Marlton, NJ (Top40 Charts/Pandora) NARM, the music business association, announced today that it will honor American Idol, one of the most popular programs in the history of American television, with a special Outstanding Achievement Award to celebrate the show's 10th season on the air and highlight its impact on the world of music. The Award will be presented at the 2011 NARM Convention Awards Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles on Thursday, May 12. Idol judges and contestants, as well as representatives from 19 Entertainment, FremantleMedia North
America and Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX), will be invited to participate in the presentation that will revisit Idol's journey to the top.
"There is no question that American Idol has had a profound impact on the music business in terms of discovering new talent, inspiring new music, supporting live touring and contributing to recording sales with more than 50 million albums and over 160 million song downloads on iTunes," said NARM President Jim Donio. "It is a certified pop-culture phenomenon that has earned iconic brand status over the past decade, and is the only TV program to have been No. 1 for seven consecutive seasons. This actually says even more about the public's passion and devotion to music. We are so excited to be recognizing Idol's unique achievements and adding our voice to the chorus of congratulations for this 10th season milestone."
Premiering last night, Wednesday, January 19, at 8/7c on FOX, Idol has undergone a number of well-publicized changes this year, including welcoming two new judges, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, who join original judge Randy Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest. The show has expanded its eligibility age range to include hopefuls from 15 to 28 years old, and will feature several additional format changes. Also, the show will air on Wednesdays and Thursdays this season. Nigel Lythgoe returns as executive producer, and Universal Music Group is the official partner record label with Interscope Geffen A&M Records Chairman Jimmy Iovine serving as in-house coach.
Grabbing the top prize for Idol's first nine seasons in chronological order were: Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen and Lee DeWyze. Winners, finalists and other contestants have gone on to multi-platinum record sales, industry awards, and starring roles on Broadway, on TV and in feature films. Idol Gives Back, a special charity edition of the show featuring performances by contestants and guest artists and celebrities, has raised nearly $185 million in its three airings. The show is broadcast to more than 100 countries outside of the United States and even spawned "The American IdolExperience," a live attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
