who won the first season of the television show american idol
American Idol (season 1) The first season of American Idol premiered on June 11, 2002 (under the full title American Idol: The Search for a Superstar) and continued until September 4, 2002. It was won by Kelly Clarkson. That first season was co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman, the latter of whom left the show after the season ended.