“American Idol,” the singing-competition show that launched the careers of performers such as Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson, was named Friday the recipient of the Television Academy’s 2016 Governor’s Award.
“‘American Idol’ wasn’t just a hit show,” said Michael Levine, chairman of the academy’s Governors Award Selection Committee. “With its successful integration of social media, dominance of the pop-culture conversation and legions of imitators, it changed television in a profound way. You could meaningfully divide the history of television into ‘before American Idol’ and ‘after American Idol.”‘
The Governors Award is awarded to an individual or achievement “that is so exceptional and universal in nature, it goes beyond the scope of annual Emmy Awards recognition,” according to the academy.
“American Idol” ran for 15 seasons, beginning in June 2002 and ending its run in April.
During its run, the show was nominated for 59 Emmys, winning eight. Performers who appeared on the show have won 13 Grammys, two Golden Globes and one Academy Award — earned by Hudson for her supporting role in “Dreamgirls.”
The Emmy Awards will be presented Sept. 18.
—City News Service