URAPS Idol

URAPS Idol (also known as Urapopstar Idol) is a reality-singing competition series.

The concept of the series is to find new solo recording artists where the winner is determined by the viewers in America. Contestants are found through a series of worldwide auditions before the field is narrowed down to a final 12. From them on, the final 12 perform for the judges during a series of live shows until one Idol is left standing. Winners chosen by viewers through telephone, Internet, and SMS text voting were (from season five onwards) Timmy Henderson, Sasha Riley, Olivia Dimuzio, Sleazy Sisters, Poppy, Troy Rivers, Genevere Johnson and Regina Harper. URAPS Idol employs a panel of judges who critique the contestants' performances.

Although the winners have not necessarily achieved commercia success, URAPS Idol has many noteworthy alumni, such as Pepper Bridges, Melissa Moore, Riley Hart, Cleo Clarice, Josie Matthews, AJ Hutton, Nate Brown, Alfie Outcast, Tika Yuki, Nara Venom, Gabriel Dresden, Mark Charlie Wilson, Cassie Diamond, Veronica Nightshade, Iris, Arianna DiCorso and James Frost. A successful spin-off series entitled URAPS Idol: Second Chance occurred in 2010, consisting of former celebrities and failed stars. Sienna Martinez was named the victor, ahead of former Innocent member Elizabeth. The original series returned in February 2011.

The series has been plagued by production difficulties since its inception; the first and third series were incomplete, while the second series did not even start. A thirteenth series began in August 2012, but was canceled due to an industry slow-down. URAPS Idol has shifted production companies many times, varying in success. The tenth series won Best Spin-Off at the 17th Urapopstar Awards, while the seventh series, ninth series, eleventh series, Second Chance and twelfth series were nominated.