FACTBOX: "American Idol" -- most watched U.S. TV show

(Reuters) - "American Idol" reaches its climax on Wednesday when Jordin Sparks was announced as the winner of the sixth edition after a four-month TV search for America's latest pop star.

Following are a few key facts about "American Idol," which is America's most-watched television show with an average 30 million viewers per episode in 2006 and 2007:

* "American Idol" first ran in the summer of 2002 as a spin-off of the British hit TV show "Pop Idol."

* The show's viewer-driven format has produced bona fide stars, including Grammy winner Kelly Clarkson, Country Music Award winner Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson, who failed to make the finale in 2004 but won an Oscar and Golden Globe in 2007 for her performance in the movie "Dreamgirls."

* The three-judge panel -- music producer Randy Jackson, former pop star Paula Abdul and British record producer Simon Cowell -- have contracts for two more seasons.

* Revenue from recordings by performers associated with the Idol franchise has exceeded $100 million, according to a March 2007 interview with Simon Cowell.

* Once dismissed as a cheesy talent show, "American Idol" has proved its musical credentials with guest performers ranging from Prince and Tony Bennett to Stevie Wonder and Mary J. Blige.

* "American Idol" is broadcast live or tape-delayed to more than 100 nations outside the United States, including Pakistan, Israel, United Arab Emirates, China, Australia and South Africa.