Idol Worship

At the season 5 auditions, "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell voted against Taylor Hicks entering the competition, but judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul prevailed. The 29-year-old Alabama soul man's consistently good vocal performances eventually won Cowell's approval and the judge correctly predicted Hicks would win.

Photo: Hicks performs at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, Tuesday, May 23, 2006.

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood, 22, the Oklahoma sweetheart with a strong voice and bright smile, was the fourth season's "American Idol." Her 2005 debut album "Some Hearts" was certified triple platinum in May 2006.

Photo: Underwood performs during the "American Idol" finale May 25, 2005.

Host Ryan Seacrest

As "American Idol" host, Ryan Seacrest is often the referee, keeping the judges from fighting or soothing a contestant after a rough critique. Seacrest is also a busy radio personality, and has a three-year deal with the E! network to produce and host various programs.

Photo: Seacrest gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on April 20, 2005.

Judge Simon Cowell

Since the show's debut, judge Simon Cowell, a British music executive, has become America's most notorious critic -- not only for his incredible instinct for spotting the next breakout musical stars, but also for his shockingly candid repartee with everyone who crosses his path.

Photo: Cowell signs copies of his book in New York on Dec. 3, 2003.

Judge Randy Jackson

Before being recognized by fans of his enthusiastic judging on "American Idol," Randy Jackson was known by music insiders, and is a sought-after record executive and producer. He's also a bass player who's played with everyone from Journey, Herbie Hancock and Mariah Carey to the Charlie Daniels Band.

Photo: Jackson speaks to the media in Los Angeles on Jan. 17, 2005.

Judge Paula Abdul

Dancer-singer Paula Abdul is known for her upbeat critiques of even the most hopeless "Idol" contestants. Abdul began performing as a Laker girl in the '80s and later became a choreographer for both television and music videos. From there she began a recording career, releasing six No. 1 singles.

Photo: Abdul speaks during an interview in New York on Jan. 13, 2005.

Corey Clark

An offstage drama played out during the show's 2005 season when former contestant Corey Clark claimed he had an affair with judge Paula Abdul while competing in 2003, and that she coached him. In August 2005, FOX announced that after an official investigation it had found no evidence to support Clark's accusations.

Photo: Clark, left, is interviewed by ABC's John Quinones in May 2005.

Mario Vazquez

Mario Vazquez was considered by many to be the 2005 "American Idol" front-runner. Then, without warning, Vazquez shocked viewers by dropping out of the show. He later signed a deal with J Records, which is part of RCA Music Group, the same label that awards a record contract to the show's winner.

Photo: Vazquez at the 2005 Tribeca Film Festival in New York on April 26, 2005.

Ruben Studdard

Ruben Studdard, the 2003 "American Idol," was dubbed the "Velvet Teddy Bear" by R&B legend Gladys Knight for his smooth voice and big fella physique. His first album, 2003's "Soulful," went platinum and his 2004 gospel follow-up "I Need An Angel" went gold. His third album is due in summer 2006.

Photo: Studdard sits for a photo at the offices of J Records in New York on Dec. 5, 2003.

Clay Aiken

Second season runner-up Clay Aiken proved losing doesn't have to mean obscurity. The boyish crooner from North Carolina lost to Ruben Studdard by a slim margin. Aiken got a recording deal of his own, and his debut album, "Measure of a Man," hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in October 2003, selling 612,000 copies during its first week.

Photo: Aiken shakes hands with fans in Los Angeles on Oct. 4, 2003.

Fantasia Barrino

With her trademark dance moves and sensational voice, Fantasia Barrino sang her way into the hearts of music fans across the country, winning the fourth season of "American Idol" title. Barrino, a 19-year-old single mother from North Carolina, claimed the victory for her 2-year-old daughter, Zion.

Photo: Barrino during an interview at her home in Charlotte, N.C., June 16, 2004.

William Hung

In season three, "American Idol" launched a most unlikely pop star: William Hung. The University of California at Berkeley engineering student famously fractured Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" during auditions. Hung won America's hearts for his positive attitude and humility.

Photo: Hung performs during halftime of the University of California's men's volleyball game on Feb. 18, 2004, in Berkeley, Calif.

Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson, a Texas cocktail waitress whose signature song was Aretha Franklin's "Respect," was voted the first "American Idol." Earning a unanimous judges vote and 58 percent of the nationwide vote, Clarkson stole the show with her powerful voice. Her sophomore 2004 album, "Breakaway," earned her two Grammys and sold 5 million copies.

Photo: Clarkson performs in Anaheim, Calif., on May 14, 2005.