Paula Abdul is best known for her hit songs and dancing in the 1990s, and for judging American Idol in the 2000s.
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Crystal Bowersox landed a spot on the ninth season of American Idol and became the first runner-up.
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With hits such as "Vision of Love" and "I Don't Wanna Cry," pop diva Mariah Carey holds the record for most No. 1 debuts in Billboard Hot 100 history.
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Kelly Clarkson is an American Idol winner who went on to record several top ten hits including "Breakaway," "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and "Because of You."
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Simon Cowell is a record producer and television personality known for his scathing critical remarks as a judge on the television show, "American Idol."
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With her own talk show, Ellen DeGeneres is one of America's most well-known comedians, also serving as a prominent gay/lesbian role model.
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In 2009, singer Lee DeWyze beat out the American Idol judges' clear choice, Crystal Bowersox, thanks to the audience's majority vote.
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Songwriter Kara DioGuardi has worked on popular hits for a laundry list of pop stars including Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson and Ashlee Simpson.
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Taylor Hicks is an American singer-songwriter who rose to fame after his win on the fifth season of American Idol.
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Jennifer Hudson is an Oscar and Grammy-winning actress and singer known for roles in Dreamgirls and Sex and the City.
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Record producer and musician Randy Jackson is notable mostly as a judge on the talent-search TV show American Idol
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Singer and guitarist Casey James became a household name when he appeared and placed third on the ninth season of American Idol.
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Adam Lambert is an American singer best known for his finalist position in the eighth season of American Idol in 2009. His huge vocal range and glam-rocker style made him a standout. Lambert came in second place.
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Singer Kimberley Locke made a hugely successful run on American Idol and ended up placing third (behind runner-up Clay Aiken and winner Ruben Studdard).
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Actress and singer Jennifer Lopez is one of Hollywood’s leading ladies who’s also forged a successful pop and dance music career.
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Michael Lynche was a contestant on the ninth season of American Idol. He was the second finalist to receive the "judge's save."
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Hip-hop artist Nicki Minaj was featured in seven songs on Billboard's Hot 100 at the same time, even before the release of her debut album in 2010.
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Singer Kellie Pickler appeared on American Idol in 2006 and has since released several hit country albums, including Small Town Girl and 100 Proof.
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Ryan Seacrest is known for hosting the popular televised competition American Idol, the annual TV special Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve and the radio program American Top 40.
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Ruben Studdard is a R&B, pop, and gospel singer. He rose to fame as winner of the second season of American Idol.
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The lead singer of popular rock band Aerosmith with hits like “Dream On” and “Walk This Way,” Steven Tyler has also served as a judge on American Idol.
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Carrie Underwood was the winner of American Idol's fourth season and went on to win multiple Grammy and Academy of Country Music Awards.
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Grammy-award winning country music singer, songwriter and guitarist Keith Urban was named the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year in 2006.
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