The Search for a Superstar
Twelve finalists and/or future singers (six men and six women) who are selected from across America, compete in a talent contest in which they are asked to sing any song of their liking on this "Star Search" clone. After each song performance, the judges, Abdul, Jackson and Cowell, critique that finalist's chosen song. At the end of each show, America must vote for a finalist whose performance is thought to be worthy - using AT&T (now Cingular Wireless) or any other cellular phone to cast votes. Once the votes are locked in, the judges and America again decide who has the most and the least amount of votes. The contestant with the least votes is eliminated. This goes on until a winner is crowned the "American Idol”. They will also win a recording contract worth up to $1,000,000. The other finalists to who were voted off before (the runner-up), also win recording contracts.