An American TV show, based on the British original Pop Idol, in which thousands of young singers (aged 16-24) audition for the chance to be chosen as the new singing idol. Auditions are held in key cities around the country, with judges weeding out the hopefuls, until there are only 30 left. These 30 compete, on air, and the viewing public votes for their three favorites each week, over the course of the next three weeks. Those nine contestants, along with one "wild card" chosen by the judges, continue on to the next stage of the competition, which takes place over several weeks.