Winner
Taylor Hicks
Runner-Up
Katharine McPhee
Episodes
40
Year
2006
Judges
Simon CowellPaula AbdulRandy Jackson
Season Highlight
Taylor Hicks charmed audiences with his silver hair and soulful style.
About Season 5
American Idol Season 5 aired on Fox in 2006. 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. Taylor Hicks took home the title, beating out Katharine McPhee in the finale. The season featured 40 episodes and was judged by Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson.