Some Absolutely Staggering Facts About American Idol You Should Know Before You Start Watching Again

American Idol took the world by storm when the reality competition began in 2002. The show is now airing its 16th season on ABC after it was axed by Fox. With a trio of new judges (Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie) they are ready to start fresh and take the singing world by storm for the second time.

There have been several successful artists and ratings-topping seasons but many fans know little known about all the action that has gone on behind the scenes.

There was supposed to how many judges in the first season? That’s coming up.

It Was A Direct Rip Off…

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Photo Credit: Steve Finn / Getty Images

It’s really not that rare for a show to be based on another successful show in another country, and American Idol is no different. Simon Cowell (I’m sure you know the name) saw the potential for a show like American Idol, which was based directly off of a show Cowell created in the UK called Pop Idol.

Pop Idol was dismantled after Cowell left to focus on American Idol, and the popular singing competition quickly laid the groundwork for all of the singing and talent shows that we enjoy today.