American Idol (season 4) numbers for the contestants. The result show was moved to Thursday." The compilation album for this season was performed by the top twelve finalists. "Source: Idolsmusic.com" American Idol (season 4) The fourth season of "American Idol" premiered on January 18, 2005 and continued until May 25, 2005. It was hosted by Ryan Seacrest. Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell also returned to judge. Carrie Underwood won the season with approximately 500 million votes cast in the season and 37 million for the finale. Underwood has since gone on to become a seven-time Grammy-winning country megastar. While in the past
American Idol placed second overall amongst the 18–49 age group. The finale night when Ruben Studdard won over Clay Aiken was also the highest-rated ever "American Idol" episode at 38.1 million for the final hour. By the third season, the show had become the top show in the 18–49 demographic<ref name="realitytvworld_5/24/2007"></ref> a position it has held for all subsequent years up to and including the tenth season, and its competition stages ranked first in the nationwide overall ratings. By the fourth season, "American Idol" had become the most watched series amongst all viewers on American TV for the first time, with an