Answer: a rival TV executive

Question: Who called American Idol "the most impactful show in the history of television"?


Answer: Carrie Underwood

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."

Question: Who was a pop idol that started on American Idol?


Answer: Fantasia

Question: Who was a pop idol that started on American Idol?


Answer: Carrie Underwood

Question: Who was a pop idol that started on American Idol?


Answer: Fantasia

Question: Who was a pop idol that started on American Idol?


Answer: 345

Question: How many Billboard chart toppers did American Idol contestants have within the first ten seasons?


Answer: a rival TV executive

Question: Who said that American Idol is "the most impactful show in the history of televsion?


Answer: 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.

Question: What year did FOX announce that American Idol was cancelled?


Answer: 2015

Question: What year did FOX announce the cancellation of American Idol?


Answer: 15

Question: For how many seasons did American Idol air?


Answer: eight

Question: How many consecutive years did American Idol been ranked number one in ratings?


Answer: May 11, 2015

Question: When did Fox announce that American Idol is ending?


Answer: Popstars

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.

Question: What show in New Zealand was the inspiration for the British Series Pop Idol?


Answer: Simon Fuller

Question: Who was the creator of British Series Pop Idol?


Answer: 2001

Question: What year did Pop Idol make its television debut?


Answer: Simon Cowell

Question: Who was a judge on the British series Pop Idol in 2001?


Answer: Nigel Lythgoe

Question: Wha was the executive producer of Pop Idol in 2001?


Answer: Popstars

Question: What show was Pop Idols based on?


Answer: Nigel Lythgoe

Question: Who saw Popstars while in Australia and wanted Britain to have the same thing?


Answer: telephone voting

Question: In addition to back stories and drama, what did Fuller add to the show?


Answer: 2001

Question: When did Pop Idol premiere in Britain?


Answer: Lythgoe

Question: Who was the executive producer of Pop Idol?


Answer: seven

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.

Question: For how many seasons was American Idol the most watched show in the US?


Answer: 2002

Question: What year did American Idol first air on FOX?


Answer: 2001

Question: What year did producers attempt to sell the Pop Idol format in the United States?


Answer: his daughter Elisabeth

Question: Who talked Rupert Murdoch into buying American Idol for FOX?


Answer: Rupert Murdoch

Question: Who is the head of Fox's parent company?


Answer: American Idol: The Search for a Superstar

Question: What was Pop Idol renamed to for its American debut?


Answer: 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.

Question: For how many seasons were the three original judges on American Idol?


Answer: four

Question: How many judges were originally planned for American Idol?


Answer: Angie Martinez

Question: What New York radio personalty was hired as a judge for American Idol in season two but declined?


Answer: Stryker

Question: What radio DJ was originally hired as a judge in season one but declined?


Answer: four

Question: How many judges were originally intended for the show?


Answer: DJ Stryker

Question: Which judge quit before the premiere, citing image concerns?


Answer: Angie Martinez

Question: During Season two, which judge quit after a few days?


Answer: season eight

Question: When did American Idol change to a four-judge panel?


Answer: Kara DioGuardi

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.

Question: Who was added as a fourth judge in the eighth season of American Idol?


Answer: Ellen DeGeneres

Question: Who replaced Paula Abdul as a judge in season nine of American Idol?


Answer: two

Question: For how many seasons was Steven Tyler a judge on American Idol?


Answer: 2010

Question: What year did Simon Cowell announce that he was leaving American Idol?


Answer: The X Factor

Question: What show did Simon Cowell launch in 2011 after leaving American Idol?


Answer: Kara DioGuardi

Question: Who was added as a fourth judge for the eighth season?


Answer: before season nine

Question: When did Paula Abdul quit as a judge?


Answer: January 11, 2010

Question: When did Simon Cowell announce he was no longer going to be a judge?


Answer: Ellen DeGeneres

Question: Which talk show host replaced Paula Abdul?


Answer: season ten

Question: When did Steven Tyler become a judge?


Answer: season two

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.

Question: In what season was Lionel Richie a guest judge on American Idol?


Answer: Adam Lambert

Question: Which season eight contestant was a guest judge in season fourteen?


Answer: season three

Question: In what season was Donna Summer a guest judge on American Idol?


Answer: season six

Question: In which season was Shania Twain a guest judge on American Idol?


Answer: season nine

Question: Which season of American Idol featured Katy Perry as a guest judge?


Answer: Lionel Richie and Robin Gibb

Question: Who were the guest judges in season two?


Answer: season eight

Question: When was Shania Twain a guest judge for auditions?


Answer: season three

Question: When did Donna Summer help the contestants during the final rounds?


Answer: Ryan Seacrest

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.

Question: Who was the only host of American Idol after season one?


Answer: Brian Dunkleman

Question: Which host quit after the first season?


Answer: Randy Jackson

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..

Question: Who was a mentor to the contestants on American Idol in its thirteenth season?


Answer: Scott Borchetta

Question: Who mentored contestants in the fourteenth and fifteenth seasons of American Idol?


Answer: song choice and performance

Question: What two things did the mentors help the contestants with?


Answer: Jimmy Iovine

Question: Who was the mentor for seasons 10 - 12?


Answer: Randy Jackson

Question: Who was the mentor for season 13?


Answer: Scott Borchetta

Question: Who was the mentor for seasons 14 and 15?


Answer: twenty-eight

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).

Question: What is the upper age limit for contestants on American Idol?


Answer: season four

Question: When was the age limit increased to 28?


Answer: semi-final stage

Question: Currently, contestants can not have a recording track by what stage of the competition?


Answer: at least three

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].

Question: How many auditions are there before contestants audition for the judges?


Answer: the judges

Question: Which audition stage is televised?


Answer: a few hundred

Question: How many contestants make it through the initial auditions in each city?


Answer: in front of the judges

Question: What is the only televised portion of the preliminary audition rounds?


Answer: three

Question: How many rounds can a contestant make it through before Hollywood?


Answer: producers

Question: Who do contestants sing for in the second round of cuts during auditions?


Answer: Hollywood

Question: If contestants get approval from the judges, where do they go next?


Answer: seven

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.

Question: Which season did not have a group round in Hollywood?


Answer: two and three

Question: In which seasons were contestants required to write original lyrics?


Answer: usually three

Question: How many Hollywood rounds were there in the first nine seasons?


Answer: twelve

Question: In which season were contestants separated by gender to form groups?


Answer: three

Question: How many rounds of cuts were in the Hollywood stage until season ten?


Answer: groups

Question: What was eliminated from the Hollywood round in Season seven?


Answer: seasons two and three

Question: Which seasons did contestants have to write an original lyric or melody?


Answer: Las Vegas

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.

Question: In what city did contestants perform an additional round in seasons ten and eleven?


Answer: Sudden Death

Question: What was the Las Vegas round called in season twelve?


Answer: twelve

Question: In which season was the "Hollywood or Home" round added to the competition?


Answer: 178 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.

Question: How many text message votes were there in season eight?


Answer: ten

Question: In which season was online voting introduced?


Answer: Telescope Inc

Question: What company counts the votes on American Idol?


Answer: the semi-finals

Question: At what point does the public begin voting for contestants?


Answer: Over 110 million

Question: How many votes were cast for contestants in the first season?


Answer: nearly 750 million

Question: How many votes were cast by season ten for all contestants?


Answer: ten

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.

Question: How many finalists were there on the first season of American Idol?


Answer: wildcard

Question: What is the name of the round that gives failed contestants another chance?


Answer: three groups of ten

Question: How were the semi-finalists split up to perform in season one?


Answer: four groups of eight

Question: How were the semi-finalists split up to perform in seasons two and three?


Answer: season one

Question: When did the wildcard round become a factor?


Answer: ten

Question: How many finalists were chosen for season one?


Answer: 12

Question: How many finalists made it to the finals for seasons two and three?


Answer: twenty-four

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.

Question: How many semi-finalists were there in season 4?


Answer: by gender

Question: How were the semi-finalists divided in season four?


Answer: six

Question: How many men were in the top twelve on season five of American Idol?


Answer: six

Question: How many women were in the top twelve on season nine of American Idol?


Answer: twelve

Question: How many women were semi-finalists on season six of American Idol?


Answer: four

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.

Question: How many wildcards were chosen by the judges in season eight?


Answer: three

Question: How many wildcard contestants were advanced in the competition in season ten?


Answer: five

Question: How many women were in the top ten in season twelve?


Answer: thirteen

Question: How many finalists were there in season eight?


Answer: season eight

Question: What season saw the return of the Wild Card round?


Answer: three

Question: How many contestants moved forward from each round?


Answer: four

Question: How many wildcard contestants were chosen?


Answer: 10

Question: How many contestants were finalists for season 12?


Answer: CBS Television City

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.

Question: Where studio hosts the live final rounds on American Idol?


Answer: Jimmy Iovine

Question: Who was the mentor on season ten of American Idol?


Answer: thirteen

Question: How many weeks did the finals of season thirteen last?


Answer: eight

Question: How many weeks did the finals last in the first season?


Answer: CBS Television City

Question: Where are the finals broadcast from?


Answer: Jimmy Iovine

Question: Who was a mentor for the contestants in Season 10?


Answer: one

Question: How many songs do contestants sing initially in the finals?


Answer: top four or five

Question: When do contestants start singing two songs?


Answer: eight

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.

Question: In what season was the "Judges Save" introduced to give contestants a second chance?


Answer: once

Question: How many time can the judges save be used each season?


Answer: safety

Question: When three are called, one is often sent to what?


Answer: season six

Question: Which season was the Idol Gives Back episode?


Answer: fourteen

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.

Question: In which season was the "Fan Save" first used?


Answer: Twitter

Question: How do people vote using the fan save?


Answer: Fan Save

Question: What was introduced in season 14 to allow the fans to help save a contestant?


Answer: Twitter

Question: How do viewers vote for a contestant using Fan Save?


Answer: Top 8

Question: When does the Fan Save start?


Answer: the 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.

Question: What venue was the American Idol season seven finale held at?


Answer: 3,400

Question: How many people can attend an American Idol finale at the Dolby Theatre?


Answer: The finale

Question: In what episode is the winner of American Idol revealed?


Answer: Dolby Theatre

Question: Where was the season one finale broadcast from?


Answer: 3,400

Question: How many audience members can fit in Dolby Theatre?


Answer: 6,000

Question: What is the capacity for Gibson Ampitheatre?


Answer: Nokia Theatre

Question: For seasons 7-13, the season finale was held where?


Answer: 19 Management

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.

Question: Which company manages the winners of American Idol?


Answer: Big Machine Records

Question: What record label signed the winner of season fourteen of American Idol?


Answer: three months

Question: How long does the record company have the right of first refusal for contestants on American Idol?


Answer: a record deal

Question: What does the winner of American Idol receive?


Answer: 19 Management

Question: The winner also receives a management contract with which company?


Answer: Big Machine Records

Question: In season 14, the winner was signed to which company?


Answer: a golden ticket

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.

Question: What is given to contestants who make it past the audition round?


Answer: a golden ticket

Question: In the audition rounds, what do contestants who win the approval of the judges receive?


Answer: the public

Question: Who votes for the winning contestants starting with the semi-final round?


Answer: 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.

Question: In which season were contestants first allowed to use musical instruments?


Answer: Ray Chew

Question: Who was in charge of the American Idol band in season eleven?


Answer: ten

Question: In what season did American Idol start airing on Thursday nights?


Answer: Rickey Minor

Question: Who was the leader of the American Idol band in season five?


Answer: Rickey Minor

Question: Who led the American Idol band between seasons four and nine?


Answer: Ray Chew

Question: Who led the American Idol band after Rickey Minor's departure?


Answer: seven

Question: What season were contestants allowed use a musical instrument when they sing?


Answer: Fox

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.

Question: What network aired the first season of American Idol?


Answer: 2002

Question: What year did American Idol first debut?


Answer: Brian Dunkleman

Question: Who was Ryan Seacrests co-host in the first season of American Idol?


Answer: June 2002

Question: When did American Idol debut?


Answer: Fox

Question: What network did American Idol debut on?


Answer: Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman

Question: Who co-hosted American Idol?


Answer: 121

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.

Question: How many contestants made it past the first round of auditions?


Answer: around 10,000

Question: How many people initially auditioned?


Answer: Jim Verraros

Question: Who was the first known homosexual contestant on American Idol?


Answer: Tamyra Gray

Question: Which contestant was surprisingly eliminated during the top four episode?


Answer: the hospital

Question: Where was Christina Christian at when she was eliminated from the show?


Answer: 121

Question: How many contestants were chosen from the 10,000 that auditioned?


Answer: 30

Question: Of the 121 chosen, how many became semi-finalists?


Answer: Delano Cagnolatti

Question: Which contestant was disqualified for lying about his age?


Answer: top four

Question: When was Tamyra Gray eliminated?


Answer: Christina Christian

Question: Who was eliminated while she was in the hospital due to chest pains?


Answer: 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.

Question: What year did Kelly Clarkson win?


Answer: Justin Guarini

Question: Who was the runner up to Kelly Clarkson?


Answer: September

Question: What month did Kelly Clarkson win?


Answer: Justin Guarini

Question: Of the final two, which was an early favorite to win?


Answer: Kelly Clarkson

Question: Who won the first season of American Idol?


Answer: September 4, 2002

Question: When did Clarkson win the crown?


Answer: A Moment Like This

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.

Question: What was the fist song released by Kelly Clarkson after winning American Idol?


Answer: From Justin to Kelly

Question: What film did Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini star in after they were on American Idol?


Answer: more than 23 million

Question: How many albums has Kelly Clarkson sold around the world?


Answer: A Moment Like This

Question: What song did Kelly Clarkson perform during the finale?


Answer: the coronation song

Question: What did Clarkson sing during the finale?


Answer: A Moment Like This

Question: What was the name of the song?


Answer: The Beatles

Question: Which record did the song break, which was the biggest leap to the top of the Billboard charts?


Answer: From Justin to Kelly

Question: What was the name of the film that the two finalists made together?


Answer: more than 23 million

Question: How many worldwide album sales has Kelly Clarkson had since winning Idol?


Answer: 2003

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.

Question: What year did season two of American Idol first air?


Answer: Kristin Adams

Question: Who was a correspondent on season two of American Idol?


Answer: January 2003

Question: When did season two air?


Answer: Kristin Adams

Question: Who was a correspondent for season two?


Answer: Paula Abdul

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.

Question: Which judge did Corey Clark claim to have had an affair with?


Answer: Frenchie Davis

Question: Which contestant was removed from the competition for having been a model on an adult website?


Answer: Corey Clark

Question: Which contestant was removed from the competition for not revealing his police record?


Answer: Jaered Andrews

Question: Which contestant had previously been arrested and charged with assault?


Answer: Corey Clark

Question: Who was disqualified for having a police record?


Answer: Frenchie Davis

Question: Which contestant was removed from the show for modelling for an adult website?


Answer: Jaered Andrews

Question: Which contestant was disqualified because of an assault charge?


Answer: Ruben Studdard

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.

Question: Who was the season two winner of American Idol?


Answer: 24 million

Question: How many votes were cast during the final week?


Answer: Clay Aiken

Question: Who was the runner up on season two of American Idol?


Answer: 134,000

Question: How many votes did Ruben Studdard win by?


Answer: Nigel Lythgoe

Question: What was the name of the shows executive producer?


Answer: Ruben Studdard

Question: Who won season two?


Answer: Clay Aiken

Question: Who was the runner up for season two?


Answer: 134,000

Question: How many more votes did Studdard have at the finale?


Answer: 24 million

Question: How many votes were cast for the finale?


Answer: Clay Aiken

Question: Who did Nigel Lythgoe say was a fan favorite for the majority of the season?


Answer: Flying Without Wings

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.

Question: What is the first song that Ruben Studdard released after winning American Idol?


Answer: Josh Gracin

Question: What contestant came in fourth on season two of American Idol?


Answer: This Is the Night

Question: What song did Clay Aiken first release after losing American Idol?


Answer: Flying Without Wings

Question: What was the name of Studdard's coronation song?


Answer: This Is the Night

Question: What was Aiken's single release named?


Answer: Aiken

Question: Which of the final two had more success with his first album?


Answer: Josh Gracin

Question: Who finished fourth on season two?


Answer: 2004

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.

Question: What year did the third season of American Idol first air?


Answer: William Hung

Question: Which contestant was best known for his bad audition of "She Bangs"?


Answer: William Hung

Question: Which contestant sold more albums than all except two from season three of American Idol?


Answer: January 19, 2004

Question: When did season three premiere?


Answer: William Hung

Question: Which contestant sang an off-key "She Bangs"?


Answer: William Hung

Question: Which contestant was number three in sales from season three?


Answer: the Three Divas

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'.

Question: What were the three black female contestants on season three of American Idol commonly referred to as?


Answer: Jennifer Hudson

Question: Which contestant was eliminated during the week of the top seven?


Answer: Elton John

Question: What famous singer made claims of racism after Jennifer Hudson was eliminated from American Idol?


Answer: John Stevens

Question: Which season three contestant on American Idol was the recipient of reported death threats?


Answer: the Three Divas

Question: What were Fantasia Barrino, LaToya London and Jennifer Hudson called?


Answer: Jennifer Hudson

Question: Which of the three was eliminated?


Answer: Elton John

Question: Who said that the results were racist?


Answer: John Stevens

Question: Which contestant reportedly received a death threat on the show?


Answer: Diana DeGarmo

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.

Question: Who was the runner up on the third season of American Idol?


Answer: I Believe

Question: What was the name of the first single that Fantasia released after winning American Idol?


Answer: Dreams

Question: What was the first song released by Diana DeGarmo after coming in second on American Idol?


Answer: Summertime

Question: What song did Fantasia sing on the Top 8 show?


Answer: Simon Cowell

Question: Who has said that Barrino's rendition of Summertime has been his top moment of all seasons?


Answer: Fantasia and Diana DeGarmo

Question: Who were the final two contestants?


Answer: Fantasia

Question: Who was declared the season winner?


Answer: I Believe

Question: What was Fantasia's coronation song?


Answer: Nikko Smith

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.

Question: Who got a spot in the top 12 after Mario Vasquez dropped out?


Answer: Nikko Smith

Question: Who replaced Vasquez as a finalist?


Answer: Freemantle Media

Question: What company produces the show?


Answer: Vazquez

Question: A former employee states he was fired after complaining about which finalist?


Answer: top 11 week

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.

Question: During what week was there a problem with voting?


Answer: the following night

Question: When did the results show happen?


Answer: 2005

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.

Question: What year did Carrie Underwood win American Idol?


Answer: 65 million

Question: How many record has Carrie Underwood sold since winning American Idol?


Answer: Inside Your Heaven

Question: What was the first song released by Carrie Underwood after winning American Idol?


Answer: Carrie Underwood

Question: Which American Idol contestant has won the biggest number of Grammy Awards?


Answer: May 2005

Question: When was the winner declared?


Answer: Carrie Underwood

Question: Who was the winner of this season?


Answer: Inside Your Heaven

Question: What song did the two finalists release?


Answer: 14 million

Question: How many records has Underwood sold in America?


Answer: Season five

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.

Question: Which season of American Idol stands out for having the highest ratings?


Answer: the Brittenum twins

Question: Which two contestants were removed from the show for accusations of identity theft?


Answer: Season five

Question: Which season has been the highest rated of all American Idol seasons?


Answer: January 17, 2006

Question: When did season five premiere?


Answer: the Brittenum twins

Question: Which two contestants were kicked off the show for identity theft?


Answer: Chris Daughtry

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.

Question: Which contestant did the band Fuel ask to be their new lead singer?


Answer: Chris Daughtry

Question: Which season five contestant caused controversy with their performance of I Walk the Line?


Answer: Chris Daughtry

Question: Which contestant was surprisingly eliminated during the week of the top four?


Answer: Chris Daughtry

Question: Who performed a Fuel song on this season?


Answer: lead singer

Question: Fuel asked Chris Daughtry to become what?


Answer: Chris Daughtry

Question: Who was eliminated in the Top 4 show?


Answer: I Walk the Line

Question: Which song performance did he receive both praise and criticism for?


Answer: not crediting the arrangement to Live

Question: Why did he receive criticism for I Walk the Line


Answer: Taylor Hicks

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".

Question: Who was the winner American Idol in 2006?


Answer: Do I Make You Proud

Question: What was the name of the first song that Taylor Hicks released after winning American Idol?


Answer: My Destiny

Question: What was the first song that Katherine McPhee released after coming in second on American Idol?


Answer: May 30, 2006

Question: When was the winner announced?


Answer: Taylor Hicks

Question: Who was the winner for this season?


Answer: Do I Make You Proud

Question: What was Hick's debut single?


Answer: My Destiny

Question: What was McPhee's first single?


Answer: Chris 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.

Question: Which season five contestant has had the most success after the show?


Answer: Daughtry

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


Answer: Chris Daughtry

Question: Who was the most successful artist from this season?


Answer: Daughtry

Question: What band does Chris Daughtry sing for?


Answer: 2007

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.

Question: What year did the sixth season of American Idol first air?


Answer: 37.3 million

Question: How many people watched the season premiere of American Idol in 2007?


Answer: January 16, 2007

Question: When did season six premiere?


Answer: 37.3 million

Question: How many overall viewers did the first show of the season generate?


Answer: Sanjaya Malakar

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.

Question: Who was the most discussed singer in American Idols sixth season?


Answer: Howard Stern

Question: What celebrity asked his fans to vote for Sanjaya Malakar on American Idol?


Answer: Vote for the Worst

Question: What is the name of the blog that tried to rally votes for Sanjaya Malakar on American Idol?


Answer: April 18

Question: What date was Sanjaya Malakar eliminated on American Idol?


Answer: Sanjaya Malakar

Question: What season six American Idol contestant was known for his strange hairstyles?


Answer: Sanjaya Malakar

Question: Which contestant was talked about more than any other this season?


Answer: hair

Question: What was the main reason Sanjaya garnered such attention?


Answer: Vote for the Worst

Question: Which weblog helped Sanjaya survive elimination week over and over again?


Answer: Howard Stern

Question: Which shock jock urged people to vote for Sanjaya?


Answer: April 18

Question: When was Sanjaya eliminated?


Answer: Idol Gives Back

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.

Question: What was the name of the charity event on season six of American Idol?


Answer: $76 million

Question: How much money did the Idol Gives Back event raise in 2007?


Answer: Melinda Doolittle

Question: What singer came in third on the sixth season of American Idol?


Answer: Idol Gives Back

Question: What was the charity event that occurred this season?


Answer: Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson

Question: Which two contestants were eliminated the following week?


Answer: Melinda Doolittle

Question: Who was eliminated on the Top 3 show?


Answer: 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.

Question: Who was the winner of American Idols sixth season?


Answer: Blake Lewis

Question: Who came in second on season six of American Idol?


Answer: May 23

Question: On what date did American Idol air its season six finale?


Answer: May 23

Question: When was the finale aired?


Answer: Jordin Sparks

Question: Which contestant won the season?


Answer: Blake Lewis

Question: Who was the runner up?


Answer: 2005

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.

Question: What year did season four of American Idol first air?


Answer: over 100,000

Question: How many contestants auditioned for the fourth season of American Idol?


Answer: 28

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


Answer: Season four

Question: What was the first full season of American Idol to air in high definition?


Answer: Season four

Question: In which season was Bo Bice a contestant on American Idol?


Answer: January 18, 2005

Question: When did season four premiere?


Answer: high definition

Question: Season four was the first full season to be aired in what?


Answer: over 100,000

Question: How many people auditioned to be on American Idol?


Answer: 28

Question: What was the maximum age a contestant could be starting this season?


Answer: 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.

Question: In what year did American Idol begin a contest to decide the winners single?


Answer: This Is My Now

Question: What is the first song released by Jordin Sparks after winning American Idol?


Answer: public vote

Question: How was "This is My Now" decided as the first single for the American Idol winner in 2007?


Answer: American Idol Songwriter contest

Question: Which contest started during this season?


Answer: coronation song

Question: Fans could vote for what during this contest?


Answer: 20

Question: Of the thousands of songs entered, how many were the public able to vote for?


Answer: This Is My Now

Question: What song won the contest?


Answer: May 24, 2007

Question: When did Sparks release her version of the song?


Answer: 2008

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.

Question: What year did season seven of American Idol first air?


Answer: David Hernandez

Question: Which season seven contestant had worked as a stripper before his time on American Idol?


Answer: Carly Smithson

Question: Which contestant was talked about most for having a record deal before being a contestant on American Idol?


Answer: January 15, 2008

Question: When did season seven premiere?


Answer: David Hernandez

Question: Which contestant drew attention because he was a former stripper?


Answer: professional status

Question: Why did many of the contestants draw the attention of the media?


Answer: Carly Smithson

Question: Which contestant garnered the most attention because of a prior recording contract?


Answer: Billie Jean

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.

Question: What song did David Cook sing on American Idol during the week of the top ten?


Answer: David Cook

Question: Which American Idol contestant was hospitalized after singing during the week of the top nine?


Answer: Chris Cornell

Question: Who arranged the version of "Billie Jean" that David Cook performed on American Idol?


Answer: March 11, 2008

Question: On what date did the American Idol finals begin?


Answer: March 11, 2008

Question: When did American Idol showcase a new set and stage?


Answer: Chris Cornell

Question: Which arrangement was used for Cook's version of Billie Jean?


Answer: David Cook

Question: Who was taken to the hospital after the top nine show?


Answer: David Archuleta

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.

Question: Which contestant sang "Imagine" on season seven of American Idol?


Answer: season ten

Question: In which season of American Idol did Jennifer Lopez become a judge?


Answer: Hallelujah

Question: What song did Jason Castro receive praise for singing during the semi-finals on American Idol?


Answer: Jeff Buckley

Question: Whose recording of Hallelujah became successful again after being performed on American Idol?


Answer: iTunes

Question: On what digital platform were contestants performances released to after airing on American Idol?


Answer: John Lennon's "Imagine"

Question: Which David Archuletta cover was thought to be the best of the season by many?


Answer: Jennifer Lopez

Question: Who said it Archuletta's rendition is one that she will never forget?


Answer: Jason Castro

Question: Which finalist sang "Hallelujah" during the semi-finals?


Answer: Jeff Buckley

Question: Castro's performance sent which singer's version to the top of a Billboard chart?


Answer: iTunes

Question: For the first time, recordings of the contestant's songs could be purchased where?


Answer: 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.

Question: Who won season seven of American Idol?


Answer: David Cook

Question: Who was the first Rock and Roll artist to win American Idol?


Answer: May 21, 2008

Question: When was the winner announced?


Answer: David Cook

Question: Who was the winner?


Answer: The Time of My Life

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.

Question: What was the name of the first song released by David Cook after winning American Idol?


Answer: The American Idol Songwriter contest

Question: How was the winning single chose on season seven of American Idol?


Answer: 2008

Question: What year did David Cook release the single, "The Time of My Life"?


Answer: The Time of My Life

Question: What was the coronation song?


Answer: May 22, 2008

Question: When did Cook release his version of The Time of My Life?


Answer: 2009

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]

Question: What year did the eighth season of American Idol first air?


Answer: Danny Gokey

Question: Which contestant from season eight suffered the loss of a spouse?


Answer: president of alternative programming

Question: What was Mike Darnells position at Fox in 2009?


Answer: January

Question: What month did American Idol begin airing its eighth season?


Answer: January 13, 2009

Question: When did season eight premiere?


Answer: Mike Darnell

Question: Who was the president of alternative programming at Fox?


Answer: Danny Gokey

Question: Which contestant received a lot of attention because of his widowhood?


Answer: Kara DioGuardi

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.

Question: Who was brought in as a new judge during American Idols eighth season?


Answer: two weeks

Question: How long did the Hollywood round air for in season eight of American Idol?


Answer: So You Think You Can Dance

Question: What show did Nigel Lythgoe leave American Idol to produce?


Answer: the Kodak Theatre

Question: What venue hosted the Hollywood round on American Idol for the first time in 2009?


Answer: the global recession

Question: Why did American Idol choose not to have its Idol Gives Back special in 2009?


Answer: four

Question: How many judges were on the panel for this season?


Answer: Kara DioGuardi

Question: Which judge joined the panel?


Answer: So You Think You Can Dance

Question: Nigel Lythgoe quit the show to focus on what other show?


Answer: Kodak Theatre

Question: Where was the Hollywood round moved to?


Answer: Idol Gives Back

Question: What was canceled for this year of Idol?


Answer: 13

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.

Question: How many finalists were there on season eight of American Idol?


Answer: Matt Giraud

Question: Who was the first contestant to benefit from the Judges Save?


Answer: two

Question: How many contestants were eliminated during the first week after the judges save?


Answer: two

Question: How many contestants were sent home during the first week of finals?


Answer: Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai

Question: Who was sent home the week after the judges saved Matt Giraud?


Answer: 13

Question: How many finalists were on this season?


Answer: two

Question: How many finalists were eliminated during the first results show?


Answer: Matt Giraud

Question: Which contestant was saved with the first Judges' Save?


Answer: Kris Allen and Adam Lambert

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.

Question: Who were the final two contestants on season eight of American Idol?


Answer: Kris Allen

Question: Who won season eight of American Idol?


Answer: Arkansas

Question: What state is American Idol winner Kris Allen from?


Answer: 100 million

Question: How many votes were cast in the American Idol finale in season eight?


Answer: Kris Allen

Question: Who won the season?


Answer: season two

Question: The only prior season to have matching controversy over the winner was?


Answer: 100 million

Question: How many votes were cast for the final two?


Answer: AT&T employees

Question: Who was accused of teaching the public how to power text for the winner?


Answer: No Boundaries

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]

Question: What was the name of the song that Kris Allen and Adam Lamber released after American Idol?


Answer: DioGuardi

Question: Who helped write the song "No Boundaries"?


Answer: No Boundaries

Question: What was the coronation song for this season?


Answer: DioGuardi

Question: Who co-wrote the coronation song?


Answer: gold album status

Question: Unlike every previous winner, the winner of this season failed to achieve what status?


Answer: none

Question: How many contestants from this season reached platinum album status?


Answer: 2010

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.

Question: What year did season nine of American Idol first air?


Answer: Ellen DeGeneres

Question: Who filled the judges spot vacated by Paula Abdul on season nine of American Idol?


Answer: Hollywood Week

Question: At what point during season 9 of American Idol did Ellen Degeneres become a judge?


Answer: January 12, 2010

Question: When did season nine premiere?


Answer: Paula Abdul

Question: Which original judge left prior to the start of the season?


Answer: Ellen DeGeneres

Question: Who replaced Abdul?


Answer: Hollywood Week

Question: When did Ellen join the judges' panel?


Answer: Crystal Bowersox

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.

Question: Which contestant had to go to the hospital during the week of the top 20?


Answer: Ken Warwick

Question: What producer wanted to remove Crystal Bowersox from the competition?


Answer: diabetic ketoacidosis

Question: Why was Crystal Bowersox in the hospital during the week of the top 20 on American Idol?


Answer: Crystal Bowersox

Question: Which contestant had Type-I diabetes?


Answer: top 20 week

Question: When was Crystal hospitalized?


Answer: The schedule

Question: What was changed so she could still qualify?


Answer: Ken Warwick

Question: Who did Bowersox later reveal wanted her to be disqualified?


Answer: producer

Question: What role does Warwick have on the show?


Answer: Michael Lynche

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.

Question: Which contestant was saved by the judges in season nine of American Idol?


Answer: top nine

Question: At what point did the judges use their save on American Idols ninth season?


Answer: Adam Lambert

Question: Who was the first American Idol contestant to return to the show as a mentor?


Answer: $45 million

Question: How much money was brought in by the Idol Gives Back special on season nine of American Idol?


Answer: Michael Lynche

Question: Who was saved with the Judges' Save?


Answer: Adam Lambert

Question: Which former contestant was a mentor this season?


Answer: Simon Cowell

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.

Question: Who had their final season in the show in season nine?


Answer: tribute to Simon Cowell

Question: Why did Paula Abdul appear on the season nine finale of American Idol?


Answer: Simon Cowell

Question: Who had a special tribute at the finale?


Answer: Paula Abdul

Question: Which former Idol star made an appearance for Cowell's tribute?


Answer: Lee DeWyze

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.

Question: Who was the winner of American Idols ninth season?


Answer: Beautiful Day

Question: What U2 song was released by Lee DeWyze after winning American Idol?


Answer: May 26

Question: When was the finale held?


Answer: DeWyze

Question: Who won this season of Idol?


Answer: Beautiful Day

Question: What song did DeWyze cover for his first release?


Answer: Up to the Mountain

Question: Which song did Bowersox cover for her first release?


Answer: 2011

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.

Question: What year did season ten of American Idol first air?


Answer: ten

Question: In which season of American Idol did Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez become judges?


Answer: Jimmy Iovine

Question: Who replace weekly mentors as a more permanent mentor on American Idols tenth season?


Answer: The X Factor

Question: What show did Simon Cowell join after leaving American Idol?


Answer: Nigel Lythgoe

Question: Who was the executive producer of American Idols tenth season?


Answer: January 19, 2011

Question: When did season ten premiere?


Answer: Nigel Lythgoe

Question: Who returned as executive producer this season?


Answer: Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler

Question: Which two new judges joined Randy Jackson on the judges' panel?


Answer: Jimmy Iovine

Question: Who was the in-house mentor this season?


Answer: Season ten

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.

Question: What was the first season of American Idol to feature online auditions?


Answer: Myspace

Question: What website hosted auditions for American Idols tenth season?


Answer: Myspace

Question: How did Karen Rodriguez audition for American Idol season ten?


Answer: online

Question: This is the first season to have what kind of auditions?


Answer: Myspace

Question: Where could contestants submit a video audition?


Answer: Chris Medina

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.

Question: Which contestant had a fiancé that had suffered brain damage?


Answer: Top 40

Question: In which round was Chris Medina eliminated n season ten of American Idol?


Answer: Casey Abrams

Question: Which season ten contestant was in the hospital instead of at the Top 13 results show?


Answer: Casey Abrams

Question: Which contestants did the judges save on season ten of American Idol?


Answer: Chris Medina

Question: Which contestant cared for his brain-damaged fiancee?


Answer: Top 40 round

Question: When was Medina eliminated from the competition?


Answer: Casey Abrams

Question: Which contestant suffered from ulcerative colitis?


Answer: Top 13 result show

Question: Which show did Abrams miss because he was in the hospital?


Answer: Abrams

Question: Who received the Judges' Save this season?


Answer: Pia Toscano

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.

Question: What contestant came in ninth on season ten of American Idol?


Answer: Tom Hanks

Question: What actor was upset when Pia Toscano was eliminated on American Idol?


Answer: Pia Toscano

Question: Which fan favorite was unexpectedly eliminated earlier than expected?


Answer: Tom Hanks

Question: Which actor criticized Toscano's elimination?


Answer: country

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.

Question: What genre of music did season ten American Idol contestant Lauren Alaina sing?


Answer: Scotty McCreery

Question: Who was the winner of American Idols tenth season?


Answer: I Love You This Big

Question: What song did Scotty McCreery first release after winning American Idol?


Answer: Like My Mother Does

Question: What song did Lauren Alaina release after coming in second on American Idol?


Answer: Soulful

Question: What is the name of the successful album that Ruben Studdard released in 2003?


Answer: May 25

Question: When was the season finale of Idol?


Answer: Scotty McCreery

Question: Who won this season of Idol?


Answer: Ruben Studdard

Question: Scotty's first album reached the top Billboard spot, the first time for an Idol winner since when?


Answer: 2012

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.

Question: In what year did American Idol first air its eleventh season?


Answer: 25

Question: How many contestants made it to the finals on season 11 of American Idol?


Answer: Jermaine Jones

Question: What contestant was removed from the competition for concealing legal troubles?


Answer: January 18, 2012

Question: When did season 11 premiere?


Answer: Jermaine Jones

Question: Who joined the finalists, making it a Top 25?


Answer: March 14

Question: When was Jones removed from the show?


Answer: concealing arrests and outstanding warrants

Question: Why was Jones disqualified?


Answer: Phillip Phillips

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.

Question: Which season 11 contestant had to go to the hospital before the Top 13 Results?


Answer: kidney stones

Question: Why was Phillip Phillips hospitalized during his time on American Idol?


Answer: eight

Question: How many times did Phillip Phillips have surgery when he was on American Idol?


Answer: Phillip Phillips

Question: Which contestant thought about leaving the contest because of pain in his kidney?


Answer: Phillip Phillips

Question: Which contestant had eight surgeries during his Idol run?


Answer: kidney pain

Question: What kind of pain did Phillips endure?


Answer: Jessica Sanchez

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.

Question: Which contestant was saved by the judges on season 11 of American Idol?


Answer: Jessica Sanchez

Question: Who was the first female to be saved by the judges on American Idol?


Answer: Colton Dixon

Question: Who was eliminated the week after judges saved Jessica Sanchez on American Idol?


Answer: final two

Question: How far did Jessica Sanchez make it on American Idol?


Answer: Top 7

Question: When did the judges use their save this season?


Answer: Jessica Sanchez

Question: Who was the recipient of the Judges' Save?


Answer: Colton Dixon

Question: Which contestant was sent home the following week?


Answer: Diana DeGarmo

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.

Question: What former contestant did Ace Young ask to marry him?


Answer: five

Question: In what season was Ace Young a finalist on American Idol?


Answer: three

Question: In What season did Diana DeGarmo come in second on American Idol?


Answer: Phillips

Question: Who won this season of Idol?


Answer: season five

Question: Which season was Ace Young on?


Answer: season three

Question: Which season was Diana DeGarmo on?


Answer: 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.

Question: What is the first song that Phillip Phliips released after winning American Idol?


Answer: Change Nothing

Question: What is the name of the song that Jessica Sanchez released first after American Idol?


Answer: Home

Question: What was Phillip's coronation song?


Answer: Change Nothing

Question: What song did Sanchez release?


Answer: Home

Question: Which song is the best selling coronation song of all Idol seasons?


Answer: 2013

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.

Question: What year did season 12 of American Idol first air?


Answer: Judges

Question: What was Mariah Careys position on season 12 of American Idol?


Answer: TMZ

Question: What website showed video of an altercation between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj?


Answer: January 16, 2013

Question: When did season 12 premiere?


Answer: four

Question: How many judges did this season have?


Answer: five

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.

Question: How many girls were in the top 10 on season 12 of American Idol?


Answer: Lazaro Arbos

Question: Who was the last guy to be sent home on season 12 of American Idol?


Answer: 10

Question: How many contestants did this season have?


Answer: five

Question: How many weeks in a row were male contestants eliminated?


Answer: Lazaro Arbos

Question: Who as the last man to be eliminated?


Answer: four

Question: How many contestants were able to perform for two weeks without any eliminations?


Answer: Candice Glover

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.

Question: Who was the winner of American Idols twelfth season?


Answer: Kree Harrison

Question: Which contestant came in second on season 12 of American Idol?


Answer: I Am Beautiful

Question: What was the first song released by Candice Glover after winning American Idol?


Answer: All Cried Out

Question: What song did Kree Harrison first release after being on American Idol?


Answer: Candice Glover

Question: Who won this season of Idol?


Answer: Kree Harrison

Question: Who was the runner up?


Answer: I Am Beautiful

Question: What was Glover's first single?


Answer: All Cried Out

Question: What was Harrison's first single?


Answer: not signed by a music label

Question: This is the first season when what did not happen to the first runner up?


Answer: Randy Jackson

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.

Question: Which long time judge decided to leave his position at the end of the season?


Answer: one

Question: How many seasons was Mariah Carey a judge on American Idol?


Answer: Randy Jackson

Question: Who announced this would be his final year as a judge?


Answer: Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj

Question: Who were the other judges to leave after this season?


Answer: 2014

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.

Question: What year did season 13 of American Idol first air?


Answer: Ryan Seacrest

Question: Who was the host of American idol in its thirteenth season?


Answer: in-mentor

Question: What new role did Randy Jackson assume during American Idols thirteenth season?


Answer: Gregg Gelfand

Question: Who directed the thirteenth season of American Idol?


Answer: January 15, 2014

Question: When did season 13 premiere?


Answer: Randy Jackson

Question: Who was the mentor this season?


Answer: Jennifer Lopez

Question: Which former judge came back to the judges' panel this season?


Answer: Harry Connick, Jr.

Question: Which former mentor joined the judges' panel this season?


Answer: Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick

Question: Per Blankens, Jesse Ignjatovic, and Evan Pragger replaced which two executives?


Answer: Sam Woolf

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.

Question: Which contestant was saved by the judges after getting the least votes on season 13 of American Idol?


Answer: Top 3 performance night

Question: At what point in season 13 did American Idol air its 500th show?


Answer: songs they wrote themselves

Question: Contestants could perform what in the final rounds for the first time ever?


Answer: Sam Woolf

Question: Who received the Judges' Save this season?


Answer: Top 8

Question: When did the judges use their save on Woolf?


Answer: Top 3 performance night

Question: What episode was the 500th of the entire series?


Answer: Caleb Johnson

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".

Question: Who won season 13 of American Idol?


Answer: Jena Irene

Question: Who came in second on season 13 of American Idol?


Answer: As Long as You Love Me

Question: What song did Caleb Johnson first release after winning American Idol?


Answer: We Are One

Question: What song did Jena Irene release after coming in second on American Idol?


Answer: Caleb Johnson

Question: Who won this season of Idol?


Answer: Jena Irene

Question: Who was the runner up this season?


Answer: As Long as You Love Me

Question: What was Johnson's coronation song?


Answer: We Are One

Question: What was Irene's coronation song?


Answer: 2015

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.

Question: What year did American Idol first air its fourteenth season?


Answer: Ryan Seacrest

Question: Who was the host of American Idol in its fourteenth season?


Answer: Adam Lambert

Question: Which former contestant replaced Keith Urban for auditions in New York City?


Answer: judges

Question: What was Keith Urbans position on American Idol in its fourteenth season?


Answer: Randy Jackson

Question: Who did not come back as a mentor in season 14?


Answer: January 7, 2015

Question: When did season 14 premiere?


Answer: Adam Lambert

Question: Who took Urban's spot at the New York auditions?


Answer: one

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.

Question: How many episodes did American Idol have each week of the top ten?


Answer: Coca Cola

Question: What drink company ended their relationship with American Idol in season 14?


Answer: Ford Motor Company

Question: What car company had a relationship with American Idol in season 14?


Answer: Big Machine Records

Question: What record label had a contract with the winner of American Idols fourteenth season?


Answer: one

Question: Starting this season, how many episodes of Idol aired every week?


Answer: Coca Cola

Question: Who ended their sponsorship this season?


Answer: Ford Motor Company

Question: What other company reduced their sponsorship this season?


Answer: Big Machine Records

Question: This season, the winner won a recording contract with what company?


Answer: Nick Fradiani

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".

Question: Who won American Idols fourteenth season?


Answer: Clark Beckham

Question: Who came in second on American Idol in season 14?


Answer: Jax

Question: Who came in third on American Idol in season 14?


Answer: Beautiful Life

Question: What was the name of Nick Fradianis victory song?


Answer: Forcefield

Question: What song did Jax release after coming in third on American Idol?


Answer: Nick Fradiani

Question: Who won this season of Idol?


Answer: Clark Beckham

Question: Who was the runner up of Idol?


Answer: Beautiful Life

Question: What was Nick's coronation song?


Answer: Champion

Question: What was Beckham's first release?


Answer: Jax

Question: Which contestant came in third place?


Answer: 2015

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.

Question: What year did Fox announce the cancellation of American Idol?


Answer: 15

Question: How many seasons of American Idol have there been?


Answer: 5

Question: How many seasons was Jennifer Lopez a judge on American Idol?


Answer: judges

Question: What was Keith Urbans role on American Idols fifteenth season?


Answer: Ryan Seacrest

Question: Who hosted American Idol in its last season?


Answer: May 11, 2015

Question: When did Fox announce that Season 15 would be the final season?


Answer: Ryan Seacrest

Question: Who is returning as host?


Answer: 131

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.

Question: As of 2012, how many finalists did American Idol have?


Answer: 2002

Question: When did American Idol begin?


Answer: Southern

Question: What region of the United States were American Idols first five winners from?


Answer: North Carolina

Question: What state is American Idol contestant Clay Aiken from?


Answer: North Carolina

Question: What state is American Idol contestant Chris Daughtry from?


Answer: ten

Question: How many Idol winners have come from the southern part of America?


Answer: Chris Daughtry

Question: In addition to Clay Aiken and Kellie Pickler, which other Idol is from North Carolina?


Answer: 47 million

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.

Question: How many CDs from American Idol contestants had been sold at the beginning of 2010?


Answer: 16 percent

Question: In the same study, how much more likely was someone from Kentucky to tune into the show?


Answer: 47 million

Question: How many CDS were sold by Idol contestants up to 2010?


Answer: 85 percent

Question: Of the CDs sold, how many were by the contestants with southern ties?


Answer: Taylor Hicks

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."

Question: Who won season five of American Idol?


Answer: Alabama

Question: What state is Taylor Hicks from?


Answer: church

Question: Where do people in the Southern United States often begin singing?


Answer: church

Question: Where do a lot of people get their start in singing in the south?


Answer: Alabama

Question: Where is Taylor Hicks from?


Answer: White guy with guitar

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."

Question: What does the acronym WGWG stand for?


Answer: Phillip Phillips

Question: Who won season eleven of American Idol?


Answer: American Idol: The Untold Story

Question: What is the name of the book written by Richard Rushfield about American Idol?


Answer: five

Question: How many seasons in a row were won by caucasian guitar playing males?


Answer: guitar

Question: What instrument did the winners for five seasons in a row play?


Answer: White guy with guitar

Question: What is the WGWG factor?


Answer: Richard Rushfield

Question: Who wrote American Idol: The Untold Story?


Answer: Phillip Phillips

Question: Who was named the winner of Season 11?


Answer: 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.

Question: What company are contestants required to sign a contract with on American Idol?


Answer: Ruben Studdard

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).

Question: Who won season two of American Idol?


Answer: Clay Aiken

Question: Who came in second on season two of American Idol?


Answer: 2013

Question: What year did Vote for the Worst cease operations?


Answer: 100 million

Question: How many more text votes were there in season eight of American Idol over season seven?


Answer: season two

Question: Which season had the biggest voting controversy?


Answer: season eight

Question: Which season had a voting controversy because of a huge increase in text votes?


Answer: power voting

Question: Which voting concern has been present since the first season?


Answer: 2010

Question: When did Vote for the Girls start?


Answer: 2013

Question: When did Vote for the Worst close?


Answer: Idol Gives Back

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.

Question: What is the name of the special that raises money for charities on American Idol?


Answer: $185 million

Question: How much money has American Idol raised for charity with its Idol Gives Back specials?


Answer: Idol Gives Back

Question: What is the name of the charity that Idol has?