Idols was first shown as Pop Idol on British television in October 2001. Since then, the format has turned into a true global phenomenon, airing over 135 series across more than 40 territories, proving a track record of guaranteed success in every country where it has been aired. It is consistently the number one series in the US, bringing in audiences in excess of an astounding 29 million viewers. Over the past 10 series, there have been over 4 billion viewer votes cast for American Idol contestants.
Idols consistently ranks number one across the globe, including Germany where the show exceeded RTL’s prime time average across all key demographics, performing over 80 % higher for young adults (14-29). The Idols format continues to intrigue audiences around the world, regularly ranking No. 1 in countries like the Netherlands, as well as Singapore, where nearly a third of the population tuned in when the series was launched.