American Idol
TV talent search
American Idol is a television singing competition that dominated American pop culture in the 2000s, launching careers like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.
Contestants perform for celebrity judges and audience votes determine who advances.
The show's format—auditions, eliminations, viewer voting—became a template for reality competition television.
She's convinced she'll be the next American Idol.
One who prevails
- celebrityWidely recognized public figure
- stardomCelebrity status achieved
- spotlightConcentrated illumination source
- limelightCenter of public notice
record deal · contract · album · tour · fanbase · publicity · recognition · Kelly Clarkson
Competitive evaluation for selection
- callbackFollow-up audition invitation
- contestantCompetition participant
- hopefulFeeling positive expectation
- aspiringSeeking to achieve
judges · stagefright · nerves · preparation · elimination · critique · feedback · discovery
Formally registering a choice
- eliminationAct of removing entirely
- saveProtect from loss
- wildcardUnpredictable factor in play
- finaleConcluding part of performance
crown · victory · defeat · rivalry · frontrunner · underdog · favorites · rankings
Prominent media surname
- ABCFirst three letters
- FremantleWestern Australian port city
- primetimeTelevision's highest-viewership period
- seasonYearly division or series
Ryan Seacrest · Simon Cowell · Randy Jackson · Paula Abdul · Jennifer Lopez · Steven Tyler · Keith Urban · Katy Perry
Raised performance platform
- vocalsSung musical parts
- arrangementOrdered configuration or agreement
- mentorTrusted wisdom-giving advisor
- standing ovationApplause while risen
pitchy · artistry · interpretation · showmanship · charisma · connection · emotional · powerful
winner
One who prevails
- celebrityWidely recognized public figure
- stardomCelebrity status achieved
- spotlightConcentrated illumination source
limelight · record deal · contract · album · tour · fanbase · publicity · recognition · Kelly Clarkson · Carrie Underwood
tryout
Competitive evaluation for selection
- callbackFollow-up audition invitation
- contestantCompetition participant
- hopefulFeeling positive expectation
aspiring · judges · stagefright · nerves · preparation · elimination · critique · feedback · discovery · breakthrough
voting
Formally registering a choice
- eliminationAct of removing entirely
- saveProtect from loss
- wildcardUnpredictable factor in play
finale · crown · victory · defeat · rivalry · frontrunner · underdog · favorites · rankings · dial-in
Fox
Prominent media surname
- ABCFirst three letters
- FremantleWestern Australian port city
- primetimeTelevision's highest-viewership period
Ryan Seacrest · Simon Cowell · Randy Jackson · Paula Abdul · Jennifer Lopez · Steven Tyler · Keith Urban · Katy Perry · Lionel Richie · season
stage
Raised performance platform
- vocalsSung musical parts
- arrangementOrdered configuration or agreement
- mentorTrusted wisdom-giving advisor
standing ovation · pitchy · artistry · interpretation · showmanship · charisma · connection · emotional · powerful · memorable
- TV showsTV shows, sitcom, The Office, cartoon, Modern Family
- Elimination Gamesmusical chairs, dodgeball, knockout, last man standing, hot potato
- reality TVSurvivor, contestant, The Bachelor, elimination, The Bachelorette
- Simon FullerSpice Girls, talent shows, reality TV
- 2000s MusicBeyonce, Britney Spears, Eminem, Justin Timberlake, Usher
- variety showsSaturday Night Live, The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show, Laugh-In, The Muppet Show
American Idolindie music
Non-major-label recordings
garage bands · bedroom producers · open mic nights · busking · college radio
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