The 1st season of American Idol is so far the best! It debuted having no hype around it since it is simply a summer replacement show in June 2002 on the Fox network. The show was co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman. It ran for 13 weeks from June–September. There is an estimated 50 million people watched the finale in September 2002.
This 1st Season champ, Kelly Clarkson, did sign with RCA Records. Right after the finals, Clarkson released her two chart topping singles, including the song “A Moment Like This.” Kelly has since released four successful albums and is recognized as the original and most successful American Idol. Her fourth album, All I Ever Wanted was released on Mar 10, 2009. Clarkson was the first AI contestant to win a Grammy and has received several awards and sold over 20 million albums worldwide.
Season 2 Runner-up, Justin Guarini, also signed with RCA Records, eventually realsing his debut album in 2003 after the conclusion of season 2. Unfortunately, RCA dropped him shortly after his debut went out. Guarini went on to form his own entertainment company and independently produced a jazz album in 2005, and is a host/commentator for the TV Guide Network.
Also worth mentioning in addition to Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini, also signed were Nikki McKibbin (3rd runner up), Tamyra Gray (4th runner up), R. J. Helton (5th runner up), and Christina Christian (6th runner up). Tamyra Gray was signed, but was dropped before releasing an album. She then signed with Idol creator Simon Fuller’s new label 19 Entertainment, released her debut album in 2004, and was also dropped from that label in 2005.
The show inspired a 2003 musical film, From Justin to Kelly, featuring Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini. The musical love story, produced by Idol’s Simon Fuller, was filmed in Miami, Florida over a period of six weeks shortly after the season ended. Released several months later in June 2003, however the film failed to make back its budget during its short run in theaters, and is often ranked among the worst movies ever made.
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