News

If “American Idol” finalist Mara Justine looks familiar, it’s because she previously auditioned for rival reality TV show “America’s Got Talent.” Back in the ninth season of “Agt” in 2014, Mara was only 11 years old but she still wowed judges Howie Mandel, Howard Stern, Mel B and Heidi Klum with her booming voice. During that show’s live quarterfinals she took on “Unconditionally” by Katy Perry, an artist who coincidentally now judges Mara every week on “American Idol.” Watch Mara’s “Agt” performance above.

See Who will win ‘American Idol’ in its first season on ABC? [Poll]

This Galloway, NJ resident grew up with four siblings and a hard-working mother. “My family is just amazing people and I couldn’t have asked for any bigger supporters,” Mara declared in her “Agt” video package. “I love my mom so much because she believes in me. To have a mom that believes...

Surprising no one, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood have topped our recent poll that asked you to name your favorite “American Idol” winner of all time. With 24% of the vote, Clarkson just narrowly beat out Underwood (23%) to earn the top spot. None of the other 13 champs even came close in our poll results. See all 15 winners in our photo gallery above, and then sound off on your fave down in the comments section.

See‘American Idol’ twist: Britney Holmes receives second chance after judges initially tell her ‘no’ [Watch]

Clarkson was the first-ever “American Idol” winner back in 2002, while Underwood claimed victory a few years later for the reality TV show’s fourth season. As far as the Grammys are concerned, both ladies are winners as Clarkson took home two Grammys in 2005 (“Breakaway” and “Since U Been Gone”) and another in 2012 (“Stronger”), while Underwood has amassed a whopping seven trophies, including...

“American Idol” fans, we need your help. As new judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie step behind the desk for the first time on ABC’s reboot of the reality TV singing show, we want to know who You think is the best winner of all time. Is it Season 1’s Kelly Clarkson, who now coaches “The Voice”? How about Season 4’s Carrie Underwood, who gave the intro to Sunday’s season premiere? What about country star Scotty McCreery, whose low voice enraptured America in Season 10? Familiarize yourself with all 15 winners in our photo gallery above, and then vote for your favorite in our poll below.

Poll: ‘American Idol’: Rate new judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie

In all, male champs have dominated the series with 10 overall victories, including eight of the past nine. They are: Ruben Studdard (Season 2), Taylor Hicks (Season 5), David Cook (Season...