The first season of American Idol premiered on June 11, 2002 and continued until September 4, 2002. It was won by Kelly Clarkson. This season was co-hosted by Brian Dunkleman, who left the show after one season.
Auditions
Auditions were held in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, and Seattle in the spring of 2002.
Finals
In the first season the show was co-hosted by Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman. Kelly Clarkson won, with Justin Guarini coming in second. Numerous television specials starring the ten finalists followed, as well as the box office bomb entitled From Justin to Kelly. Since winning, Clarkson has gone on to a very successful recording career, including multiple-platinum albums, a number of Top 10 hit singles and on to win 2 Grammy awards.
