Current Events: Randy Jackson Stays With "Idol"

Starting back in 2001, American Idol, has become one of the most popular talent searches in the US. The first three judges were Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. American Idol is the name, finding talent is their game.

The first episode was aired on June 11, 2002. Thousands of people showed up for the audition and only a select number were put through to the top 24. Sending television rates through the roof, Idol was a hit. Winding down the weeks of competition, the season one finalists were Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini. Votes hit a whopping 17 million votes and would declare the winner. Ryan Seacrest, the main host, held the first ever American Idol envelope that held their futures. "And the winner of American Idol season one is, Kelly Clarkson!" This was the start of a major oppurtunity for Kelly.

As the years passed, Simon decided he wanted to work on The X Factor, which brought us One Direction in 2010! (Fangirl moment!) Paula would later leave in 2010 as well. She wanted to work on her music and be with her family. Now what are they going to do with the two empty judges seats?

In 2011, they offered Bret Michaels, (Poison's lead singer) and Miranda Lambert a seat, both turned them down. Then came the time to ask Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez if they wanted to have those seats. Of course they said yes. Auditions came and they traveled to almost eight cities.

Your 2011 season was a real nail biter. With heart throb Scotty McCreery and southern belle Lauren Alaina in your top two, everyone was on edge with who the winner may be. A record 178 million votes came in that night alone. "And the winner is, Scotty McCreery!"

With Steven and J-Lo deciding to leave the show and not return for another season, Randy was debating whether he wanted to stay or not. With Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey taking up the two empty seats, he decided that he was going to stay with Idol.

The following is list of the American Idol winners and runner ups.

2002: W: Kelly Clarkson RU: Justin Guarini
2003: W: Ruben Studdard RU: Clay Aiken
2004: W: Fantasia Barrino RU: Diana DeGarmo
2005: W: Carrie Underwood RU: Bo Bice
2006: W: Taylor Hicks RU: Katherine McPhee
2007: W: Jordin Sparks RU: Blake Lewis
2008: W: David Cook RU: David Archuletta
2009: W: Kris Allen RU: Adam Lambert
2010: W: Lee DeWyze RU: Crystal Bowersox
2011: W: Scotty McCreery RU: Lauren Alaina
2012: W: Phillip Phillips RU: Jessica Sanchez

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