Kevin Winter, Getty
But with rise of reality shows came American Idol in 2002. The American spin-off of the U.K.'s Pop Idol, which began the year before, offered up the opportunity to audition for industry insiders and a spotlight that was designed to discover talents hidden all over America. The original idea, along with reality show innovators at the time like Survivor or The Real World, captured the imagination of a mass audience and created instant stars such as season one winner Kelly Clarkson and season four winner Carrie Underwood.
As the years went by, though, various networks have spun similar singing competitions such as The X Factor, Rock Star INXS, Pussycat Dolls Presents: The Search for the Next Doll and more recently, The Voice and the upcoming Duets, which actually stars Clarkson as a judge.
Taylor Swift Dominates at 2013 Billboard Music Awards
Kellie Pickler Named 'Dancing With the Stars' Champion
Beyonce Releases New Anthem, 'Grown Woman'
Tim McGraw's 'Superstar Summer Night' Special to Air May 19
Carrie Underwood 'Goats' Hunter Hayes With Blown Away Tour Prank
Who Won 'DWTS'?
Blake Shelton Will Return for Season 5 of 'The Voice'
PHOTOS: This Is The Best Response To Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries We've Seen Yet
J. Cole Performs 'Born Sinner' on 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon,' Reveals Competitive Spirit Against Kanye West
PHOTO: Dog Guards Dead Victim's Body After Oklahoma Tornado Disaster
Toby Keith Says His Hometown of Moore, Oklahoma 'Will Perservere' After Deadly Tornado
Wolf Blitzer's Embarrassing Moment With Tornado Survivor
Tim McGraw Stops Atlanta Show to Help Ailing Fan
Demi Looks FANTASTIC In A Bikini
Miguel and Fan Are 'Okay' After Crazy Kick at 2013 Billboard Music Awards
Rescuers Continue Search For Tornado Survivors
Man Reportedly Beheaded In Brutal Assault In London Neighborhood
The World's Most Powerful Women
PHOTOS: Christie Brinkley Gets Back Into A Swimsuit At 59 Years Old
Mother Dies With Infant During Oklahoma Tornado
NY Times Eviscerates Obama White House
PHOTOS: Tornado Aftermath Leaves Trail Of Destruction
15 Incredible Cat Photobombs
Singer Sues McDonald's, Claims Chicken Sandwich Incident Ruined Her Voice
Grossed Out Student Finds "Worm" In His McMuffin
CBS Reporter's Grave Allegations
Tornadoes Strike Oklahoma
Mila Kunis And Ashton Kutcher Put Their Romance On Display
WATCH: Tornado Victim Finds Dog During CBS Interview
PHOTOS: Tornado Devastates Moore, Oklahoma
Guess Who?
PHOTO: LARGEST Python Ever Caught In Florida!
Tara Ellison: Why I Gave A Toast At My Ex-Husband's Wedding