As American Idol prepares to exit the airwaves after 15 seasons of innovation and inspiration, PEOPLE takes a look back at the show that shattered records, and reinvented the television competition. Highlights of this musical special edition include: Exclusive interviews with the contestants and judges - the ones we loved and the ones we loved to hate A review of the most memorable moments, from William Hung's "She Bangs" to Fantasia's powerhouse performances A section that reveals what contestants have been up to since their time on Idol A peek at the biggest successes to come out of the Idol machine, from Adam Lambert to Carrie Underwood

Easy-to-read text, oversized color photos, and captivating graphics introduce young readers to the host and judges of the popular television show American Idol. Readers will learn about host Ryan Seacrest and judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi. Each person's family background, education, and career are covered, as well as his or her experience and qualifications that led to American Idol. Also discussed is the background of American Idol, Paula Abdul's work as a judge, and famous American Idol winners, such as Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, and Jennifer Hudson. The addition of host Ellen DeGeneres for the 2010 season is included as well. Features include maps, "Did You Know" facts, a "Snapshot" page with vital information, a glossary with phonetics, and an index. Buddy Books is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

American Idol is a collectable book that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the show in 64 full-color pages including an in-depth look into the show, its contestants, hosts, and judges, including veteran music executive Randy Jackson, pop star Paula Abdul, and British BMG executive Simon Cowell. The book highlights the contestants’ journeys from audition cities to the selection of the final ten, with full features on each finalist. In addition, the book includes interviews with the ten finalists, judges Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, and the hosts.

The fame, the shame and how life changed: American Idol: Where Are They Now?, Tenth Anniversary Edition, catches up with ALL 134 TOP 12 finalists from the talent show that became a star-making phenomenon. Who made $22 million last year? (Hello, Carrie Underwood!) Who's singing on a cruise ship? Opened a hair salon? About to star in Rock of Ages with Tom Cruise? Plus newly minted millionaires, marriages, arrests (5!), candid photos and updates on the Glorious Rejects (William Hung, Bikini Girl, General Larry "Pants on the Ground" Platt) who didn't make the cut but whose performances were unforgettable (no matter how hard you tried).

The currency is fame, and it's bigger than money, more desired than power. Each season American Idol delivers on a promise whose epic scope is unparalleled in the annals of competition: to take an unknown dreamer from the middle of America and turn him or her into a genuine star. It has become not only the biggest show on television, but the biggest force in all of entertainment; its alumni dominate the recording charts and Broadway, win Academy Awards, and sweep up Grammys. In fact, American Idol has reshaped the very idea of celebrity. But it didn't start out that way. When the little singing contest debuted as a summer replacement on the U.S. airwaves, it was packed between reruns and low-cost filler. The promise that it would find America's next pop star produced a hearty round of guffaws from the country's media critics. Now, some ten years and millions of records later, no one is laughing. American Idol: The Untold Story chronicles the triumphs and travails, the harrowing backstage drama and the nail-biting onstage battles that built this revolutionary show. In this revealing book, veteran journalist Richard Rushfield goes deeper inside the circus than any reporter ever has. Candid interviews with Idol alumni, including Simon Fuller and Simon Cowell, shed new light on the show that changed the entertainment industry. And because Rushfield had full access to the people who created the show, starred in it, and kept it atop the pop culture pyramid, this book is the first to take Americans behind the curtain and tell what has really been happening on the world's most watched and speculated-about stage.

Dream Big: American Idol Superstars shares with the reader the bright and colorful journeys made from the ordinary to the realm of superstar.

Go behind the scenes of Season 4! ·Up close and personal with the Top 12 ·Sneak peak at creating an Idol ·Candid backstage photos ·Lifestyles of the Top 12 ·See what happens when the cameras aren't rolling ·Exclusive poster of your favorite contestants