Winner
Kelly Clarkson
Runner-Up
Justin Guarini
Episodes
33
Year
2002
Judges
Simon CowellPaula AbdulRandy Jackson
Season Highlight
The show that started it all — Kelly Clarkson became the first American Idol and launched a Grammy-winning career.
About Season 1
American Idol Season 1 aired on Fox in 2002. This was part of the show's original run, which established American Idol as the highest-rated show on American television for multiple consecutive seasons. Kelly Clarkson took home the title, beating out Justin Guarini in the finale. The season featured 33 episodes and was judged by Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson.