American Idol was launched in 2002, following the success of "Pop Idol" in the UK the previous year. Brainchild of music impressario Simon Cowell, the show features auditions open to anyone from 16 to 28 years old in a number of big cities. If two out of three of the judges approve, the contestant moves on to Hollywood. From there, the contestants are whittled down to 24. From then on the viewers choose who stays or goes all the way until the final.