The premiere of “American Idol” airs on Wednesday, so Ryan Seacrest has been making the TV talk show rounds to promote the 12th season. On Jan. 16, he appeared on “Live with Kelly & Michael” and revealed details about tonight’s big premiere.
Ryan Seacrest is the original and only host of “American Idol,” which premiered in 2002 on FOX. He was on hand to crown Kelly Clarkson the very first winner and watched Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Scotty McCreery and Phillip Phillips succeed her.
Seacrest has also seen judges come and go, including Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Ellen DeGeneres, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. Now, he’s on board as “American Idol” welcomes three new judges: Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban. On Wednesday morning, Seacrest revealed that the transition has not been smooth sailing, but said to Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan, “At the end of the day, we’re one big, happy and dysfunctional family.” Earlier this month, he told “TV Guide,” “This panel brings a very broad, spirited and unique perspective with each individual artist. There is never a dull moment. We look at this as a fun new beginning.”
Concerning tonight’s premiere, Ryan said on Wednesday that it opens with an argument between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey. The two fight in an elevator and their disagreement is featured right away. The host also revealed that the big blow up between Nicki and Mariah that received so much publicity airs during the second week.
Since premiering in 2002, “American Idol” has attracted a lucrative and loyal following, but its ratings have been on the decline. They peaked in 2006 when an average of 37.44 million viewers tuned in each week. Last season, that number was down to 21.93 million. Plus, “American Idol” has been nominated for an Emmy Award every year since 2003, but was completely snubbed in 2012. Producers are definitely hoping that the new judges can rekindle a spark and bring fans back into the fold.
To get set for Wednesday night’s premiere, here’s a bit of Grammy trivia about “American Idol.”
- Kelly Clarkson was the first “American Idol” winner to win a Grammy.
- Carrie Underwood from season 4 has earned the most Grammy nominations (10). She has also won the most Grammys (5).
- Most Grammy-nominated season: Season five finalists Chris Daughtry, Mandisa and Ace Young all earned Grammy nominations in 2008.
- Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson are the only “American Idol” contestants to win a Grammy for Best Album.
- Carrie Underwood became the first “American Idol” contestant be nominated under the Best New Artist category.
- All of the “American Idol” winners except Taylor Hicks, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, David Cook & Scotty McCreery earned Grammy nominations during the first year they were eligible.
- Clarkson was the first “American Idol” contestant to have a song nominated for Record of the Year.
- Underwood was the first “American Idol” contestant to have a song nominated for Song of the Year.
- Underwood is also the fastest “American Idol” contestant to win a Grammy Award. She won just one year and four months after the release of her debut album, “Some Hearts.”
- Mandisa, Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia Barrino all earned Grammy nominations for their debut albums.
- Despite multiple nominations, the group “Duughtry” has never won a Grammy Award.
- Total Grammy nominations and wins earned by “American Idol” finalists: 42 nominations (including 2 nominations by multiple Idols), 9 wins.
“American Idol” premieres at 8 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Jan. 16 and Thursday, Jan. 17 on FOX.
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