Around 2,000 children and teenagers auditioned for the show; from these twenty were chosen as contestants. Throughout the season, this number was narrowed down to five through several rounds of voting. Like American Idol, voting was done by the show's viewers via telephone. Unlike Idol, to prevent hurt feelings, the contestants were voted into the group, as opposed to being voted off the show. Idol host Ryan Seacrest repeated this duty for most of the shows. Idol judges did not appear (other than one satellite hookup with Simon Cowell from the second season of Pop Idol); the principal Juniors judges were Gladys Knight (who also hosted when Seacrest was absent), Deborah Gibson, and Justin Guarini (American Idol (Season 1) runner-up). A number of Idol alumni, such as Ruben Studdard and Christina Christian, made guest performances.
The five contestants who remained at the end of the season were formed into a group also named the American Juniors. They were Lucy Hale, Tori Thompson, Taylor Thompson, Chauncey Matthews, and Danielle White.
American Juniors became one of the highest rated televison shows of the summer season, with approximately 11.9 million viewers on June 3, though the numbers dropped 40% toward the end of July. Nonetheless, the producers were satisfied of the strong teen demographic. A second edition had been planned for fall 2003, later postponed to the summer after American Idol (Season 3), then called off. [1]
Seeing children and young adolescents competing gave some viewers a sour taste as the show had many "stage parents" in the wings. [2]
The American Juniors made a brief appearance on the December 2003 American Idol Christmas special, An American Idol Christmas. Their debut album American Juniors was released on October 26, 2004 after a year's delay from its original scheduled date.
The American Juniors group disbanded in 2005. The members seem to be pursuing individual efforts and there is little publicity about them as a group. The show website became inactive in April 2005, but the music website remains intact as an archive. In May 2005 the Thompson sisters' website announced they were now out on their own. [3]
Radio stations that play children's music (e.g, Disney, or digital radio) still occasionally play the music of American Juniors.
Kids In America
American Juniors Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Down below the cars in the city go rushing by
I sit here alone and I wonder why?
Friday night and everyones moving
I can feel the heat but it's shooting heading dooooown
I seach for the beat in this dirtytown
Downtown the young ones are growing
(Chorus)
Were the Kids in America whoo
Were the kids in America whoo
Everybody lives for the music go round
Bright lights the music gets faster
Look boy don't check on your watch not another glance
I'm not leaving now honey not a chance
Hot shot(shot)dont give me no problems
Much later baby you'll be saying nevermind
You know life is cruel life is nver kind
Kind hearts don't make a new story
Kind hearts don't grab any glory
(Chorus)
Were the Kids in America whoo
Were the Kids in America whoo
Everybody lives for the music go round
Lalalalalalala SING
Lalalalalalala SING
Lalalalalalala
Lalalalalalala
Lalala-lala
Were The Kids!!!
The song "Kids in America" by American Juniors is an upbeat anthem that celebrates youth and the fun, carefree attitude that comes with it. The opening lines describe a dirty cityscape, which contrasts with the excitement and movement of people going out on a Friday night. The singer expresses a feeling of loneliness, wondering why they are sitting alone, while others are out having a good time. As the chorus begins, we learn that the song is about being young in America, and the joy that music brings to those experiencing those emotions.
The second verse describes being out at a party or club, where the beat of the music is infectious, and people are in their element. The singer does not want to leave and is drawn into the atmosphere of the moment. In the bridge, the lyrics mention that sometimes life is tough, and being kind is not always heralded, but despite the difficulties, youth can still escape and have fun.
Overall, the song is about the joy of being young and free, and how music can bring people together. It celebrates the energy and spontaneity of youth, and invites listeners to join in the fun.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking out a dirty old window
Observing the world through a tainted perspective
Down below the cars in the city go rushing by
The fast-paced lifestyle of the city
I sit here alone and I wonder why?
Questioning the status quo of society
Friday night and everyones moving
People are always on the go and busy
I can feel the heat but it's shooting heading dooooown
The excitement that comes with anticipation
I seach for the beat in this dirtytown
Looking for rhythm and excitement in a drab environment
Downtown the young ones are going
The youth are flocking to the city for entertainment
Downtown the young ones are growing
The youth are maturing and experiencing new things
Were the Kids in America whoo
The youth of America that are full of energy and spirit
Everybody lives for the music go round
Music brings excitement and unites people
Bright lights the music gets faster
The excitement of music and the city
Look boy don't check on your watch not another glance
The fast-paced lifestyle of the city and the ignorance of time
I'm not leaving now honey not a chance
Enthusiasm for the moment
Hot shot(shot)dont give me no problems
Don't get in the way of my excitement
Much later baby you'll be saying nevermind
Emphasizing the carefree attitude of youth
You know life is cruel life is nver kind
Acknowledgement of the harsh realities of life
Kind hearts don't make a new story
Being different makes for a unique story
Kind hearts don't grab any glory
Being kind doesn't always get recognition
Lalalalalalala SING
Expressing unrestrained joy
Were The Kids!!!
Emphasizing the youthful spirit of the song
Contributed by Jordan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
emily reid
AHHHH the memories
Hannah Nance
Lucy is soooooooooooo pretty!!!! And in this video o like her outfit in the others the outfits are cute too but this one was my favorite for Lucy!!
Liesbet Delvoye
Haha poor Lucy she forgot the dance steps at 1:32 !
Care Bear
Oh snap. Take me back please ðŸ˜ðŸ˜±
MrIrvin
lol chantel messed up a lot in this performance. But she's still great.
MrIrvin
@xoxRpatzzxox you know if you look at her like close from the second time they sing were the kids in america, if you look at her she's off from the other kids a bit.
xoxRpatzzxox
@MrIrvin where did she mess up?