Lured by the possibility of instant stardom, tens of thousands of hopefuls from across the nation audition for a chance to be the next American Idol. The show’s trio of expert judges – Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson – winnow the competitors to a select group of semifinalists who sing their hearts out each week for the studio audience and the television viewers. The judges have their say after every performance, but it’s the viewing public that determines who will advance to the next round of the competition, and ultimately become the next "American Idol."