American Idol

:For the current season, see American Idol (season 3)
American Idol is a reality television singing competition. It premiered on March 21, 2012.
== Judges and hosts ==
The original judging panel consisted of Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler. Lopez and Tyler did not return for season two and were replaced with Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban. All four judges did not return for season three. Haley Allen, Brandon Bixby and Carlton Judd signed on to judge. All three have signed contracts that will see them judge through at least season four.
;Current judges
*Haley Allen (2014-)
*Brandon Bixby (2014-)
*Carlton Judd (2014-)
;Former judges
*Mariah Carey (2013)
*Randy Jackson (2012-13)
*Jennifer Lopez (2012)
*Nicki Minaj (2013)
*Steven Tyler (2012)
*Keith Urban (2013)
Ryan Seacrest has hosted the series since its inception.
== Series overview ==
Season	Premiered 	Ended 	Timeslot
1 	March 21, 2012	Final Performances: May 22, 2012	Wednesdays(performance)
1 	March 21, 2012	Season Finale: May 23, 2012 	Thursdays(results)
2 	March 13, 2013	Final Performances: May 15, 2013	Wednesdays(performance)
2 	March 13, 2013	Season Finale: May 16, 2013 	Thursdays(results)
3 	April 1, 2014 	Final Performances: May 20, 2014	Tuesdays(performance)
3 	April 1, 2014 	Season Finale: May 21, 2014 	Wednesdays(results)
=== Season 1 ===
The first season premiered on March 21, 2012. Twelve contestants performed during the first live performance show. The series saw its first double elimination during its first live show with Kelsey Saunders and Dawson Tyler being the first contestants eliminated from the competition. Caitlin Roberts' elimination was a surprise to the judges and viewers, many of who thought she was a frontrunner to win the competition.
On May 23, 2012, Tyler Rosin was crowned the winner of American Idol, defeating runner-up Lara Rubio.
=== Season 2 ===
:Main article: American Idol (season 2)
The second season premiered on March 13, 2013. This season featured ten finalists vying for the title of American Idol. A new twist featured this season was the "Judges' Save". Anytime between the start of the live shows and the Top 5 results, the judges may opt to save a contestant from elimination, advancing them another week in the competition. The judges only get one save per season. The judges decided to use their save during the Top 8 results show, saving Brent Woodward from elimination. Woodward eventually placed in sixth place.
The judges and viewers were shocked during the Top 4 results show when the bottom two was revealed to be Jana Crawford and Isabella Fuentes, the two frontrunners in the competition. Fuentes was ultimately eliminated from the competition that week to the dismay of the judges.
On May 16, 2013, Jana Crawford was crowned American Idol, defeating runner-up Danny Altan.
=== Season 3 ===
:Main article: American Idol (season 3)
The third season is scheduled to premiere on April 1, 2014 and run for eight weeks of competition, two weeks shorter than previous years. The judging panel was completely revamped, with the additions of Haley Allen, Brandon Bixby and Carlton Judd.
On May 21, 2014, Veronica Bush was crowned the winner, defeating runner-up James Keogh.
=== Season 4 ===
A fourth season has been confirmed to premiere in Spring 2015. All three judges are set to return.