Since the show's inception in 2002, ten of the fourteen Idol winners, including its first five, have come from the Southern United States. A large number of other notable finalists during the series' run have also hailed from the American South, including Clay Aiken, Kellie Pickler, and Chris Daughtry, who are all from North Carolina. In 2012, an analysis of the 131 contestants who have appeared in the finals of all seasons of the show up to that point found that 48% have some connection to the Southern United States. COUNT 7
QSN1 As of 2012, how many finalists did American Idol have?  ANS1 131 QSN2 When did American Idol begin?  ANS2 2002 QSN3 What region of the United States were American Idols first five winners from?  ANS3 Southern QSN4 What state is American Idol contestant Clay Aiken from? ANS4 North Carolina QSN5 What state is American Idol contestant Chris Daughtry from?  ANS5 North Carolina QSN6 How many Idol winners have come from the southern part of America? ANS6 ten QSN7 In addition to Clay Aiken and Kellie Pickler, which other Idol is from North Carolina? ANS7 Chris Daughtry