazz singer?
answers: text: Harry Connick, Jr.
context: American Idol employs a panel of judges who critique the contestants' performances. The original judges were record producer and music manager Randy Jackson, pop singer and choreographer Paula Abdul and music executive and manager Simon Cowell. The judging panel for the most recent season consisted of country singer Keith Urban, singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, and jazz singer Harry Connick, Jr. The show was originally hosted by radio personality Ryan Seacrest and comedian Brian Dunkleman, with Seacrest continuing on for the rest of the seasons.

qas: question: How many Billboard hits did American Idol produce in its first ten years?
answers: text: 345

question: Who called American Idol "the most impactful show in the history of television"?
answers: text: a rival TV executive

question: Who was a pop idol that started on American Idol?
answers: text: Fantasia

question: How many Billboard chart toppers did American Idol contestants have within the first ten seasons?
answers: text: 345

question: Who said that American Idol is "the most impactful show in the history of televsion?
answers: text: a rival TV executive
context: The success of American Idol has been described as "unparalleled in broadcasting history". The series was also said by a rival TV executive to be "the most impactful show in the history of television". It has become a recognized springboard for launching the career of many artists as bona fide stars. According to Billboard magazine, in its first ten years, "Idol has spawned 345 Billboard chart-toppers and a platoon of pop idols, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken, Adam Lambert and Jordin Sparks while remaining a TV ratings juggernaut."

qas: question: What year did FOX announce that American Idol was cancelled?
answers: text: 2015

question: What year did FOX announce the cancellation of American Idol?
answers: text: 2015

question: For how many seasons did American Idol air? 
answers: text: 15

question: How many consecutive years did American Idol been ranked number one in ratings?
answers: text: eight

question: When did Fox announce that American Idol is ending?
answers: text: May 11, 2015
context: For an unprecedented eight consecutive years, from the 2003–04 television season through the 2010–11 season, either its performance or result show had been ranked number one in U.S. television ratings. The popularity of American Idol however declined, and on May 11, 2015, Fox announced that the series would conclude its run in its fifteenth season.

qas: question: What show in New Zealand was the inspiration for the British Series Pop Idol?
answers: text: Popstars

question: Who was the creator of British Series Pop Idol?
answers: text: Simon Fuller

question: What year did Pop Idol make its television debut?
answers: text: 2001

question: Who was a judge on the British series Pop Idol in 2001?
answers: text: Simon Cowell

question: Wha was the executive producer of Pop Idol in 2001?
answers: text: Nigel Lythgoe

question: What show was Pop Idols based on?
answers: text: Popstars

question: Who saw Popstars while in Australia and wanted Britain to have the same thing?
answers: text: Nigel Lythgoe

question: In addition to back stories and drama, what did Fuller add to the show?
answers: text: telephone voting

question: When did Pop Idol premiere in Britain?
answers: text: 2001

question: Who was the executive producer of Pop Idol?
answers: text: Lythgoe
context: American Idol was based on the British show Pop Idol created by Simon Fuller, which was in turn inspired by the New Zealand television singing competition Popstars. Television producer Nigel Lythgoe saw it in Australia and helped bring it over to Britain. Fuller was inspired by the idea from Popstars of employing a panel of judges to select singers in audition. He then added other elements, such as telephone voting by the viewing public (which at the time was already in use in shows such as the Eurovision Song Contest), the drama of backstories and real-life soap opera unfolding in real time. The show debuted in 2001 in Britain with Lythgoe as showrunner‍—‌the executive producer and production leader‍—‌and Simon Cowell as one of the judges, and was a big success with the viewing public.

qas: question: For how many seasons was American Idol the most watched show in the US?
answers: text: seven

question: What year did American Idol first air on FOX?
answers: text: 2002

question: What year did producers attempt to sell the Pop Idol format in the United States? 
answers: text: 2001

question: Who talked Rupert Murdoch into buying American Idol for FOX?
answers: text: his daughter Elisabeth

question: Who is the head of Fox's parent company?
answers: text: Rupert Murdoch

question: What was Pop Idol renamed to for its American debut?
answers: text: American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
context: In 2001, Fuller, Cowell, and TV producer Simon Jones attempted to sell the Pop Idol format to the United States, but the idea was met with poor response from United States television networks. However, Rupert Murdoch, head of Fox's parent company, was persuaded to buy the show by his daughter Elisabeth, who was a fan of the British show. The show was renamed American Idol: The Search for a Superstar and debuted in the summer of 2002. Cowell was initially offered the job as showrunner but refused; Lythgoe then took over that position. Much to Cowell's surprise, it became one of the hit shows for the summer that year. The show, with the personal engagement of the viewers with the contestants through voting, and the presence of the acid-tongued Cowell as a judge, grew into a phenomenon. By 2004, it had become the most-watched show in the U.S., a position it then held on for seven consecutive seasons.

qas: question: For how many seasons were the three original judges on American Idol?
answers: text: eight

question: How many judges were originally planned for American Idol?
answers: text: four

question: What New York radio personalty was hired as a judge for American Idol in season two but declined?
answers: text: Angie Martinez

question: What radio DJ was originally hired as a judge in season one but declined?
answers: text: Stryker

question: How many judges were originally intended for the show?
answers: text: four

question: Which judge quit before the premiere, citing image concerns?
answers: text: DJ Stryker

question: During Season two, which judge quit after a few days?
answers: text: Angie Martinez

question: When did American Idol change to a four-judge panel?
answers: text: season eight
context: The show had originally planned on having four judges following the Pop Idol format; however, only three judges had been found by the time of the audition round in the first season, namely Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. A fourth judge, radio DJ Stryker, was originally chosen but he dropped out citing "image concerns". In the second season, New York radio personality Angie Martinez had been hired as a fourth judge but withdrew only after a few days of auditions due to not being comfortable with giving out criticism. The show decided to continue with the three judges format until season eight. All three original judges stayed on the judging panel for eight seasons.

qas: question: Who was added as a fourth judge in the eighth season of American Idol?
answers: text: Kara DioGuardi

question: Who replaced Paula Abdul as a judge in season nine of American Idol?
answers: text: Ellen DeGeneres

question: For how many seasons was Steven Tyler a judge on American Idol?
answers: text: two

question: What year did Simon Cowell announce that he was leaving American Idol?
answers: text: 2010

question: What show did Simon Cowell launch in 2011 after leaving American Idol?
answers: text: The X Factor

question: Who was added as a fourth judge for the eighth season?
answers: text: Kara DioGuardi

question: When did Paula Abdul quit as a judge?
answers: text: before season nine

question: When did Simon Cowell announce he was no longer going to be a judge?
answers: text: January 11, 2010

question: Which talk show host replaced Paula Abdul?
answers: text: Ellen DeGeneres

question: When did Steven Tyler become a judge?
answers: text: season ten
context: In season eight, Latin Grammy Award-nominated singer–songwriter and record producer Kara DioGuardi was added as a fourth judge. She stayed for two seasons and left the show before season ten. Paula Abdul left the show before season nine after failing to agree terms with the show producers. Emmy Award-winning talk show host Ellen DeGeneres replaced Paula Abdul for that season, but left after just one season. On January 11, 2010, Simon Cowell announced that he was leaving the show to pursue introducing the American version of his show The X Factor to the USA for 2011. Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler joined the judging panel in season ten, but both left after two seasons. They were replaced by three new judges, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban, who joined Randy Jackson in season 12. However both Carey and Minaj left after one season, and Randy Jackson also announced that he would depart the show after twelve seasons as a judge but would return as a mentor. Urban is the only judge from season 12 to return in season 13. He was joined by previous judge Jennifer Lopez and former mentor Harry Connick, Jr.. Lopez, Urban and Connick, Jr. all returned as judges for the show's fourteenth and fifteenth seasons.

qas: question: In what season was Lionel Richie a guest judge on American Idol?
answers: text: season two

question: Which season eight contestant was a guest judge in season fourteen?
answers: text: Adam Lambert

question: In what season was Donna Summer a guest judge on American Idol?
answers: text: season three

question: In which season was Shania Twain a guest judge on American Idol?
answers: text: season six

question: Which season of American Idol featured Katy Perry as a guest judge?
answers: text: season nine

question: Who were the guest judges in season two?
answers: text: Lionel Richie and Robin Gibb

question: When was Shania Twain a guest judge for auditions?
answers: text: season eight

question: When did Donna Summer help the contestants during the final rounds?
answers: text: season three
context: Guest judges may occasionally be introduced. In season two, guest judges such as Lionel Richie and Robin Gibb were used, and in season three Donna Summer, Quentin Tarantino and some of the mentors also joined as judges to critique the performances in the final rounds. Guest judges were used in the audition rounds for seasons four, six, nine, and fourteen such as Gene Simmons and LL Cool J in season four, Jewel and Olivia Newton-John in season six, Shania Twain in season eight, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne and Katy Perry in season nine, and season eight runner-up, Adam Lambert, in season fourteen.

qas: question: Who was the only host of American Idol after season one?
answers: text: Ryan Seacrest

question: Which host quit after the first season?
answers: text: Brian Dunkleman
context: The first season was co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman. Dunkleman quit thereafter, making Seacrest the sole emcee of the show starting with season two.

qas: question: Who was a mentor to the contestants on American Idol in its thirteenth season? 
answers: text: Randy Jackson

question: Who mentored contestants in the fourteenth and fifteenth seasons of American Idol?
answers: text: Scott Borchetta

question: What two things did the mentors help the contestants with?
answers: text: song choice and performance

question: Who was the mentor for seasons 10 - 12?
answers: text: Jimmy Iovine

question: Who was the mentor for season 13?
answers: text: Randy Jackson

question: Who was the mentor for seasons 14 and 15?
answers: text: Scott Borchetta
context: Beginning in the tenth season[citation needed], permanent mentors were brought in during the live shows to help guide the contestants with their song choice and performance. Jimmy Iovine was the mentor in the tenth through twelfth seasons, former judge Randy Jackson was the mentor for the thirteenth season and Scott Borchetta was the mentor for the fourteenth and fifteenth season. The mentors regularly bring in guest mentors to aid them, including Akon, Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, and current judge Harry Connick, Jr..

qas: question: What is the upper age limit for contestants on American Idol?
answers: text: twenty-eight

question: When was the age limit increased to 28?
answers: text: season four

question: Currently, contestants can not have a recording track by what stage of the competition? 
answers: text: semi-final stage
context: The eligible age-range for contestants is currently fifteen to twenty-eight years old. The initial age limit was sixteen to twenty-four in the first three seasons, but the upper limit was raised to twenty-eight in season four, and the lower limit was reduced to fifteen in season ten. The contestants must be legal U.S. residents, cannot have advanced to particular stages of the competition in previous seasons (varies depending on the season, currently by the semi-final stage until season thirteen), and must not hold any current recording or talent representation contract by the semi-final stage (in previous years by the audition stage).

qas: question: How many auditions are there before contestants audition for the judges?
answers: text: at least three

question: Which audition stage is televised?
answers: text: the judges

question: How many contestants make it through the initial auditions in each city?
answers: text: a few hundred

question: What is the only televised portion of the preliminary audition rounds?
answers: text: in front of the judges

question: How many rounds can a contestant make it through before Hollywood?
answers: text: three

question: Who do contestants sing for in the second round of cuts during auditions?
answers: text: producers

question: If contestants get approval from the judges, where do they go next?
answers: text: Hollywood
context: Contestants go through at least three sets of cuts. The first is a brief audition with a few other contestants in front of selectors which may include one of the show's producers. Although auditions can exceed 10,000 in each city, only a few hundred of these make it past the preliminary round of auditions. Successful contestants then sing in front of producers, where more may be cut. Only then can they proceed to audition in front of the judges, which is the only audition stage shown on television. Those selected by the judges are sent to Hollywood. Between 10–60 people in each city may make it to Hollywood[citation needed].

qas: question: Which season did not have a group round in Hollywood?
answers: text: seven

question: In which seasons were contestants required to write original lyrics?
answers: text: two and three

question: How many Hollywood rounds were there in the first nine seasons?
answers: text: usually three

question: In which season were contestants separated by gender to form groups?
answers: text: twelve

question: How many rounds of cuts were in the Hollywood stage until season ten?
answers: text: three

question: What was eliminated from the Hollywood round in Season seven?
answers: text: groups

question: Which seasons did contestants have to write an original lyric or melody?
answers: text: seasons two and three
context: Once in Hollywood, the contestants perform individually or in groups in a series of rounds. Until season ten, there were usually three rounds of eliminations in Hollywood. In the first round the contestants emerged in groups but performed individually. For the next round, the contestants put themselves in small groups and perform a song together. In the final round, the contestants perform solo with a song of their choice a cappella or accompanied by a band‍—‌depending on the season. In seasons two and three, contestants were also asked to write original lyrics or melody in an additional round after the first round. In season seven, the group round was eliminated and contestants may, after a first solo performance and on judges approval, skip a second solo round and move directly to the final Hollywood round. In season twelve, the executive producers split up the females and males and chose the members to form the groups in the group round.

qas: question: In what city did contestants perform an additional round in seasons ten and eleven?
answers: text: Las Vegas

question: What was the Las Vegas round called in season twelve?
answers: text: Sudden Death

question: In which season was the "Hollywood or Home" round added to the competition?
answers: text: twelve
context: In seasons ten and eleven, a further round was added in Las Vegas, where the contestants perform in groups based on a theme, followed by one final solo round to determine the semi-finalists. At the end of this stage of the competition, 24 to 36 contestants are selected to move on to the semi-final stage. In season twelve the Las Vegas round became a Sudden Death round, where the judges had to choose five guys and five girls each night (four nights) to make the top twenty. In season thirteen, a new round called "Hollywood or Home" was added, where if the judges were uncertain about some contestants, those contestants were required to perform soon after landing in Los Angeles, and those who failed to impress were sent back home before they reached Hollywood.

qas: question: How many text message votes were there in season eight?
answers: text: 178 million

question: In which season was online voting introduced?
answers: text: ten

question: What company counts the votes on American Idol? 
answers: text: Telescope Inc

question: At what point does the public begin voting for contestants?
answers: text: the semi-finals

question: How many votes were cast for contestants in the first season?
answers: text: Over 110 million

question: How many votes were cast by season ten for all contestants?
answers: text: nearly 750 million
context: From the semi-finals onwards, the fate of the contestants is decided by public vote. During the contestant's performance as well as the recap at the end, a toll-free telephone number for each contestant is displayed on the screen. For a two-hour period after the episode ends (up to four hours for the finale) in each US time zone, viewers may call or send a text message to their preferred contestant's telephone number, and each call or text message is registered as a vote for that contestant. Viewers are allowed to vote as many times as they can within the two-hour voting window. However, the show reserves the right to discard votes by power dialers. One or more of the least popular contestants may be eliminated in successive weeks until a winner emerges. Over 110 million votes were cast in the first season, and by season ten the seasonal total had increased to nearly 750 million. Voting via text messaging was made available in the second season when AT&T Wireless joined as a sponsor of the show, and 7.5 million text messages were sent to American Idol that season. The number of text messages rapidly increased, reaching 178 million texts by season eight. Online voting was offered for the first time in season ten. The votes are counted and verified by Telescope Inc.

qas: question: How many finalists were there on the first season of American Idol?
answers: text: ten

question: What is the name of the round that gives failed contestants another chance?
answers: text: wildcard

question: How were the semi-finalists split up to perform in season one?
answers: text: three groups of ten

question: How were the semi-finalists split up to perform in seasons two and three?
answers: text: four groups of eight

question: When did the wildcard round become a factor?
answers: text: season one

question: How many finalists were chosen for season one?
answers: text: ten

question: How many finalists made it to the finals for seasons two and three?
answers: text: 12
context: In the first three seasons, the semi-finalists were split into different groups to perform individually in their respective night. In season one, there were three groups of ten, with the top three contestants from each group making the finals. In seasons two and three, there were four groups of eight, and the top two of each selected. These seasons also featured a wildcard round, where contestants who failed to qualify were given another chance. In season one, only one wildcard contestant was chosen by the judges, giving a total of ten finalists. In seasons two and three, each of the three judges championed one contestant with the public advancing a fourth into the finals, making 12 finalists in all.

qas: question: How many semi-finalists were there in season 4?
answers: text: twenty-four

question: How were the semi-finalists divided in season four?
answers: text: by gender

question: How many men were in the top twelve on season five of American Idol?
answers: text: six

question: How many women were in the top twelve on season nine of American Idol?
answers: text: six

question: How many women were semi-finalists on season six of American Idol?
answers: text: twelve
context: From seasons four to seven and nine, the twenty-four semi-finalists were divided by gender in order to ensure an equal gender division in the top twelve. The men and women sang separately on consecutive nights, and the bottom two in each groups were eliminated each week until only six of each remained to form the top twelve.

qas: question: How many wildcards were chosen by the judges in season eight?
answers: text: four

question: How many wildcard contestants were advanced in the competition in season ten?
answers: text: three

question: How many women were in the top ten in season twelve?
answers: text: five

question: How many finalists were there in season eight?
answers: text: thirteen

question: What season saw the return of the Wild Card round?
answers: text: season eight

question: How many contestants moved forward from each round?
answers: text: three

question: How many wildcard contestants were chosen?
answers: text: four

question: How many contestants were finalists for season 12?
answers: text: 10
context: The wildcard round returned in season eight, wherein there were three groups of twelve, with three contestants moving forward – the highest male, the highest female, and the next highest-placed singer - for each night, and four wildcards were chosen by the judges to produce a final 13. Starting season ten, the girls and boys perform on separate nights. In seasons ten and eleven, five of each gender were chosen, and three wildcards were chosen by the judges to form a final 13. In season twelve, the top twenty semifinalists were split into gender groups, with five of each gender advancing to form the final 10. In season thirteen, there were thirty semifinalists, but only twenty semifinalists (ten for each gender) were chosen by the judges to perform on the live shows, with five in each gender and three wildcards chosen by the judges composing the final 13.

qas: question: Where studio hosts the live final rounds on American Idol?
answers: text: CBS Television City

question: Who was the mentor on season ten of American Idol? 
answers: text: Jimmy Iovine

question: How many weeks did the finals of season thirteen last?
answers: text: thirteen

question: How many weeks did the finals last in the first season?
answers: text: eight

question: Where are the finals broadcast from?
answers: text: CBS Television City

question: Who was a mentor for the contestants in Season 10?
answers: text: Jimmy Iovine

question: How many songs do contestants sing initially in the finals?
answers: text: one

question: When do contestants start singing two songs?
answers: text: top four or five
context: The finals are broadcast in prime time from CBS Television City in Los Angeles, in front of a live studio audience. The finals lasted eight weeks in season one, eleven weeks in subsequent seasons until seasons ten and eleven which lasted twelve weeks except for season twelve, which lasted ten weeks, and season thirteen, which lasted for thirteen weeks. Each finalist performs songs based on a weekly theme which may be a musical genre such as Motown, disco, or big band, songs by artists such as Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley or The Beatles, or more general themes such as Billboard Number 1 hits or songs from the contestant's year of birth. Contestants usually work with a celebrity mentor related to the theme. In season ten, Jimmy Iovine was brought in as a mentor for the season. Initially the contestants sing one song each week, but this is increased to two songs from top four or five onwards, then three songs for the top two or three.

qas: question: In what season was the "Judges Save" introduced to give contestants a second chance?
answers: text: eight

question: How many time can the judges save be used each season?
answers: text: once

question: When three are called, one is often sent to what?
answers: text: safety

question: Which season was the Idol Gives Back episode?
answers: text: season six
context: The most popular contestants are usually not revealed in the results show. Instead, typically the three contestants (two in later rounds) who received the lowest number of votes are called to the center of the stage. One of these three is usually sent to safety; however the two remaining are not necessarily the bottom two. The contestant with the fewest votes is then revealed and eliminated from the competition. A montage of the eliminated contestant's time on the show is played and they give their final performance. However, in season six, during the series' first ever Idol Gives Back episode, no contestant was eliminated, but on the following week, two were sent home. Moreover, starting in season eight, the judges may overturn viewers' decision with a "Judges' Save" if they unanimously agree to. "The save" can only be used once, and only up through the top five. In the eighth, ninth, tenth, and fourteenth seasons, a double elimination then took place in the week following the activation of the save, but in the eleventh and thirteenth seasons, a regular single elimination took place. The save was not activated in the twelfth season and consequently, a non-elimination took place in the week after its expiration with the votes then carrying over into the following week.

qas: question: In which season was the "Fan Save" first used?
answers: text: fourteen

question: How do people vote using the fan save?
answers: text: Twitter

question: What was introduced in season 14 to allow the fans to help save a contestant?
answers: text: Fan Save

question: How do viewers vote for a contestant using Fan Save?
answers: text: Twitter

question: When does the Fan Save start?
answers: text: Top 8
context: The "Fan Save" was introduced in the fourteenth season. During the finals, viewers are given a five-minute window to vote for the contestants in danger of elimination by using their Twitter account to decide which contestant will move on to the next show, starting with the Top 8.

qas: question: What venue was the American Idol season seven finale held at?
answers: text: the Nokia Theatre

question: How many people can attend an American Idol finale at the Dolby Theatre?
answers: text: 3,400

question: In what episode is the winner of American Idol revealed?
answers: text: The finale

question: Where was the season one finale broadcast from?
answers: text: Dolby Theatre

question: How many audience members can fit in Dolby Theatre?
answers: text: 3,400

question: What is the capacity for Gibson Ampitheatre?
answers: text: 6,000

question: For seasons 7-13, the season finale was held where?
answers: text: Nokia Theatre
context: The finale is the two-hour last episode of the season, culminating in revealing the winner. For seasons one, three through six, and fourteen, it was broadcast from the Dolby Theatre, which has an audience capacity of approximately 3,400. The finale for season two took place at the Gibson Amphitheatre, which has an audience capacity of over 6,000. In seasons seven through thirteen, the venue was at the Nokia Theatre, which holds an audience of over 7,000.

qas: question: Which company manages the winners of American Idol?
answers: text: 19 Management

question: What record label signed the winner of season fourteen of American Idol?
answers: text: Big Machine Records

question: How long does the record company have the right of first refusal for contestants on American Idol?
answers: text: three months

question: What does the winner of American Idol receive?
answers: text: a record deal

question: The winner also receives a management contract with which company?
answers: text: 19 Management

question: In season 14, the winner was signed to which company?
answers: text: Big Machine Records
context: The winner receives a record deal with a major label, which may be for up to six albums, and secures a management contract with American Idol-affiliated 19 Management (which has the right of first refusal to sign all contestants), as well as various lucrative contracts. All winners prior to season nine reportedly earned at least $1 million in their first year as winner. All the runners-up of the first ten seasons, as well as some of other finalists, have also received record deals with major labels. However, starting in season 11, the runner-up may only be guaranteed a single-only deal. BMG/Sony (seasons 1–9) and UMG (season 10–) had the right of first refusal to sign contestants for three months after the season's finale. Starting in the fourteenth season, the winner was signed with Big Machine Records. Prominent music mogul Clive Davis also produced some of the selected contestants' albums, such as Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo. All top 10 (11 in seasons 10 and 12) finalists earn the privilege of going on a tour, where the participants may each earn a six-figure sum.

qas: question: What is given to contestants who make it past the audition round?
answers: text: a golden ticket

question: In the audition rounds, what do contestants who win the approval of the judges receive?
answers: text: a golden ticket

question: Who votes for the winning contestants starting with the semi-final round?
answers: text: the public
context: Each season premieres with the audition round, taking place in different cities. The audition episodes typically feature a mix of potential finalists, interesting characters and woefully inadequate contestants. Each successful contestant receives a golden ticket to proceed on to the next round in Hollywood. Based on their performances during the Hollywood round (Las Vegas round for seasons 10 onwards), 24 to 36 contestants are selected by the judges to participate in the semifinals. From the semifinal onwards the contestants perform their songs live, with the judges making their critiques after each performance. The contestants are voted for by the viewing public, and the outcome of the public votes is then revealed in the results show typically on the following night. The results shows feature group performances by the contestants as well as guest performers. The Top-three results show also features the homecoming events for the Top 3 finalists. The season reaches its climax in a two-hour results finale show, where the winner of the season is revealed.

qas: question: In which season were contestants first allowed to use musical instruments?
answers: text: seven

question: Who was in charge of the American Idol band in season eleven?
answers: text: Ray Chew

question: In what season did American Idol start airing on Thursday nights?
answers: text: ten

question: Who was the leader of the American Idol band in season five?
answers: text: Rickey Minor

question: Who led the American Idol band between seasons four and nine?
answers: text: Rickey Minor

question: Who led the American Idol band after Rickey Minor's departure?
answers: text: Ray Chew

question: What season were contestants allowed use a musical instrument when they sing?
answers: text: seven
context: With the exception of seasons one and two, the contestants in the semifinals onwards perform in front of a studio audience. They perform with a full band in the finals. From season four to season nine, the American Idol band was led by Rickey Minor; from season ten onwards, Ray Chew. Assistance may also be given by vocal coaches and song arrangers, such as Michael Orland and Debra Byrd to contestants behind the scene. Starting with season seven, contestants may perform with a musical instrument from the Hollywood rounds onwards. In the first nine seasons, performances were usually aired live on Tuesday nights, followed by the results shows on Wednesdays in the United States and Canada, but moved to Wednesdays and Thursdays in season ten.

qas: question: What network aired the first season of American Idol?
answers: text: Fox

question: What year did American Idol first debut?
answers: text: 2002

question: Who was Ryan Seacrests co-host in the first season of American Idol?
answers: text: Brian Dunkleman

question: When did American Idol debut?
answers: text: June 2002

question: What network did American Idol debut on?
answers: text: Fox

question: Who co-hosted American Idol?
answers: text: Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman
context: The first season of American Idol debuted as a summer replacement show in June 2002 on the Fox network. It was co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman.

qas: question: How many contestants made it past the first round of auditions?
answers: text: 121

question: How many people initially auditioned?
answers: text: around 10,000

question: Who was the first known homosexual contestant on American Idol?
answers: text: Jim Verraros

question: Which contestant was surprisingly eliminated during the top four episode? 
answers: text: Tamyra Gray

question: Where was Christina Christian at when she was eliminated from the show?
answers: text: the hospital

question: How many contestants were chosen from the 10,000 that auditioned?
answers: text: 121

question: Of the 121 chosen, how many became semi-finalists?
answers: text: 30

question: Which contestant was disqualified for lying about his age?
answers: text: Delano Cagnolatti

question: When was Tamyra Gray eliminated?
answers: text: top four

question: Who was eliminated while she was in the hospital due to chest pains?
answers: text: Christina Christian
context: In the audition rounds, 121 contestants were selected from around 10,000 who attended the auditions. These were cut to 30 for the semifinal, with ten going on to the finals. One semifinalist, Delano Cagnolatti, was disqualified for lying to evade the show's age limit. One of the early favorites, Tamyra Gray, was eliminated at the top four, the first of several such shock eliminations that were to be repeated in later seasons. Christina Christian was hospitalized before the top six result show due to chest pains and palpitations, and she was eliminated while she was in the hospital. Jim Verraros was the first openly gay contestant on the show; his sexual orientation was revealed in his online journal, however it was removed during the competition after a request from the show producers over concerns that it might be unfairly influencing votes.

qas: question: What year did Kelly Clarkson win?
answers: text: 2002

question: Who was the runner up to Kelly Clarkson?
answers: text: Justin Guarini

question: What month did Kelly Clarkson win?
answers: text: September

question: Of the final two, which was an early favorite to win?
answers: text: Justin Guarini

question: Who won the first season of American Idol?
answers: text: Kelly Clarkson

question: When did Clarkson win the crown?
answers: text: September 4, 2002
context: The final showdown was between Justin Guarini, one of the early favorites, and Kelly Clarkson. Clarkson was not initially thought of as a contender, but impressed the judges with some good performances in the final rounds, such as her performance of Aretha Franklin's "Natural Woman", and Betty Hutton's "Stuff Like That There", and eventually won the crown on September 4, 2002.

qas: question: What was the fist song released by Kelly Clarkson after winning American Idol?
answers: text: A Moment Like This

question: What film did Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini star in after they were on American Idol?
answers: text: From Justin to Kelly

question: How many albums has Kelly Clarkson sold around the world?
answers: text: more than 23 million

question: What song did Kelly Clarkson perform during the finale?
answers: text: A Moment Like This

question: What did Clarkson sing during the finale?
answers: text: the coronation song

question: What was the name of the song?
answers: text: A Moment Like This

question: Which record did the song break, which was the biggest leap to the top of the Billboard charts?
answers: text: The Beatles

question: What was the name of the film that the two finalists made together?
answers: text: From Justin to Kelly

question: How many worldwide album sales has Kelly Clarkson had since winning Idol?
answers: text: more than 23 million
context: In what was to become a tradition, Clarkson performed the coronation song during the finale, and released the song immediately after the season ended. The single, "A Moment Like This", went on to break a 38-year-old record held by The Beatles for the biggest leap to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Guarini did not release any song immediately after the show and remains the only runner-up not to do so. Both Clarkson and Guarini made a musical film, From Justin to Kelly, which was released in 2003 but was widely panned. Clarkson has since become the most successful Idol contestant internationally, with worldwide album sales of more than 23 million.

qas: question: What year did season two of American Idol first air?
answers: text: 2003

question: Who was a correspondent on season two of American Idol?
answers: text: Kristin Adams

question: When did season two air?
answers: text: January 2003

question: Who was a correspondent for season two?
answers: text: Kristin Adams
context: Following the success of season one, the second season was moved up to air in January 2003. The number of episodes increased, as did the show's budget and the charge for commercial spots. Dunkleman left the show, leaving Seacrest as the lone host. Kristin Adams was a correspondent for this season.

qas: question: Which judge did Corey Clark claim to have had an affair with?
answers: text: Paula Abdul

question: Which contestant was removed from the competition for having been a model on an adult website?
answers: text: Frenchie Davis

question: Which contestant was removed from the competition for not revealing his police record?
answers: text: Corey Clark

question: Which contestant had previously been arrested and charged with assault?
answers: text: Jaered Andrews

question: Who was disqualified for having a police record?
answers: text: Corey Clark

question: Which contestant was removed from the show for modelling for an adult website?
answers: text: Frenchie Davis

question: Which contestant was disqualified because of an assault charge?
answers: text: Jaered Andrews
context: Corey Clark was disqualified during the finals for having an undisclosed police record; however, he later alleged that he and Paula Abdul had an affair while on the show and that this contributed to his expulsion. Clark also claimed that Abdul gave him preferential treatment on the show due to their affair. The allegations were dismissed by Fox after an independent investigation. Two semi-finalists were also disqualified that year – Jaered Andrews for an arrest on an assault charge, and Frenchie Davis for having previously modelled for an adult website.

qas: question: Who was the season two winner of American Idol?
answers: text: Ruben Studdard

question: How many votes were cast during the final week?
answers: text: 24 million

question: Who was the runner up on season two of American Idol?
answers: text: Clay Aiken

question: How many votes did Ruben Studdard win by?
answers: text: 134,000

question: What was the name of the shows executive producer?
answers: text: Nigel Lythgoe

question: Who won season two?
answers: text: Ruben Studdard

question: Who was the runner up for season two?
answers: text: Clay Aiken

question: How many more votes did Studdard have at the finale?
answers: text: 134,000

question: How many votes were cast for the finale?
answers: text: 24 million

question: Who did Nigel Lythgoe say was a fan favorite for the majority of the season?
answers: text: Clay Aiken
context: Ruben Studdard emerged as the winner, beating Clay Aiken by a small margin. Out of a total of 24 million votes, Studdard finished just 134,000 votes ahead of Aiken. This slim margin of victory was controversial due to the large number of calls that failed to get through. In an interview prior to season five, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe indicated that Aiken had led the fan voting from the wildcard week onward until the finale.

qas: question: What is the first song that Ruben Studdard released after winning American Idol?
answers: text: Flying Without Wings

question: What contestant came in fourth on season two of American Idol?
answers: text: Josh Gracin

question: What song did Clay Aiken first release after losing American Idol?
answers: text: This Is the Night

question: What was the name of Studdard's coronation song?
answers: text: Flying Without Wings

question: What was Aiken's single release named?
answers: text: This Is the Night

question: Which of the final two had more success with his first album?
answers: text: Aiken

question: Who finished fourth on season two?
answers: text: Josh Gracin
context: Both finalists found success after the show, but Aiken out-performed Studdard's coronation song "Flying Without Wings" with his single release from the show "This Is the Night", as well as in their subsequent album releases. The fourth-place finisher Josh Gracin also enjoyed some success as a country singer.

qas: question: What year did the third season of American Idol first air?
answers: text: 2004

question: Which contestant was best known for his bad audition of "She Bangs"?
answers: text: William Hung

question: Which contestant sold more albums than all except two from season three of American Idol?
answers: text: William Hung

question: When did season three premiere?
answers: text: January 19, 2004

question: Which contestant sang an off-key "She Bangs"?
answers: text: William Hung

question: Which contestant was number three in sales from season three?
answers: text: William Hung
context: Season three premiered on January 19, 2004. One of the most talked-about contestants during the audition process was William Hung whose off-key rendition of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" received widespread attention. His exposure on Idol landed him a record deal and surprisingly he became the third best-selling singer from that season.

qas: question: What were the three black female contestants on season three of American Idol commonly referred to as?
answers: text: the Three Divas

question: Which contestant was eliminated during the week of the top seven?
answers: text: Jennifer Hudson

question: What famous singer made claims of racism after Jennifer Hudson was eliminated from American Idol?
answers: text: Elton John

question: Which season three contestant on American Idol was the recipient of reported death threats?
answers: text: John Stevens

question: What were Fantasia Barrino, LaToya London and Jennifer Hudson called?
answers: text: the Three Divas

question: Which of the three was eliminated?
answers: text: Jennifer Hudson

question: Who said that the results were racist?
answers: text: Elton John

question: Which contestant reportedly received a death threat on the show?
answers: text: John Stevens
context: Much media attention on the season had been focused on the three black singers, Fantasia Barrino, LaToya London, and Jennifer Hudson, dubbed the Three Divas. All three unexpectedly landed on the bottom three on the top seven result show, with Hudson controversially eliminated. Elton John, who was one of the mentors that season, called the results of the votes "incredibly racist". The prolonged stays of John Stevens and Jasmine Trias in the finals, despite negative comments from the judges, had aroused resentment, so much so that John Stevens reportedly received a death threat, which he dismissed as a joke 'blown out of proportion'.

qas: question: Who was the runner up on the third season of American Idol?
answers: text: Diana DeGarmo

question: What was the name of the first single that Fantasia released after winning American Idol?
answers: text: I Believe

question: What was the first song released by Diana DeGarmo after coming in second on American Idol?
answers: text: Dreams

question: What song did Fantasia sing on the Top 8 show?
answers: text: Summertime

question: Who has said that Barrino's rendition of Summertime has been his top moment of all seasons?
answers: text: Simon Cowell

question: Who were the final two contestants?
answers: text: Fantasia and Diana DeGarmo

question: Who was declared the season winner?
answers: text: Fantasia

question: What was Fantasia's coronation song?
answers: text: I Believe
context: The performance of "Summertime" by Barrino, later known simply as "Fantasia", at Top 8 was widely praised, and Simon Cowell considered it as his favorite Idol moment in the nine seasons he was on the show. Fantasia and Diana DeGarmo were the last two finalists, and Fantasia was crowned as the winner. Fantasia released as her coronation single "I Believe", a song co-written by season one finalist Tamyra Gray, and DeGarmo released "Dreams". Fantasia went on to gain some successes as a recording artist, while Hudson, who placed seventh, became the only Idol contestant so far to win both an Academy Award and a Grammy.

qas: question: Who got a spot in the top 12 after Mario Vasquez dropped out?
answers: text: Nikko Smith

question: Who replaced Vasquez as a finalist?
answers: text: Nikko Smith

question: What company produces the show?
answers: text: Freemantle Media

question: A former employee states he was fired after complaining about which finalist?
answers: text: Vazquez
context: The top 12 finalists originally included Mario Vazquez, but he dropped out citing 'personal reasons' and was replaced by Nikko Smith. Later, an employee of Freemantle Media, which produces the show, sued the company for wrongful termination, claiming that he was dismissed after complaining about lewd behavior by Vazquez toward him during the show.

qas: question: During what week was there a problem with voting?
answers: text: top 11 week

question: When did the results show happen?
answers: text: the following night
context: During the top 11 week, due to a mix-up with the contestants' telephone number, voting was repeated on what was normally the result night, with the result reveal postponed until the following night.

qas: question: What year did Carrie Underwood win American Idol?
answers: text: 2005

question: How many record has Carrie Underwood sold since winning American Idol?
answers: text: 65 million

question: What was the first song released by Carrie Underwood after winning American Idol? 
answers: text: Inside Your Heaven

question: Which American Idol contestant has won the biggest number of Grammy Awards?
answers: text: Carrie Underwood

question: When was the winner declared?
answers: text: May 2005

question: Who was the winner of this season?
answers: text: Carrie Underwood

question: What song did the two finalists release?
answers: text: Inside Your Heaven

question: How many records has Underwood sold in America?
answers: text: 14 million
context: In May 2005, Carrie Underwood was announced the winner, with Bice the runner-up. Both Underwood and Bice released the coronation song "Inside Your Heaven". Underwood has since sold 65 million records worldwide, and become the most successful Idol contestant in the U.S., selling over 14 million albums copies in the U.S. and has more  Underwood has won seven Grammy Awards, the most Grammys by an "American Idol" alumnus.

qas: question: Which season of American Idol stands out for having the highest ratings?
answers: text: Season five

question: Which two contestants were removed from the show for accusations of identity theft?
answers: text: the Brittenum twins

question: Which season has been the highest rated of all American Idol seasons?
answers: text: Season five

question: When did season five premiere?
answers: text: January 17, 2006

question: Which two contestants were kicked off the show for identity theft?
answers: text: the Brittenum twins
context: Season five began on January 17, 2006. It remains the highest-rated season in the show's run so far. Two of the more prominent contestants during the Hollywood round were the Brittenum twins who were later disqualified for identity theft.

qas: question: Which contestant did the band Fuel ask to be their new lead singer?
answers: text: Chris Daughtry

question: Which season five contestant caused controversy with their performance of I Walk the Line?
answers: text: Chris Daughtry

question: Which contestant was surprisingly eliminated during the week of the top four?
answers: text: Chris Daughtry

question: Who performed a Fuel song on this season?
answers: text: Chris Daughtry

question: Fuel asked Chris Daughtry to become what?
answers: text: lead singer

question: Who was eliminated in the Top 4 show?
answers: text: Chris Daughtry

question: Which song performance did he receive both praise and criticism for?
answers: text: I Walk the Line

question: Why did he receive criticism for I Walk the Line
answers: text: not crediting the arrangement to Live
context: Chris Daughtry's performance of Fuel's "Hemorrhage (In My Hands)" on the show was widely praised and led to an invitation to join the band as Fuel's new lead singer, an invitation he declined. His performance of Live's version of "I Walk the Line" was well received by the judges but later criticized in some quarters for not crediting the arrangement to Live. He was eliminated at the top four in a shocking result.

qas: question: Who was the winner American Idol in 2006?
answers: text: Taylor Hicks

question: What was the name of the first song that Taylor Hicks released after winning American Idol?
answers: text: Do I Make You Proud

question: What was the first song that Katherine McPhee released after coming in second on American Idol?
answers: text: My Destiny

question: Who was the winner for this season?
answers: text: Taylor Hicks

question: What was Hick's debut single?
answers: text: Do I Make You Proud

question: What was McPhee's first single?
answers: text: My Destiny
context: On May 30, 2006, Taylor Hicks was named American Idol, with Katharine McPhee the runner-up. "Do I Make You Proud" was released as Hicks' first single and McPhee's was "My Destiny".

qas: question: Which season five contestant has had the most success after the show?
answers: text: Chris Daughtry

question: What is the name if the band that has Chris Daughtry as its lead singer?
answers: text: Daughtry

question: Who was the most successful artist from this season?
answers: text: Chris Daughtry

question: What band does Chris Daughtry sing for?
answers: text: Daughtry
context: Despite being eliminated earlier in the season, Chris Daughtry (as lead of the band Daughtry) became the most successful recording artist from this season. Other contestants, such as Hicks, McPhee, Bucky Covington, Mandisa, Kellie Pickler, and Elliott Yamin have had varying levels of success.

qas: question: What year did the sixth season of American Idol first air?
answers: text: 2007

question: How many people watched the season premiere of American Idol in 2007?
answers: text: 37.3 million

question: When did season six premiere?
answers: text: January 16, 2007

question: How many overall viewers did the first show of the season generate?
answers: text: 37.3 million
context: Season six began on Tuesday, January 16, 2007. The premiere drew a massive audience of 37.3 million viewers, peaking in the last half hour with more than 41 million viewers.

qas: question: Who was the most discussed singer in American Idols sixth season?
answers: text: Sanjaya Malakar

question: What celebrity asked his fans to vote for Sanjaya Malakar on American Idol?
answers: text: Howard Stern

question: What is the name of the blog that tried to rally votes for Sanjaya Malakar on American Idol?
answers: text: Vote for the Worst

question: What date was Sanjaya Malakar eliminated on American Idol?
answers: text: April 18

question: What season six American Idol contestant was known for his strange hairstyles?
answers: text: Sanjaya Malakar

question: Which contestant was talked about more than any other this season?
answers: text: Sanjaya Malakar

question: What was the main reason Sanjaya garnered such attention?
answers: text: hair

question: Which weblog helped Sanjaya survive elimination week over and over again?
answers: text: Vote for the Worst

question: Which shock jock urged people to vote for Sanjaya?
answers: text: Howard Stern

question: When was Sanjaya eliminated? 
answers: text: April 18
context: Teenager Sanjaya Malakar was the season's most talked-about contestant for his unusual hairdo, and for managing to survive elimination for many weeks due in part to the weblog Vote for the Worst and satellite radio personality Howard Stern, who both encouraged fans to vote for him. However, on April 18, Sanjaya was voted off.

qas: question: What was the name of the charity event on season six of American Idol?
answers: text: Idol Gives Back

question: How much money did the Idol Gives Back event raise in 2007?
answers: text: $76 million

question: What singer came in third on the sixth season of American Idol?
answers: text: Melinda Doolittle

question: What was the charity event that occurred this season?
answers: text: Idol Gives Back

question: Which two contestants were eliminated the following week?
answers: text: Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson

question: Who was eliminated on the Top 3 show?
answers: text: Melinda Doolittle
context: This season saw the first Idol Gives Back telethon-inspired event, which raised more than $76 million in corporate and viewer donations. No contestant was eliminated that week, but two (Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson) were eliminated the next. Melinda Doolittle was eliminated in the final three.

qas: question: Who was the winner of American Idols sixth season?
answers: text: Jordin Sparks

question: Who came in second on season six of American Idol?
answers: text: Blake Lewis

question: On what date did American Idol air its season six finale?
answers: text: May 23

question: When was the finale aired?
answers: text: May 23

question: Which contestant won the season?
answers: text: Jordin Sparks
context: In the May 23 season finale, Jordin Sparks was declared the winner with the runner-up being Blake Lewis. Sparks has had some success as a recording artist post-Idol.

qas: question: What year did season four of American Idol first air?
answers: text: 2005

question: How many contestants auditioned for the fourth season of American Idol?
answers: text: over 100,000

question: What was the oldest that you could be to qualify as a contestant on the fourth season of American Idol?
answers: text: 28

question: What  was the first full season of American Idol to air in high definition?
answers: text: Season four

question: In which season was Bo Bice a contestant on American Idol?
answers: text: Season four

question: When did season four premiere?
answers: text: January 18, 2005

question: Season four was the first full season to be aired in what?
answers: text: high definition

question: How many people auditioned to be on American Idol?
answers: text: over 100,000

question: What was the maximum age a contestant could be starting this season?
answers: text: 28
context: Season four premiered on January 18, 2005; this was the first season of the series to be aired in high definition, although the finale of season three was also aired in high definition. The number of those attending the auditions by now had increased to over 100,000 from the 10,000 of the first season. The age limit was raised to 28 in this season, and among those who benefited from this new rule were Constantine Maroulis and Bo Bice, the two rockers of the show.

qas: question: In what year did American Idol begin a contest to decide the winners single?
answers: text: 2007

question: What is the first song released by Jordin Sparks after winning American Idol?
answers: text: This Is My Now

question: How was "This is My Now" decided as the first single for the American Idol winner in 2007?
answers: text: public vote

question: Which contest started during this season?
answers: text: American Idol Songwriter contest

question: Fans could vote for what during this contest?
answers: text: coronation song

question: Of the thousands of songs entered, how many were the public able to vote for?
answers: text: 20

question: What song won the contest?
answers: text: This Is My Now

question: When did Sparks release her version of the song?
answers: text: May 24, 2007
context: This season also saw the launch of the American Idol Songwriter contest which allows fans to vote for the "coronation song". Thousands of recordings of original songs were submitted by songwriters, and 20 entries selected for the public vote. The winning song, "This Is My Now", was performed by both finalists during the finale and released by Sparks on May 24, 2007.

qas: question: What year did season seven of American Idol first air?
answers: text: 2008

question: Which season seven contestant had worked as a stripper before his time on American Idol?
answers: text: David Hernandez

question: Which contestant was talked about most for having a record deal before being a contestant on American Idol?
answers: text: Carly Smithson

question: When did season seven premiere?
answers: text: January 15, 2008

question: Which contestant drew attention because he was a former stripper?
answers: text: David Hernandez

question: Why did many of the contestants draw the attention of the media?
answers: text: professional status

question: Which contestant garnered the most attention because of a prior recording contract?
answers: text: Carly Smithson
context: Season seven premiered on January 15, 2008, for a two-day, four-hour premiere. The media focused on the professional status of the season seven contestants, the so-called 'ringers', many of whom, including Kristy Lee Cook, Brooke White, Michael Johns, and in particular Carly Smithson, had prior recording contracts. Contestant David Hernandez also attracted some attention due to his past employment as a stripper.

qas: question: What song did David Cook sing on American Idol during the week of the top ten?
answers: text: Billie Jean

question: Which American Idol contestant was hospitalized after singing during the week of the top nine?
answers: text: David Cook

question: Who arranged the version of "Billie Jean" that David Cook performed on American Idol?
answers: text: Chris Cornell

question: On what date did the American Idol finals begin?
answers: text: March 11, 2008

question: When did American Idol showcase a new set and stage?
answers: text: March 11, 2008

question: Which arrangement was used for Cook's version of Billie Jean?
answers: text: Chris Cornell

question: Who was taken to the hospital after the top nine show?
answers: text: David Cook
context: For the finals, American Idol debuted a new state-of-the-art set and stage on March 11, 2008, along with a new on-air look. David Cook's performance of "Billie Jean" on top-ten night was lauded by the judges, but provoked controversy when they apparently mistook the Chris Cornell arrangement to be David Cook's own even though the performance was introduced as Cornell's version. Cornell himself said he was 'flattered' and praised David Cook's performance. David Cook was taken to the hospital after the top-nine performance show due to heart palpitations and high blood pressure.

qas: question: Which contestant sang "Imagine" on season seven of American Idol?
answers: text: David Archuleta

question: In which season of American Idol did Jennifer Lopez become a judge?
answers: text: season ten

question: What song did Jason Castro receive praise for singing during the semi-finals on American Idol?
answers: text: Hallelujah

question: Whose recording of Hallelujah became successful again after being performed on American Idol?
answers: text: Jeff Buckley

question: On what digital platform were contestants performances released to after airing on American Idol?
answers: text: iTunes

question: Which David Archuletta cover was thought to be the best of the season by many?
answers: text: John Lennon's "Imagine"

question: Who said it Archuletta's rendition is one that she will never forget?
answers: text: Jennifer Lopez

question: Which finalist sang "Hallelujah" during the semi-finals?
answers: text: Jason Castro

question: Castro's performance sent which singer's version to the top of a Billboard chart?
answers: text: Jeff Buckley

question: For the first time, recordings of the contestant's songs could be purchased where?
answers: text: iTunes
context: David Archuleta's performance of John Lennon's "Imagine" was considered by many as one of the best of the season. Jennifer Lopez, who was brought in as a judge in season ten, called it a beautiful song-moment that she will never forget. Jason Castro's semi-final performance of "Hallelujah" also received considerable attention, and it propelled Jeff Buckley's version of the song to the top of the Billboard digital song chart. This was the first season in which contestants' recordings were released onto iTunes after their performances, and although sales information was not released so as not to prejudice the contest, leaked information indicated that contestants' songs frequently reached the top of iTunes sales charts.

qas: question: Who won season seven of American Idol?
answers: text: David Cook

question: Who was the first Rock and Roll artist to win American Idol?
answers: text: David Cook

question: When was the winner announced?
answers: text: May 21, 2008

question: Who was the winner?
answers: text: David Cook
context: The finalists were Cook and Archuleta. David Cook was announced the winner on May 21, 2008, the first rocker to win the show. Both Cook and Archuleta had some success as recording artists with both selling over a million albums in the U.S.

qas: question: What was the name of the first song released by David Cook after winning American Idol?
answers: text: The Time of My Life

question: How was the winning single chose on season seven of American Idol?
answers: text: The American Idol Songwriter contest

question: What year did David Cook release the single, "The Time of My Life"?
answers: text: 2008

question: What was the coronation song?
answers: text: The Time of My Life

question: When did Cook release his version of The Time of My Life?
answers: text: May 22, 2008
context: The American Idol Songwriter contest was also held this season. From ten of the most popular submissions, each of the final two contestants chose a song to perform, although neither of their selections was used as the "coronation song". The winning song, "The Time of My Life", was recorded by David Cook and released on May 22, 2008.

qas: question: What year did the eighth season of American Idol first air?
answers: text: 2009

question: Which contestant from season eight suffered the loss of a spouse?
answers: text: Danny Gokey

question: What was Mike Darnells position at Fox in 2009?
answers: text: president of alternative programming

question: What month did American Idol begin airing its eighth season?
answers: text: January

question: When did season eight premiere?
answers: text: January 13, 2009

question: Who was the president of alternative programming at Fox?
answers: text: Mike Darnell

question: Which contestant received a lot of attention because of his widowhood?
answers: text: Danny Gokey
context: Season eight premiered on January 13, 2009. Mike Darnell, the president of alternative programming for Fox, stated that the season would focus more on the contestants' personal life. Much early attention on the show was therefore focused on the widowhood of Danny Gokey.[citation needed]

qas: question: Who was brought in as a new judge during American Idols eighth season?
answers: text: Kara DioGuardi

question: How long did the Hollywood round air for in season eight of American Idol?
answers: text: two weeks

question: What show did Nigel Lythgoe leave American Idol to produce?
answers: text: So You Think You Can Dance

question: What venue hosted the Hollywood round on American Idol for the first time in 2009?
answers: text: the Kodak Theatre

question: Why did American Idol choose not to have its Idol Gives Back special in 2009?
answers: text: the global recession

question: How many judges were on the panel for this season?
answers: text: four

question: Which judge joined the panel?
answers: text: Kara DioGuardi

question: Nigel Lythgoe quit the show to focus on what other show?
answers: text: So You Think You Can Dance

question: Where was the Hollywood round moved to?
answers: text: Kodak Theatre

question: What was canceled for this year of Idol?
answers: text: Idol Gives Back
context: In the first major change to the judging panel, a fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi, was introduced. This was also the first season without executive producer Nigel Lythgoe who left to focus on the international versions of his show So You Think You Can Dance. The Hollywood round was moved to the Kodak Theatre for 2009 and was also extended to two weeks. Idol Gives Back was canceled for this season due to the global recession at the time.

qas: question: How many finalists were there on season eight of American Idol?
answers: text: 13

question: Who was the first contestant to benefit from the Judges Save?
answers: text: Matt Giraud

question: How many contestants were eliminated during the first week after the judges save?
answers: text: two

question: How many contestants were sent home during the first week of finals?
answers: text: two

question: Who was sent home the week after the judges saved Matt Giraud?
answers: text: Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai

question: How many finalists were on this season?
answers: text: 13

question: How many finalists were eliminated during the first results show?
answers: text: two

question: Which contestant was saved with the first Judges' Save?
answers: text: Matt Giraud
context: There were 13 finalists this season, but two were eliminated in the first result show of the finals. A new feature introduced was the "Judges' Save", and Matt Giraud was saved from elimination at the top seven by the judges when he received the fewest votes. The next week, Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai were eliminated.

qas: question: Who were the final two contestants on season eight of American Idol?
answers: text: Kris Allen and Adam Lambert

question: Who won season eight of American Idol?
answers: text: Kris Allen

question: What state is American Idol winner Kris Allen from?
answers: text: Arkansas

question: How many votes were cast in the American Idol finale in season eight?
answers: text: 100 million

question: Who won the season?
answers: text: Kris Allen

question: The only prior season to have matching controversy over the winner was?
answers: text: season two

question: How many votes were cast for the final two?
answers: text: 100 million

question: Who was accused of teaching the public how to power text for the winner?
answers: text: AT&T employees
context: The two finalists were Kris Allen and Adam Lambert, both of whom had previously landed in the bottom three at the top five. Allen won the contest in the most controversial voting result since season two. It was claimed, later retracted, that 38 million of the 100 million votes cast on the night came from Allen's home state of Arkansas alone, and that AT&T employees unfairly influenced the votes by giving lessons on power-texting at viewing parties in Arkansas.

qas: question: What was the name of the song that Kris Allen and Adam Lamber released after American Idol?
answers: text: No Boundaries

question: Who helped write the song "No Boundaries"?
answers: text: DioGuardi

question: What was the coronation song for this season?
answers: text: No Boundaries

question: Who co-wrote the coronation song?
answers: text: DioGuardi

question: Unlike every previous winner, the winner of this season failed to achieve what status?
answers: text: gold album status

question: How many contestants from this season reached platinum album status?
answers: text: none
context: Both Allen and Lambert released the coronation song, "No Boundaries" which was co-written by DioGuardi. This is the first season in which the winner failed to achieve gold album status, and none from that season achieved platinum album status in the U.S.[citation needed]

qas: question: What year did season nine of American Idol first air?
answers: text: 2010

question: Who filled the judges spot vacated by Paula Abdul on season nine of American Idol?
answers: text: Ellen DeGeneres

question: At what point during season 9 of American Idol did Ellen Degeneres become a judge?
answers: text: Hollywood Week

question: When did season nine premiere?
answers: text: January 12, 2010

question: Which original judge left prior to the start of the season?
answers: text: Paula Abdul

question: Who replaced Abdul?
answers: text: Ellen DeGeneres

question: When did Ellen join the judges' panel?
answers: text: Hollywood Week
context: Season nine premiered on January 12, 2010. The upheaval at the judging panel continued. Ellen DeGeneres joined as a judge to replace Paula Abdul at the start of Hollywood Week.

qas: question: Which contestant had to go to the hospital during the week of the top 20?
answers: text: Crystal Bowersox

question: What producer wanted to remove Crystal Bowersox from the competition?
answers: text: Ken Warwick

question: Why was Crystal Bowersox in the hospital during the week of the top 20 on American Idol?
answers: text: diabetic ketoacidosis

question: Which contestant had Type-I diabetes?
answers: text: Crystal Bowersox

question: When was Crystal hospitalized?
answers: text: top 20 week

question: What was changed so she could still qualify?
answers: text: The schedule

question: Who did Bowersox later reveal wanted her to be disqualified?
answers: text: Ken Warwick

question: What role does Warwick have on the show?
answers: text: producer
context: Crystal Bowersox, who has Type-I diabetes, fell ill due to diabetic ketoacidosis on the morning of the girls performance night for the top 20 week and was hospitalized. The schedule was rearranged so the boys performed first and she could perform the following night instead; she later revealed that Ken Warwick, the show producer, wanted to disqualify her but she begged to be allowed to stay on the show.

qas: question: Which contestant was saved by the judges in season nine of American Idol?
answers: text: Michael Lynche

question: At what point did the judges use their save on American Idols ninth season?
answers: text: top nine

question: Who was the first American Idol contestant to return to the show as a mentor?
answers: text: Adam Lambert

question: How much money was brought in by the Idol Gives Back special on season nine of American Idol?
answers: text: $45 million

question: Who was saved with the Judges' Save?
answers: text: Michael Lynche

question: Which former contestant was a mentor this season?
answers: text: Adam Lambert
context: Michael Lynche was the lowest vote getter at top nine and was given the Judges' Save. The next week Katie Stevens and Andrew Garcia were eliminated. That week, Adam Lambert was invited back to be a mentor, the first Idol alum to do so. Idol Gives Back returned this season on April 21, 2010, and raised $45 million.

qas: question: Who had their final season in the show in season nine?
answers: text: Simon Cowell

question: Why did Paula Abdul appear on the season nine finale of American Idol?
answers: text: tribute to Simon Cowell

question: Who had a special tribute at the finale?
answers: text: Simon Cowell

question: Which former Idol star made an appearance for Cowell's tribute?
answers: text: Paula Abdul
context: A special tribute to Simon Cowell was presented in the finale for his final season with the show. Many figures from the show's past, including Paula Abdul, made an appearance.

qas: question: Who was the winner of American Idols ninth season?
answers: text: Lee DeWyze

question: What U2 song was released by Lee DeWyze after winning American Idol?
answers: text: Beautiful Day

question: When was the finale held?
answers: text: May 26

question: What song did DeWyze cover for his first release?
answers: text: Beautiful Day

question: Which song did Bowersox cover for her first release?
answers: text: Up to the Mountain
context: The final two contestants were Lee DeWyze and Bowersox. DeWyze was declared the winner during the May 26 finale. No new song was used as coronation song this year; instead, the two finalists each released a cover song – DeWyze chose U2's "Beautiful Day", and Bowersox chose Patty Griffin's "Up to the Mountain". This is the first season where neither finalist achieved significant album sales.

qas: question: What year did season ten of American Idol first air?
answers: text: 2011

question: In which season of American Idol did Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez become judges?
answers: text: ten

question: Who replace weekly mentors as a more permanent mentor on American Idols tenth season? 
answers: text: Jimmy Iovine

question: What show did Simon Cowell join after leaving American Idol?
answers: text: The X Factor

question: Who was the executive producer of American Idols tenth season?
answers: text: Nigel Lythgoe

question: When did season ten premiere?
answers: text: January 19, 2011

question: Who returned as executive producer this season?
answers: text: Nigel Lythgoe

question: Which two new judges joined Randy Jackson on the judges' panel?
answers: text: Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler

question: Who was the in-house mentor this season?
answers: text: Jimmy Iovine
context: Season ten of the series premiered on January 19, 2011. Many changes were introduced this season, from the format to the personnel of the show. Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler joined Randy Jackson as judges following the departures of Simon Cowell (who left to launch the U.S. version of The X Factor), Kara DioGuardi (whose contract was not renewed) and Ellen DeGeneres, while Nigel Lythgoe returned as executive producer. Jimmy Iovine, chairman of the Interscope Geffen A&M label group, the new partner of American Idol, acted as the in-house mentor in place of weekly guest mentors, although in later episodes special guest mentors such as Beyoncé, will.i.am and Lady Gaga were brought in.

qas: question: What was the first season of American Idol to feature online auditions?
answers: text: Season ten

question: What website hosted auditions for American Idols tenth season?
answers: text: Myspace

question: How did Karen Rodriguez audition for American Idol season ten?
answers: text: Myspace

question: This is the first season to have what kind of auditions?
answers: text: online

question: Where could contestants submit a video audition?
answers: text: Myspace
context: Season ten is the first to include online auditions where contestants could submit a 40-second video audition via Myspace. Karen Rodriguez was one such auditioner and reached the final rounds.

qas: question: Which contestant had a fiancé that had suffered brain damage?
answers: text: Chris Medina

question: In which round was Chris Medina eliminated n season ten of American Idol?
answers: text: Top 40

question: Which season ten contestant was in the hospital instead of at the Top 13 results show?
answers: text: Casey Abrams

question: Which contestants did the judges save on season ten of American Idol?
answers: text: Casey Abrams

question: Which contestant cared for his brain-damaged fiancee?
answers: text: Chris Medina

question: When was Medina eliminated from the competition?
answers: text: Top 40 round

question: Which contestant suffered from ulcerative colitis?
answers: text: Casey Abrams

question: Which show did Abrams miss because he was in the hospital?
answers: text: Top 13 result show
context: One of the more prominent contestants this year was Chris Medina, whose story of caring for his brain-damaged fiancée received widespread coverage. Medina was cut in the Top 40 round. Casey Abrams, who suffers from ulcerative colitis, was hospitalized twice and missed the Top 13 result show. The judges used their one save on Abrams on the Top 11, and as a result this was the first season that 11 finalists went on tour instead of 10. In the following week, Naima Adedapo and Thia Megia were both eliminated the following week.

qas: question: What contestant came in ninth on season ten of American Idol?
answers: text: Pia Toscano

question: What actor was upset when Pia Toscano was eliminated on American Idol?
answers: text: Tom Hanks

question: Which fan favorite was unexpectedly eliminated earlier than expected?
answers: text: Pia Toscano

question: Which actor criticized Toscano's elimination?
answers: text: Tom Hanks
context: Pia Toscano, one of the presumed favorites to advance far in the season, was unexpectedly eliminated on April 7, 2011, finishing in ninth place. Her elimination drew criticisms from some former Idol contestants, as well as actor Tom Hanks.

qas: question: What genre of music did season ten American Idol contestant Lauren Alaina sing?
answers: text: country

question: Who was the winner of American Idols tenth season?
answers: text: Scotty McCreery

question: What song did Scotty McCreery first release after winning American Idol?
answers: text: I Love You This Big

question: What song did Lauren Alaina release after coming in second on American Idol?
answers: text: Like My Mother Does

question: What is the name of the successful album that Ruben Studdard released in 2003?
answers: text: Soulful

question: When was the season finale of Idol?
answers: text: May 25

question: Scotty's first album reached the top Billboard spot, the first time for an Idol winner since when?
answers: text: Ruben Studdard
context: The two finalists in 2011 were Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery, both teenage country singers. McCreery won the competition on May 25, being the youngest male winner and the fourth male in a row to win American Idol. McCreery released his first single, "I Love You This Big", as his coronation song, and Alaina released "Like My Mother Does". McCreery's debut album, Clear as Day, became the first debut album by an Idol winner to reach No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 since Ruben Studdard's Soulful in 2003, and he became the youngest male artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

qas: question: In what year did American Idol first air its eleventh season?
answers: text: 2012

question: How many contestants made it to the finals on season 11 of American Idol?
answers: text: 25

question: What contestant was removed from the competition for concealing legal troubles?
answers: text: Jermaine Jones

question: When did season 11 premiere?
answers: text: January 18, 2012

question: Who joined the finalists, making it a Top 25?
answers: text: Jermaine Jones

question: When was Jones removed from the show?
answers: text: March 14

question: Why was Jones disqualified?
answers: text: concealing arrests and outstanding warrants
context: Season 11 premiered on January 18, 2012. On February 23, it was announced that one more finalist would join the Top 24 making it the Top 25, and that was Jermaine Jones. However, on March 14, Jones was disqualified in 12th place for concealing arrests and outstanding warrants. Jones denied the accusation that he concealed his arrests.

qas: question: Which season 11 contestant had to go to the hospital before the Top 13 Results?
answers: text: Phillip Phillips

question: Why was Phillip Phillips hospitalized during his time on American Idol?
answers: text: kidney stones

question: How many times did Phillip Phillips have surgery when he was on American Idol?
answers: text: eight

question: Which contestant thought about leaving the contest because of pain in his kidney?
answers: text: Phillip Phillips

question: Which contestant had eight surgeries during his Idol run?
answers: text: Phillip Phillips

question: What kind of pain did Phillips endure?
answers: text: kidney pain
context: Finalist Phillip Phillips suffered from kidney pain and was taken to the hospital before the Top 13 results show, and later received medical procedure to alleviate a blockage caused by kidney stones. He was reported to have eight surgeries during his Idol run, and had considered quitting the show due to the pain. He underwent surgery to remove the stones and reconstruct his kidney soon after the season had finished.

qas: question: Which contestant was saved by the judges on season 11 of American Idol?
answers: text: Jessica Sanchez

question: Who was the first female to be saved by the judges on American Idol?
answers: text: Jessica Sanchez

question: Who was eliminated the week after judges saved Jessica Sanchez on American Idol?
answers: text: Colton Dixon

question: How far did Jessica Sanchez make it on American Idol?
answers: text: final two

question: When did the judges use their save this season?
answers: text: Top 7

question: Who was the recipient of the Judges' Save?
answers: text: Jessica Sanchez

question: Which contestant was sent home the following week?
answers: text: Colton Dixon
context: Jessica Sanchez received the fewest number of votes during the Top 7 week, and the judges decided to use their "save" option on her, making her the first female recipient of the save. The following week, unlike previous seasons, Colton Dixon was the only contestant sent home. Sanchez later made the final two, the first season where a recipient of the save reached the finale.

qas: question: What former contestant did Ace Young ask to marry him?
answers: text: Diana DeGarmo

question: In what season was Ace Young a finalist on American Idol?
answers: text: five

question: In What season did Diana DeGarmo come in second on American Idol?
answers: text: three

question: Which season was Ace Young on?
answers: text: season five

question: Which season was Diana DeGarmo on?
answers: text: season three
context: Phillips became the winner, beating Sanchez. Prior to the announcement of the winner, season five finalist Ace Young proposed marriage to season three runner-up Diana DeGarmo on stage – which she accepted.

qas: question: What is the first song that Phillip Phliips released after winning American Idol?
answers: text: Home

question: What is the name of the song that Jessica Sanchez released first after American Idol?
answers: text: Change Nothing

question: What was Phillip's coronation song?
answers: text: Home

question: What song did Sanchez release?
answers: text: Change Nothing

question: Which song is the best selling coronation song of all Idol seasons?
answers: text: Home
context: Phillips released "Home" as his coronation song, while Sanchez released "Change Nothing". Phillips' "Home" has since become the best selling of all coronation songs.

qas: question: What year did season 12 of American Idol first air?
answers: text: 2013

question: What was Mariah Careys position on season 12 of American Idol?
answers: text: Judges

question: What website showed video of an altercation between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj?
answers: text: TMZ

question: When did season 12 premiere?
answers: text: January 16, 2013

question: How many judges did this season have?
answers: text: four
context: Season 12 premiered on January 16, 2013. Judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler left the show after two seasons. This season's judging panel consisted of Randy Jackson, along with Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj. This was the first season since season nine to have four judges on the panel. The pre-season buzz and the early episodes of the show were dominated by the feud between the judges Minaj and Carey after a video of their dispute was leaked to TMZ.

qas: question: How many girls were in the top 10 on season 12 of American Idol?
answers: text: five

question: Who was the last guy to be sent home on season 12 of American Idol?
answers: text: Lazaro Arbos

question: How many contestants did this season have?
answers: text: 10

question: How many weeks in a row were male contestants eliminated?
answers: text: five

question: Who as the last man to be eliminated?
answers: text: Lazaro Arbos

question: How many contestants were able to perform for two weeks without any eliminations?
answers: text: four
context: The top 10 contestants started with five males and five females, however, the males were eliminated consecutively in the first five weeks, with Lazaro Arbos the last male to be eliminated. For the first time in the show's history, the top 5 contestants were all female. It was also the first time that the judges' "save" was not used, the top four contestants were therefore given an extra week to perform again with their votes carried over with no elimination in the first week.

qas: question: Who was the winner of American Idols twelfth season?
answers: text: Candice Glover

question: Which contestant came in second on season 12 of American Idol?
answers: text: Kree Harrison

question: What was the first song released by Candice Glover after winning American Idol?
answers: text: I Am Beautiful

question: What song did Kree Harrison first release after being on American Idol?
answers: text: All Cried Out

question: Who was the runner up?
answers: text: Kree Harrison

question: What was Glover's first single?
answers: text: I Am Beautiful

question: What was Harrison's first single?
answers: text: All Cried Out

question: This is the first season when what did not happen to the first runner up?
answers: text: not signed by a music label
context: 23-year-old Candice Glover won the season with Kree Harrison taking the runner-up spot. Glover is the first female to win American Idol since Jordin Sparks. Glover released "I Am Beautiful" as a single while Harrison released "All Cried Out" immediately after the show. Glover sold poorly with her debut album, and this is also the first season that the runner-up was not signed by a music label.

qas: question: Which long time judge decided to leave his position at the end of the season?
answers: text: Randy Jackson

question: How many seasons was Mariah Carey a judge on American Idol?
answers: text: one

question: Who announced this would be his final year as a judge?
answers: text: Randy Jackson

question: Who were the other judges to leave after this season?
answers: text: Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj
context: Towards the end of the season, Randy Jackson, the last remaining of the original judges, announced that he would no longer serve as a judge to pursue other business ventures. Both judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj also decided to leave after one season to focus on their music careers.

qas: question: What year did season 13 of American Idol first air?
answers: text: 2014

question: Who was the host of American idol in its thirteenth season?
answers: text: Ryan Seacrest

question: What new role did Randy Jackson assume during American Idols thirteenth season?
answers: text: in-mentor

question: Who directed the thirteenth season of American Idol?
answers: text: Gregg Gelfand

question: When did season 13 premiere?
answers: text: January 15, 2014

question: Who was the mentor this season?
answers: text: Randy Jackson

question: Which former judge came back to the judges' panel this season?
answers: text: Jennifer Lopez

question: Which former mentor joined the judges' panel this season?
answers: text: Harry Connick, Jr.

question: Per Blankens, Jesse Ignjatovic, and Evan Pragger replaced which two executives?
answers: text: Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick
context: The thirteenth season premiered on January 15, 2014, with Ryan Seacrest returning as host. Randy Jackson and Keith Urban returned, though Jackson moved from the judging panel to the role of in-mentor. Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj left the panel after one season. Former judge Jennifer Lopez and former mentor Harry Connick, Jr. joined Urban on the panel. Also, Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick were replaced as executive producers by Per Blankens, Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Pragger. Bill DeRonde replaced Warwick as a director of the audition episodes, while Louis J. Horvitz replaced Gregg Gelfand as a director of the show.

qas: question: Which contestant was saved by the judges after getting the least votes on season 13 of American Idol?
answers: text: Sam Woolf

question: At what point in season 13 did American Idol air its 500th show?
answers: text: Top 3 performance night

question: Contestants could perform what in the final rounds for the first time ever?
answers: text: songs they wrote themselves

question: Who received the Judges' Save this season?
answers: text: Sam Woolf

question: When did the judges use their save on Woolf?
answers: text: Top 8

question: What episode was the 500th of the entire series?
answers: text: Top 3 performance night
context: This was the first season where the contestants were permitted to perform in the final rounds songs they wrote themselves. In the Top 8, Sam Woolf received the fewest votes, but he was saved from elimination by the judges. The 500th episode of the series was the Top 3 performance night.

qas: question: Who won season 13 of American Idol?
answers: text: Caleb Johnson

question: Who came in second on season 13 of American Idol?
answers: text: Jena Irene

question: What song did Caleb Johnson first release after winning American Idol? 
answers: text: As Long as You Love Me

question: What song did Jena Irene release after coming in second on American Idol? 
answers: text: We Are One

question: Who was the runner up this season?
answers: text: Jena Irene

question: What was Johnson's coronation song?
answers: text: As Long as You Love Me

question: What was Irene's coronation song?
answers: text: We Are One
context: Caleb Johnson was named the winner of the season, with Jena Irene as the runner-up. Johnson released "As Long as You Love Me" as his coronation single while Irene released "We Are One".

qas: question: What year did American Idol first air its fourteenth season?
answers: text: 2015

question: Who was the host of American Idol in its fourteenth season? 
answers: text: Ryan Seacrest

question: Which former contestant replaced Keith Urban for auditions in New York City?
answers: text: Adam Lambert

question: What was Keith Urbans position on American Idol in its fourteenth season? 
answers: text: judges

question: Who did not come back as a mentor in season 14?
answers: text: Randy Jackson

question: When did season 14 premiere?
answers: text: January 7, 2015

question: Who took Urban's spot at the New York auditions?
answers: text: Adam Lambert
context: The fourteenth season premiered on January 7, 2015. Ryan Seacrest returned to host, while Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. returned for their respective fourth, third and second seasons as judges. Eighth season runner-up Adam Lambert filled in for Urban during the New York City auditions. Randy Jackson did not return as the in-house mentor for this season.

qas: question: How many episodes did American Idol have each week of the top ten?
answers: text: one

question: What drink company ended their relationship with American Idol in season 14?
answers: text: Coca Cola

question: What car company had a relationship with American Idol in season 14?
answers: text: Ford Motor Company

question: What record label had a contract with the winner of American Idols fourteenth season?
answers: text: Big Machine Records

question: Starting this season, how many episodes of Idol aired every week?
answers: text: one

question: Who ended their sponsorship this season?
answers: text: Coca Cola

question: What other company reduced their sponsorship this season?
answers: text: Ford Motor Company

question: This season, the winner won a recording contract with what company?
answers: text: Big Machine Records
context: Changes this season include only airing one episode a week during the final ten. Coca Cola ended their longtime sponsorship of the show and Ford Motor Company maintained a reduced role. The winner of the season also received a recording contract with Big Machine Records.

qas: question: Who won American Idols fourteenth season?
answers: text: Nick Fradiani

question: Who came in second on American Idol in season 14?
answers: text: Clark Beckham

question: Who came in third on American Idol in season 14?
answers: text: Jax

question: What was the name of Nick Fradianis victory song?
answers: text: Beautiful Life

question: What song did Jax release after coming in third on American Idol?
answers: text: Forcefield

question: Who won this season of Idol?
answers: text: Nick Fradiani

question: Who was the runner up of Idol?
answers: text: Clark Beckham

question: What was Nick's coronation song?
answers: text: Beautiful Life

question: What was Beckham's first release?
answers: text: Champion

question: Which contestant came in third place?
answers: text: Jax
context: Nick Fradiani won the season, defeating Clark Beckham. By winning, Fradiani became the first winner from the Northeast region. Fradiani released "Beautiful Life" as his coronation single while Beckham released "Champion". Jax, the third place finalist, also released a single called "Forcefield".

qas: question: What year did Fox announce the cancellation of American Idol?
answers: text: 2015

question: How many seasons of American Idol have there been?
answers: text: 15

question: How many seasons was Jennifer Lopez a judge on American Idol? 
answers: text: 5

question: What was Keith Urbans role on American Idols fifteenth season?
answers: text: judges

question: Who hosted American Idol in its last season?
answers: text: Ryan Seacrest

question: When did Fox announce that Season 15 would be the final season?
answers: text: May 11, 2015

question: Who is returning as host?
answers: text: Ryan Seacrest
context: Fox announced on May 11, 2015 that the fifteenth season would be the final season of American Idol; as such, the season is expected to have an additional focus on the program's alumni. Ryan Seacrest returns as host, with Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban, and Jennifer Lopez all returning for their respective third, fourth, and fifth seasons as judges.

qas: question: As of 2012, how many finalists did American Idol have? 
answers: text: 131

question: When did American Idol begin? 
answers: text: 2002

question: What region of the United States were American Idols first five winners from? 
answers: text: Southern

question: What state is American Idol contestant Clay Aiken from?
answers: text: North Carolina

question: What state is American Idol contestant Chris Daughtry from? 
answers: text: North Carolina

question: How many Idol winners have come from the southern part of America?
answers: text: ten

question: In addition to Clay Aiken and Kellie Pickler, which other Idol is from North Carolina?
answers: text: Chris Daughtry
context: Since the show's inception in 2002, ten of the fourteen Idol winners, including its first five, have come from the Southern United States. A large number of other notable finalists during the series' run have also hailed from the American South, including Clay Aiken, Kellie Pickler, and Chris Daughtry, who are all from North Carolina. In 2012, an analysis of the 131 contestants who have appeared in the finals of all seasons of the show up to that point found that 48% have some connection to the Southern United States.

qas: question: How many CDs from American Idol contestants had been sold at the beginning of 2010? 
answers: text: 47 million

question: In the same study, how much more likely was someone from Kentucky to tune into the show?
answers: text: 16 percent

question: How many CDS were sold by Idol contestants up to 2010?
answers: text: 47 million

question: Of the CDs sold, how many were by the contestants with southern ties?
answers: text: 85 percent
context: The show itself is popular in the Southern United States, with households in the Southeastern United States 10% more likely to watch American Idol during the eighth season in 2009, and those in the East Central region, such as Kentucky, were 16 percent more likely to tune into the series. Data from Nielsen SoundScan, a music-sales tracking service, showed that of the 47 million CDs sold by Idol contestants through January 2010, 85 percent were by contestants with ties to the American South.

qas: question: Who won season five of American Idol? 
answers: text: Taylor Hicks

question: What state is Taylor Hicks from? 
answers: text: Alabama

question: Where do people in the Southern United States often begin singing? 
answers: text: church

question: Where do a lot of people get their start in singing in the south?
answers: text: church

question: Where is Taylor Hicks from?
answers: text: Alabama
context: Theories given for the success of Southerners on Idol have been: more versatility with musical genres, as the Southern U.S. is home to several music genre scenes; not having as many opportunities to break into the pop music business; text-voting due to the South having the highest percentage of cell-phone only households; and the strong heritage of music and singing, which is notable in the Bible Belt, where it is in church that many people get their start in public singing. Others also suggest that the Southern character of these contestants appeal to the South, as well as local pride. According to season five winner Taylor Hicks, who is from the state of Alabama, "People in the South have a lot of pride ... So, they're adamant about supporting the contestants who do well from their state or region."

qas: question: What does the acronym WGWG stand for? 
answers: text: White guy with guitar

question: Who won season eleven of American Idol? 
answers: text: Phillip Phillips

question: What is the name of the book written by Richard Rushfield about American Idol? 
answers: text: American Idol: The Untold Story

question: How many seasons in a row were won by caucasian guitar playing males? 
answers: text: five

question: What instrument did the winners for five seasons in a row play?
answers: text: guitar

question: What is the WGWG factor?
answers: text: White guy with guitar

question: Who wrote American Idol: The Untold Story?
answers: text: Richard Rushfield

question: Who was named the winner of Season 11?
answers: text: Phillip Phillips
context: For five consecutive seasons, starting in season seven, the title was given to a white male who plays the guitar – a trend that Idol pundits call the "White guy with guitar" or "WGWG" factor. Just hours before the season eleven finale, where Phillip Phillips was named the winner, Richard Rushfield, author of the book American Idol: The Untold Story, said, "You have this alliance between young girls and grandmas and they see it, not necessarily as a contest to create a pop star competing on the contemporary radio, but as .... who's the nicest guy in a popularity contest," he says, "And that has led to this dynasty of four, and possibly now five, consecutive, affable, very nice, good-looking white boys."

qas: question: What company are contestants required to sign a contract with on American Idol?
answers: text: 19 Entertainment
context: The show had been criticized in earlier seasons over the onerous contract contestants had to sign that gave excessive control to 19 Entertainment over their future career, and handed a large part of their future earnings to the management.

qas: question: Who won season two of American Idol? 
answers: text: Ruben Studdard

question: Who came in second on season two of American Idol? 
answers: text: Clay Aiken

question: What year did Vote for the Worst cease operations? 
answers: text: 2013

question: How many more text votes were there in season eight of American Idol over season seven? 
answers: text: 100 million

question: Which season had the biggest voting controversy?
answers: text: season two

question: Which season had a voting controversy because of a huge increase in text votes?
answers: text: season eight

question: Which voting concern has been present since the first season?
answers: text: power voting

question: When did Vote for the Girls start?
answers: text: 2010

question: When did Vote for the Worst close?
answers: text: 2013
context: Voting results have been a consistent source of controversy. The mechanism of voting had also aroused considerable criticisms, most notably in season two when Ruben Studdard beat Clay Aiken in a close vote, and in season eight, when the massive increase in text votes (100 million more text votes than season 7) fueled the texting controversy. Concerns about power voting have been expressed from the very first season. Since 2004, votes also have been affected to a limited degree by online communities such as DialIdol, Vote for the Worst (closed in 2013), and Vote for the Girls (started 2010).

qas: question: What is the name of the special that raises money for charities on American Idol?
answers: text: Idol Gives Back

question: How much money has American Idol raised for charity with its Idol Gives Back specials? 
answers: text: $185 million

question: What is the name of the charity that Idol has?
answers: text: Idol Gives Back

question: When was the first Idol Gives Back?
answers: text: season six
context: Idol Gives Back is a special charity event started in season six featuring performances by celebrities and various fund-raising initiatives. This event was also held in seasons seven and nine and has raised nearly $185 million in total.

qas: question: What year did American Idol being to air on television? 
answers: text: 2002

question: How many people watched the first episode of American Idol? 
answers: text: 9.9 million

question: How many people on average watched the American Idol finale in its first season? 
answers: text: 23 million

question: What season of the year did American Idol first air on television? 
answers: text: summer

question: When did American Idol premiere?
answers: text: June 2002

question: How many people watched the first episode of American Idol?
answers: text: 9.9 million

question: What was the average for viewership by finale night?
answers: text: 23 million
context: American Idol premiered in June 2002 and became the surprise summer hit show of 2002. The first show drew 9.9 million viewers, giving Fox the best viewing figure for the 8.30 pm spot in over a year. The audience steadily grew, and by finale night, the audience had averaged 23 million, with more than 40 million watching some part of that show. That episode was placed third amongst all age groups, but more importantly it led in the 18–49 demographic, the age group most valued by advertisers.

qas: question: How many people watched the first episode of American Idols second season? 
answers: text: 26.5 million

question: How many people on average tuned in to watch American Idol in its second season? 
answers: text: 21.7 million

question: What contestant won the second season of American Idol? 
answers: text: Ruben Studdard

question: During what season did American Idol become the highest rated show across all demographics? 
answers: text: season four

question: Which season of American Idol was watched by the most people? 
answers: text: season five

question: How many people watched the second season premiere of American Idol?
answers: text: 26.5 million

question: How many people watched on average for season two?
answers: text: 21.7 million

question: By what season was American Idol the most watched show on TV?
answers: text: four
context: The growth continued into the next season, starting with a season premiere of 26.5 million. The season attracted an average of 21.7 million viewers, and was placed second overall amongst the 18–49 age group. The finale night when Ruben Studdard won over Clay Aiken was also the highest-rated ever American Idol episode at 38.1 million for the final hour. By season three, the show had become the top show in the 18–49 demographic a position it has held for all subsequent years up to and including season ten, and its competition stages ranked first in the nationwide overall ratings. By season four, American Idol had become the most watched series amongst all viewers on American TV for the first time, with an average viewership of 26.8 million. The show reached its peak in season five with numbers averaging 30.6 million per episode, and season five remains the highest-rated season of the series.

qas: question: Which season premier of American Idol was the most watched?
answers: text: Season six

question: During which season to American Idols rating begin to fall?
answers: text: Season six

question: What did other television networks refer to American Idol as because of its ratings?
answers: text: the Death Star

question: Which television network originally aired The Cosby Show? 
answers: text: NBC

question: Which season premiere was the most watched of all seasons?
answers: text: Season six

question: What was the show called by other networks?
answers: text: the Death Star

question: Season six saw what for the first time in viewership?
answers: text: decline

question: Season six was the first season where what had more viewers?
answers: text: results show
context: Season six premiered with the series' highest-rated debut episode and a few of its succeeding episodes rank among the most watched episodes of American Idol. During this time, many television executives begun to regard the show as a programming force unlike any seen before, as its consistent dominance of up to two hours two or three nights a week exceeded the 30- or 60-minute reach of previous hits such as NBC's The Cosby Show. The show was dubbed "the Death Star", and competing networks often rearranged their schedules in order to minimize losses. However, season six also showed a steady decline in viewership over the course of the season. The season finale saw a drop in ratings of 16% from the previous year. Season six was the first season wherein the average results show rated higher than the competition stages (unlike in the previous seasons), and became the second highest-rated of the series after the preceding season.

qas: question: During which season of American Idol did Fox beat the other networks in ratings for the first time? 
answers: text: season seven

question: Why were television ratings down across the board during American Idols seventh season? 
answers: text: Writers Guild of America strike

question: On what season was Kristy Lee Cook a contestant on American Idol? 
answers: text: season seven

question: Who was eliminated during the lowest rated show since season one?
answers: text: Kristy Lee Cook

question: What was the series' third most watched finale?
answers: text: season seven

question: Because of the rebound in viewers, Fox became what for the first time?
answers: text: the most watched TV network

question: What happened in 2007-2008 that had a drop in viewers for all networks?
answers: text: Writers Guild of America strike
context: The loss of viewers continued into season seven. The premiere was down 11% among total viewers, and the results show in which Kristy Lee Cook was eliminated delivered its lowest-rated Wednesday show among the 18–34 demo since the first season in 2002. However, the ratings rebounded for the season seven finale with the excitement over the battle of the Davids, and improved over season six as the series' third most watched finale. The strong finish of season seven also helped Fox become the most watched TV network in the country for the first time since its inception, a first ever in American television history for a non-Big Three major broadcast network. Overall ratings for the season were down 10% from season six, which is in line with the fall in viewership across all networks due in part to the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike.

qas: question: Which television network aired the Winter Olympics in 2010? 
answers: text: NBC

question: Which television network originally aired All in the Family? 
answers: text: CBS

question: In what year did NBC beat American Idol in the ratings for the first time?
answers: text: 2010

question: What finally beat Idol in the ratings during season nine?
answers: text: 2010 Winter Olympics

question: How many people watched the 2010 Winter Olympics on February 17 as compared to the 18.4 million who tuned into Idol?
answers: text: 30.1 million

question: At the end of season nine, American Idol remained on top as the most watched show for how many years in a row?
answers: text: six
context: The declining trend however continued into season eight, as total viewers numbers fell by 5–10% for early episodes compared to season seven, and by 9% for the finale. In season nine, Idol's six-year extended streak of perfection in the ratings was broken, when NBC's coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics on February 17 beat Idol in the same time slot with 30.1 million viewers over Idol's 18.4 million. Nevertheless, American Idol overall finished its ninth season as the most watched TV series for the sixth year running, breaking the previous record of five consecutive seasons achieved by CBS' All in the Family and NBC's The Cosby Show.

qas: question: What was the average age of American Idols viewers in its first season? 
answers: text: 32.1

question: What was the average age of American Idols viewers in its tenth season? 
answers: text: 47.2

question: What is the median age of viewers this season?
answers: text: 47.2

question: What was the median age for viewers for season one?
answers: text: 32.1
context: In season ten, the total viewer numbers for the first week of shows fell 12–13%, and by up to 23% in the 18–49 demo compared to season nine. Later episodes, however, retained viewers better, and the season ended on a high with a significant increase in viewership for the finale – up 12% for the adults 18–49 demo and a 21% increase in total viewers from the season nine finale. While the overall viewer number has increased this season, its viewer demographics have continued to age year on year – the median age this season was 47.2 compared to a median age of 32.1 in its first season. By the time of the 2010–11 television season, Fox was in its seventh consecutive season of victory overall in the 18–49 demographic ratings in the United States.

qas: question: For how many years was American Idol the top rated show on television? 
answers: text: eight

question: What program saw more viewers than American Idol this season?
answers: text: Sunday Night Football

question: How long did Fox reign in the 18-49 demographics in the Nielsen ratings?
answers: text: eight years
context: Season eleven, however, suffered a steep drop in ratings, a drop attributed by some to the arrival of new shows such as The Voice and The X-Factor. The ratings for the first two episodes of season eleven fell 16–21% in overall viewer numbers and 24–27% in the 18/49 demo, while the season finale fell 27% in total viewer number and 30% in the 18-49 demo. The average viewership for the season fell below 20 million viewers the first time since 2003, a drop of 23% in total viewers and 30% in the 18/49 demo. For the first time in eight years, American Idol lost the leading position in both the total viewers number and the 18/49 demo, coming in second to NBC Sunday Night Football, although the strengths of Idol in its second year in the Wednesday-Thursday primetime slots helped Fox achieve the longest period of 18-49 demographic victory in the Nielsen ratings, standing at 8 straight years from 2004 to 2012.

qas: question: How many people on average watched season 12 of American Idol? 
answers: text: 13.3 million

question: During which season did American Idol fall out of the top ten shows in ratings? 
answers: text: 13

question: When did American Idol first air on television? 
answers: text: 2002

question: The season finale for season 12 had how many fewer viewers than season 11?
answers: text: 7.2 million

question: How many viewers watched on average this season?
answers: text: 13.3 million
context: The loss of viewers continued into season 12, which saw the show hitting a number of series low in the 18-49 demo. The finale had 7.2 million fewer viewers than the previous season, and saw a drop of 44% in the 18-49 demo. The season viewers averaged at 13.3 million, a drop of 24% from the previous season. The thirteenth season suffered a huge decline in the 18–49 demographic, a drop of 28% from the twelfth season, and American Idol lost its Top 10 position in the Nielsen ratings by the end of the 2013–14 television season for the first time since its entry to the rankings in 2003 as a result, although the entire series to date had not yet been dropped from the Nielsen Top 30 rankings since its inception in 2002.

qas: question: What drink company ended its relationship with American Idol during season 14?
answers: text: Coca-Cola

question: How many people watched American Idols finale in season 14?
answers: text: 8.03 million

question: After what season will American Idol be cancelled? 
answers: text: 15

question: When did Fox announce the following season would be Idol's last?
answers: text: May 11, 2015

question: How many people watched the season 14 finale?
answers: text: 8.03 million
context: The continuing decline influenced further changes for season 14, including the loss of Coca-Cola as the show's major sponsor, and a decision to only broadcast one, two-hour show per week during the top 12 rounds (with results from the previous week integrated into the performance show, rather than having a separate results show). On May 11, 2015, prior to the fourteenth season finale, Fox announced that the fifteenth season of American Idol would be its last. Despite these changes, the show's ratings would decline more sharply. The fourteenth season finale was the lowest-rated finale ever, with an average of only 8.03 million viewers watching the finale.

qas: question: For how many years was American Idol the highest rated reality show on television?
answers: text: 9
context: The enormous success of the show and the revenue it generated was transformative for Fox Broadcasting Company. American Idol and fellow competing shows Survivor and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire were altogether credited for expanding reality television programming in the United States in the 1990s and 2000s, and Idol became the most watched non-scripted primetime television series for almost a decade, from 2003 to 2012, breaking records on U.S. television (dominated by drama shows and sitcoms in the preceding decades).

qas: question: For how many years was Fox the highest rated network with young adults because of American Idol? 
answers: text: 8

question: What television network originally aired the show Glee?
answers: text: Fox

question: What television network originally aired the show House? 
answers: text: Fox

question: Who created American Idol? 
answers: text: Simon Fuller
context: The show pushed Fox to become the number one U.S. TV network amongst adults 18–49, the key demographic coveted by advertisers, for an unprecedented eight consecutive years by 2012. Its success also helped lift the ratings of other shows that were scheduled around it such as House and Bones, and Idol, for years, had become Fox's strongest platform primetime television program for promoting eventual hit shows of the 2010s (of the same network) such as Glee and New Girl. The show, its creator Simon Fuller claimed, "saved Fox".

qas: question: What dancing show featuring celebrities has been helped by American Idol?
answers: text: Dancing with the Stars

question: What is another singing show similar to American Idol? 
answers: text: The Voice
context: The show's massive success in the mid-2000s and early 2010s spawned a number of imitating singing-competition shows, such as Rock Star, Nashville Star, The Voice, Rising Star, The Sing-Off, and The X Factor. Its format also served as a blueprint for non-singing TV shows such as Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, most of which contribute to the current highly competitive reality TV landscape on American television.

qas: question: What show helped launched the career of Kelly Clarkson? 
answers: text: American Idol

question: What show helped launched the career of Carrie Underwood? 
answers: text: American Idol

question: What show helped launched the career of Daughtry? 
answers: text: American Idol
context: As one of the most successful shows on U.S. television history, American Idol has a strong impact not just on television, but also in the wider world of entertainment. It helped create a number of highly successful recording artists, such as Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry and Carrie Underwood, as well as others of varying notability.

qas: question: How many number one Billboard singles were released by American Idol contestants in the shows first decade? 
answers: text: 345

question: Who is the president of Mediabase? 
answers: text: Rich Meyer

question: Who was the most successful American Idol winner on radio as of 2010? 
answers: text: Kelly Clarkson

question: How many number ones have Idol singers achieved on Billboard charts in just the first ten years?
answers: text: 345

question: Who authored books on Billboard charts?
answers: text: Fred Bronson

question: How many contestants had at least one million radio spins by 2010?
answers: text: four

question: How many radio spins did Kelly Clarkson have by 2010?
answers: text: over four million
context: Various American Idol alumni had success on various record charts around the world; in the U.S. they had achieved 345 number ones on the Billboard charts in its first ten years. According to Fred Bronson, author of books on the Billboard charts, no other entity has ever created as many hit-making artists and best-selling albums and singles. In 2007, American Idol alums accounted for 2.1% of all music sales. Its alumni have a massive impact on radio; in 2007, American Idol had become "a dominant force in radio" according to the president of the research company Mediabase which monitors radio stations Rich Meyer. By 2010, four winners each had more than a million radio spins, with Kelly Clarkson leading the field with over four million spins.

qas: question: How many albums have been sold by American Idol contestants up until 2013?
answers: text: 59 million

question: How many single have been sold by American Idol contestants up until 2013? 
answers: text: 120 million

question: How many albums have Idol contestants created as of 2013?
answers: text: 59 million

question: How many singles and digital downloads have Idol contestants created as of 2013?
answers: text: 120 million
context: As of 2013, the American Idol alumni in their post-Idol careers have amassed over 59 million albums and 120 million singles and digital track downloads in the United States alone.

qas: question: Which American Idol contestant won an Oscar for Dreamgirls? 
answers: text: Jennifer Hudson

question: What job does Debra Byrd do on American Idol? 
answers: text: vocal coach

question: In what area of the entertainment industry have some Idol contestants found success?
answers: text: musical theatre

question: Which Idol won an Academy Award?
answers: text: Jennifer Hudson

question: What film did Jennifer Hudson win an Academy Award for?
answers: text: Dreamgirls

question: Who recommended the role for Hudon?
answers: text: Debra Byrd
context: The impact of American Idol is also strongly felt in musical theatre, where many of Idol alumni have forged successful careers. The striking effect of former American Idol contestants on Broadway has been noted and commented on. The casting of a popular Idol contestant can lead to significantly increased ticket sales. Other alumni have gone on to work in television and films, the most notable being Jennifer Hudson who, on the recommendation of the Idol vocal coach Debra Byrd, won a role in Dreamgirls and subsequently received an Academy Award for her performance.

qas: question: What publication does Ken Tucker work for? 
answers: text: Entertainment Weekly

question: What did American Idols first winner sing at the Lincoln Memorial in 2002? 
answers: text: the national anthem

question: Which journalist felt Idol produced entertaining TV more than entertaining music?
answers: text: Ken Tucker

question: Which publication did Tucker work for?
answers: text: Entertainment Weekly

question: Who called American Idol a conniving multimedia monster?
answers: text: Karla Peterson

question: Where did the season one winner sing the national anthem that received huge criticism?
answers: text: Lincoln Memorial
context: Early reviews were mixed in their assessment. Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly considered that "As TV, American Idol is crazily entertaining; as music, it's dust-mote inconsequential". Others, however, thought that "the most striking aspect of the series was the genuine talent it revealed". It was also described as a "sadistic musical bake-off", and "a romp in humiliation". Other aspects of the show have attracted criticisms. The product placement in the show in particular was noted, and some critics were harsh about what they perceived as its blatant commercial calculations – Karla Peterson of The San Diego Union-Tribune charged that American Idol is "a conniving multimedia monster" that has "absorbed the sin of our debauched culture and spit them out in a lump of reconstituted evil". The decision to send the season one winner to sing the national anthem at the Lincoln Memorial on the first anniversary of the September 11 attacks in 2002 was also poorly received by many. Lisa de Moraes of The Washington Post noted sarcastically that "The terrorists have won" and, with a sideswipe at the show's commercialism and voting process, that the decision as to who "gets to turn this important site into just another cog in the 'Great American Idol Marketing Mandala' is in the hands of the millions of girls who have made American Idol a hit. Them and a handful of phone-redialer geeks who have been clocking up to 10,000 calls each week for their contestant of choice (but who, according to Fox, are in absolutely no way skewing the outcome)."

qas: question: What publication does Michael Slezak write for?
answers: text: Entertainment Weekly

question: Who was accused of being mean and cruel on American Idol? 
answers: text: Simon Cowell

question: What singer had bad things to say about contestants on American Idol? 
answers: text: John Mayer

question: What magazine does Ramin Wetoodeh write for? 
answers: text: Newsweek

question: Sheryl Crow felt the show undermined art and promoted what?
answers: text: commercialism

question: Who said that American Idol has reshaped the American songbook?
answers: text: Ann Powers

question: Who was accused of helping meanness thrive?
answers: text: Simon Cowell

question: Which singer said the contestants are not real artists with self respect?
answers: text: John Mayer
context: Some of the later writers about the show were more positive, Michael Slezak, again of Entertainment Weekly, thought that "for all its bloated, synthetic, product-shilling, money-making trappings, Idol provides a once-a-year chance for the average American to combat the evils of today's music business." Singer Sheryl Crow, who was later to act as a mentor on the show, however took the view that the show "undermines art in every way and promotes commercialism". Pop music critic Ann Powers nevertheless suggested that Idol has "reshaped the American songbook", "led us toward a new way of viewing ourselves in relationship to mainstream popular culture", and connects "the classic Hollywood dream to the multicentered popular culture of the future." Others focused on the personalities in the show; Ramin Setoodeh of Newsweek accused judge Simon Cowell's cruel critiques in the show of helping to establish in the wider world a culture of meanness, that "Simon Cowell has dragged the rest of us in the mud with him." Some such as singer John Mayer disparaged the contestants, suggesting that those who appeared on Idol are not real artists with self-respect.

qas: question: What famous singer declined an offer to be a judge on American Idol after having been a mentor? 
answers: text: Elton John

question: What year did Carrie Underwood win a Country Music Award for Best Female Artist? 
answers: text: 2006

question: What singer criticized Carrie Underwood for winning a Country Music Award? 
answers: text: LeAnn Rimes

question: Who felt that American Idol helped the true art form of music get lost?
answers: text: Usher

question: Who won the Best Female Artist in Country Music Awards in 2006?
answers: text: Carrie Underwood

question: Who did Carrie beat out for the award?
answers: text: Faith Hill

question: Who said that Carrie had not paid her dues to win that award?
answers: text: LeAnn Rimes

question: Who was a mentor but later turned down the opportunity to judge Idol?
answers: text: Elton John
context: Some in the entertainment industry were critical of the star-making aspect of the show. Usher, a mentor on the show, bemoaning the loss of the "true art form of music", thought that shows like American Idol made it seem "so easy that everyone can do it, and that it can happen overnight", and that "television is a lie". Musician Michael Feinstein, while acknowledging that the show had uncovered promising performers, said that American Idol "isn't really about music. It's about all the bad aspects of the music business – the arrogance of commerce, this sense of 'I know what will make this person a star; artists themselves don't know.' " That American Idol is seen to be a fast track to success for its contestants has been a cause of resentment for some in the industry. LeAnn Rimes, commenting on Carrie Underwood winning Best Female Artist in Country Music Awards over Faith Hill in 2006, said that "Carrie has not paid her dues long enough to fully deserve that award". It is a common theme that has been echoed by many others. Elton John, who had appeared as a mentor in the show but turned down an offer to be a judge on American Idol, commenting on talent shows in general, said that "there have been some good acts but the only way to sustain a career is to pay your dues in small clubs".

qas: question: Which music genre has had the most success from American Idol? 
answers: text: country

question: Which genre has felt the impact of Idol the most?
answers: text: country music
context: The success of the show's alumni however has led to a more positive assessment of the show, and the show was described as having "proven it has a valid way to pick talent and a proven way to sell records". While the industry is divided on the show success, its impact is felt particularly strongly in the country music format. According to a CMT exec, reflecting on the success of Idol alumni in the country genre, "if you want to try and get famous fast by going to a cattle call audition on TV, Idol reasonably remains the first choice for anyone," and that country music and Idol "go together well".

qas: question: How many nominations has American Idol received for Outstanding Reality Competition Program?  
answers: text: 9

question: What director win an Emmy Award for his work on American Idol? 
answers: text: Bruce Gower

question: How many total Emmy Awards has American Idol won? 
answers: text: 8

question: What American Idol special received a Governors Award in 2007?
answers: text: Idol Gives Back

question: How many times was American Idol nominated for an Emmy?
answers: text: nine

question: What award did American Idol win for its Idol Gives Back charity work?
answers: text: Governor's Award in 2007
context: American Idol was nominated for the Emmy's Outstanding Reality Competition Program for nine years but never won. Director Bruce Gower won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series in 2009, and the show won a Creative Arts Emmys each in 2007 and 2008, three in 2009, and two in 2011, as well as a Governor's Award in 2007 for its Idol Gives Back edition. It won the People's Choice Award, which honors the popular culture of the previous year as voted by the public, for favorite competition/reality show in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2012. It won the first Critics' Choice Television Award in 2011 for Best Reality Competition.

qas: question: How much money did American Idol make in 2004?
answers: text: $900 million

question: How much money did American Idol generate from its first eight seasons? 
answers: text: $6.4 billion

question: What is the name of the American Idol theme attraction with Disney? 
answers: text: The American Idol Experience

question: How much money did American Idol generate from ads in its seventh season?
answers: text: $900 million

question: Who did Idol partner with to create The American Idol Experience?
answers: text: Disney
context: The dominance of American Idol in the ratings had made it the most profitable show in U.S. TV for many years. The show was estimated to generate $900 million for the year 2004 through sales of TV ads, albums, merchandise and concert tickets. By season seven, the show was estimated to earn around $900 million from its ad revenue alone, not including ancillary sponsorship deals and other income. One estimate puts the total TV revenue for the first eight seasons of American at $6.4 billion. Sponsors that bought fully integrated packages can expect a variety of promotions of their products on the show, such as product placement, adverts and product promotion integrated into the show, and various promotional opportunities. Other off-air promotional partners pay for the rights to feature "Idol" branding on their packaging, products and marketing programs. American Idol also partnered with Disney in its theme park attraction The American Idol Experience.

qas: question: In which season did American Idol become the costliest show for advertising on television? 
answers: text: season four

question: How much did advertisers spend for a 30 second ad spot on the American Idol season four finale?
answers: text: $1.3 million

question: How much did advertisers spend for a 30 second ad spot during American Idol in 2014? 
answers: text: less than $300,000

question: How much did advertisers spend for a 30 second ad spot during American Idol in its seventh season? 
answers: text: $737,000

question: By what season was Idol the  highest advertising cost of all shows?
answers: text: four

question: How much did Idol earn in ad revenue alone for season 8?
answers: text: 800 million
context: American Idol became the most expensive series on broadcast networks for advertisers starting season four, and by the next season, it had broken the record in advertising rate for a regularly scheduled prime-time network series, selling over $700,000 for a 30-seconds slot, and reaching up to $1.3 million for the finale. Its ad prices reached a peak in season seven at $737,000. Estimated revenue more than doubled from $404 million in season three to $870 million in season six. While that declined from season eight onwards, it still earned significantly more than its nearest competitor, with advertising revenue topping $800 million annually the next few seasons. However, the sharp drop in ratings in season eleven also resulted in a sharp drop in advertising rate for season twelve, and the show lost its leading position as the costliest show for advertisers. By 2014, ad revenue from had fallen to $427 million where a 30-second spot went for less than $300,000.

qas: question: In which season did Coca-Cola become a sponsor of American Idol? 
answers: text: season one

question: In which season did Ford Motor Company become a sponsor of American Idol? 
answers: text: season one

question: Which mobile carrier became a sponsor of American Idol in its second season? 
answers: text: AT&T Wireless

question: When did Coca-Cola stop being a sponsor of American Idol? 
answers: text: after season 13

question: In which season did iTunes begin a partnership with American Idol? 
answers: text: seven

question: How much did it cost each company for the first season?
answers: text: 10 million

question: How much did it cost each company in season 7?
answers: text: 35 million

question: Who was the third largest sponsor?
answers: text: AT&T
context: Ford Motor Company and Coca-Cola were two of the first sponsors of American Idol in its first season. The sponsorship deal cost around $10 million in season one, rising to $35 million by season 7, and between $50 to $60 million in season 10. The third major sponsor AT&T Wireless joined in the second season but ended after season 12, and Coca-Cola officially ended its sponsorship after season 13 amidst the declining ratings of Idol in the mid-2010s. iTunes sponsored the show since season seven.

qas: question: What service did AT&T promote on American Idol as a way of voting? 
answers: text: text-messaging

question: How many product placements had Idol shown by season six?
answers: text: 4,349
context: American Idol prominent display of its sponsors' logo and products had been noted since the early seasons. By season six, Idol showed 4,349 product placements according to Nielsen Media Research. The branded entertainment integration proved beneficial to its advertisers – promotion of AT&T text-messaging as a means to vote successfully introduced the technology into the wider culture, and Coca-Cola has seen its equity increased during the show.

qas: question: Which major drink manufacturer decided at the beginning of American Idol not to be a sponsor? 
answers: text: PepsiCo

question: What show did PepsiCo begin sponsoring in hopes of not missing another opportunity like American Idol? 
answers: text: The X Factor

question: Which soda company did not want to sponsor American Idol?
answers: text: PepsiCo

question: In hopes of not repeating another mistake, which show did PepsiCo sponsor?
answers: text: The X Factor

question: PepsiCo fell to what place by 2010, which is in part credited with refusing to sponsor American Idol?
answers: text: third
context: Coca-Cola's archrival PepsiCo declined to sponsor American Idol at the show's start. What the Los Angeles Times later called "missing one of the biggest marketing opportunities in a generation" contributed to Pepsi losing market share, by 2010 falling to third place from second in the United States. PepsiCo sponsored the American version of Cowell's The X Factor in hopes of not repeating its Idol mistake until its cancellation.

qas: question: Which season of American Idol had the highest profit on its tour?
answers: text: season five

question: What company was a sponsor of the American Idol tour in its ninth season? 
answers: text: M&M's Pretzel Chocolate Candies

question: Who was added to the tour in season 12?
answers: text: a semi-finalist who won a sing-off

question: Who sponsored the first seven tours?
answers: text: Kellogg's Pop-Tarts

question: Who sponsored the ninth tour?
answers: text: M&M's Pretzel Chocolate Candies

question: Which was the most successful tour?
answers: text: season five
context: The top ten (eleven in season ten) toured at the end of every season. In the season twelve tour a semi-finalist who won a sing-off was also added to the tour. Kellogg's Pop-Tarts was the sponsor for the first seven seasons, and Guitar Hero was added for the season seven tour. M&M's Pretzel Chocolate Candies was a sponsor of the season nine tour. The season five tour was the most successful tour with gross of over $35 million.

qas: question: When did iTunes become a sponsor on American Idol? 
answers: text: season seven

question: For how many seasons did American Idol put out a compilation of hits at seasons end? 
answers: text: five

question: What company has released studio recordings from American Idol since season seven?
answers: text: iTunes

question: Idol releases both the performances as well as what for sale?
answers: text: the winner's coronation single

question: How were the recordings released for the initial five seasons?
answers: text: as a compilation album

question: Because all five were in the top ten of Billboard's charts, this made Idol what?
answers: text: the most successful soundtrack franchise

question: Who joined Idol as a sponsor in season seven?
answers: text: iTunes
context: American Idol has traditionally released studio recordings of contestants' performances as well as the winner's coronation single for sale. For the first five seasons, the recordings were released as a compilation album at the end of the season. All five of these albums reached the top ten in Billboard 200 which made then American Idol the most successful soundtrack franchise of any motion picture or television program. Starting late in season five, individual performances were released during the season as digital downloads, initially from the American Idol official website only. In season seven the live performances and studio recordings were made available during the season from iTunes when it joined as a sponsor. In Season ten the weekly studio recordings were also released as compilation digital album straight after performance night.

qas: question: What company has the right to all recordings from contestants on American Idol?
answers: text: 19 Recordings

question: What company took over as American Idols music label in 2010?
answers: text: UMG

question: What company had released music from American Idol in addition to Sony Music Entertainment? 
answers: text: BMG

question: Who owns 19 Recordings?
answers: text: 19 Entertainment

question: Who owns the rights to all phonographic material done by the contestants?
answers: text: 19 Recordings

question: Who did 19 initially partner with to distribute the recordings?
answers: text: BMG

question: Who did BMG partner with in 2005-2007?
answers: text: Sony Music Entertainment

question: Who replaced Sony in 2010 as Idol's music label?
answers: text: UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M Records
context: 19 Recordings, a recording label owned by 19 Entertainment, currently hold the rights to phonographic material recorded by all the contestants. 19 originally partnered with Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG) to promote and distribute the recordings through its labels RCA Records, Arista Records, J Records, Jive Records. In 2005-2007, BMG partnered with Sony Music Entertainment to form a joint venture known as Sony BMG Music Entertainment. From 2008-2010, Sony Music handled the distribution following their acquisition of BMG. Sony Music was partnered with American Idol and distribute its music, and In 2010, Sony was replaced by as the music label for American Idol by UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M Records.

qas: question: What company has a them park attraction known as The American Idol Experience? 
answers: text: The Walt Disney Company

question: In what year did The Walt Disney Company open The American Idol Experience? 
answers: text: 2009

question: In what year did The Walt Disney Company close The American Idol Experience? 
answers: text: 2014

question: What company had a partnership with The Walt Disney Company for The American Idol Experience? 
answers: text: 19 Entertainment

question: When did the American Idol Experience open?
answers: text: February 14, 2009

question: Where did it open?
answers: text: Walt Disney World

question: What did the winner win?
answers: text: Dream Ticket

question: When did the Experience close?
answers: text: August 30, 2014
context: On February 14, 2009, The Walt Disney Company debuted "The American Idol Experience" at its Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. In this live production, co-produced by 19 Entertainment, park guests chose from a list of songs and auditioned privately for Disney cast members. Those selected then performed on a stage in a 1000-seat theater replicating the Idol set. Three judges, whose mannerisms and style mimicked those of the real Idol judges, critiqued the performances. Audience members then voted for their favorite performer. There were several preliminary-round shows during the day that culminated in a "finals" show in the evening where one of the winners of the previous rounds that day was selected as the overall winner. The winner of the finals show received a "Dream Ticket" that granted them front-of-the-line privileges at any future American Idol audition. The attraction closed on August 30, 2014.

qas: question: How many different countries air American Idol on television? 
answers: text: over 100

question: What network broadcasted American Idol live in Canada for thirteen seasons? 
answers: text: CTV

question: In what year did CTV stop showing live broadcasts of American Idol? 
answers: text: 2014

question: What Canadian network began airing American Idol in 2015? 
answers: text: Yes TV

question: How many nations receive the Idol broadcast?
answers: text: over 100

question: Who aired the first thirteen seasons in Canada?
answers: text: CTV and/or CTV Two

question: Who stated in August 2014 that they picked up the rights beginning in its 2015 season?
answers: text: Yes TV
context: American Idol is broadcast to over 100 nations outside of the United States. In most nations these are not live broadcasts and may be tape delayed by several days or weeks. In Canada, the first thirteen seasons of American Idol were aired live by CTV and/or CTV Two, in simulcast with Fox. CTV dropped Idol after its thirteenth season and in August 2014, Yes TV announced that it had picked up Canadian rights to American Idol beginning in its 2015 season.

qas: question: What network in Italy aired American Idol in season twelve? 
answers: text: La3

question: How many days does someone in the United Kingdom have to wait to watch American Idol after its original broadcast? 
answers: text: one

question: What television network in Asia shows American Idol? 
answers: text: STAR World

question: On what days of the week does American Idol air in the Philippines? 
answers: text: Thursday and Friday

question: Who broadcasts Idol in southeast Asia?
answers: text: STAR World

question: Who broadcast the 12th season in Italy?
answers: text: La3
context: In Latin America, the show is broadcast and subtitled by Sony Entertainment Television. In southeast Asia, it is broadcast by STAR World every Thursday and Friday nine or ten hours after. In Philippines, it is aired every Thursday and Friday nine or ten hours after its United States telecast; from 2002 to 2007 on ABC 5; 2008–11 on QTV, then GMA News TV; and since 2012 on ETC. On Philippine television history. In Australia, it is aired a few hours after the U.S. telecast. It was aired on Network Ten from 2002 to 2007 and then again in 2013, from 2008 to 2012 on Fox8, from season 13 onwards it airs on digital channel, Eleven, a sister channel to Network Ten. In the United Kingdom, episodes are aired one day after the U.S. broadcast on digital channel ITV2. As of season 12, the episodes air on 5*. It is also aired in Ireland on TV3 two days after the telecast. In Brazil and Israel, the show airs two days after its original broadcast. In the instances where the airing is delayed, the shows may sometimes be combined into one episode to summarize the results. In Italy, the twelfth season was broadcast by La3.

qas: question: Producers have been accused of planting what within the show?
answers: text: ringers
context: Individual contestants have generated controversy in this competition for their past actions, or for being 'ringers' planted by the producers. A number of contestants had been disqualified for various reasons, such as for having an existing contract or undisclosed criminal records, although the show had been accused of double standard for disqualifying some but not others.

qas: question: How many consecutive years was American Idol the top rated show?
answers: text: seven

question: How many consecutive years did either the performance or results show rank number one?
answers: text: eight
context: Seasonal rankings (based on average total viewers per episode) of American Idol. It holds the distinction of having the longest winning streak in the Nielsen annual television ratings; it became the highest-rated of all television programs in the United States overall for an unprecedented seven consecutive years, or eight consecutive (and total) years when either its performance or result show was ranked number one overall.