And the Winner Is? Trivia Quiz

Answer: "American Idol"

In the words of a top entertainment executive, "American Idol" has been the "most impactful show in the history of television". The brainchild of Simon Fuller, it debuted in 2002 on Fox. Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson were the first three judges who critiqued young men and women vocal performers. For almost ten years, "American Idol" appeared as one of the Top 10 shows in viewer audience on the Nielsen Ratings. From 2002 till 2012, artists from the show recorded over 300 successful songs.

Some of the more famous contestants on the show have included Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert, Jordin Sparks, Jennifer Hudson, Daughtry, and Clay Aiken. The winner of "American Idol" earns a major recording contract.

Answer: "Masterchef"

"Masterchef" initially ran from 1990 until 2001 on the BBC network in the United Kingdom. The show was re-worked with a comeback in 2005 as "Masterchef Goes Large". In 2006 it once again became "Masterchef". Meanwhile, across the pond in the United States, the Fox network debuted "Masterchef" with Gordon Ramsay, Graham Elliot, and Joe Bastianich as the judges. The winner of "Masterchef" in America earns $250,000, their own cookbook contract and the coveted "Masterchef" trophy.

Answer: "Last Comic Standing"

"Last Comic Standing" is a talent show for up-and-coming comedians. It first aired on NBC in 2003 and ran for seven seasons until 2010. It then made a comeback for a successful 8th season in 2014. Comics from around the country auditioned for the show.

In the later elimination stages of the show, comics lived together and competed in competitions to earn immunity. Each week a comic was voted off the show after going head-to-head in a performance with their housemates. Winners of the show are awarded a major cash prize and an opportunity to have their own televised special.

Answer: "The Voice"

"The Voice" is an NBC reality show based upon a similar successful show called "The Voice of Holland" from the Netherlands. Men and women over the age of 15 perform in blind auditions. Members of the judging panel then choose people to mentor and work with before the elimination rounds begin. Winners are ultimately chosen by a nationwide voting audience who choose their favorite artist by calling in, sending a text message, or purchasing a song on iTunes.

The winners earn a cash prize of $100,000 and a recording contract with Universal Music Group.

Answer: "The Apprentice"

"The Apprentice" is one of the reality television creations of Mark Burnett and features none other than billionaire pop-culture celebrity Donald Trump. Every season, contestants are brought together from all walks of life to compete for an opportunity to earn a $250,000 employee contract to lead one of Donald Trump's business ventures. During the competition, contestants compete in various organized money-making events or philanthropic activities.

In the boardroom following the event, one of the entrepreneurs is eliminated when hearing the iconic words, "you're fired!" Arnold Schwarzenegger had an unsuccessful run as the host of the series when Trump stepped down to run for POTUS.

Answer: "Britain's Got Talent"

In April 2014, the "Guinness Book of World Records" crowned the "Got Talent" franchise the world's most successful reality television format ever. Within 8 years of its inception, 58 different countries across the globe had initiated a "Got Talent" show. Simon Cowell, of "American Idol" fame, is the creator of the franchise.

The British version started in June of 2007. Possibly the most improbable success story to come out of the show was 47-year old Susan Boyle. She showed up for her on-stage audition and blew the judges away with her rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" from "Les Miserables". Even though she only finished 2nd in the 2009 season, she has gone on to become one of the most recognized and popular performers in the British Isles. Winners of "Britain's Got Talent" have the opportunity to perform at the "Queen's Royal Variety Show" in addition to receiving over 500,000 Pounds.

Answer: "Top Model"

"America's Next Top Model" or "Top Model" is the successful reality television competition for aspiring models. The show premiered on May 20th 2003 and has experienced success on both the UPN and CW networks. Supermodel actress Tyra Banks created the idea for the show, produced the show, and was one of the mainstay judges for the show.

The show is an elimination format where the final contestant earns a cash prize and a modeling contract with a top name agency.

Answer: Marie Osmond

"Dancing with the Stars" was a project based upon the successful British show, "Strictly Come Dancing". Celebrities from sports, music, television, and public life are matched with professional dancers and perform in front of live judges. In the first ten years, athletes did especially well on the show including wins for speed-skater Apolo Ohno, figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, gymnast Shawn Johnson, and football players Hines Ward and Emmitt Smith. Donny Osmond did in fact win with partner Kym Johnson in the Fall of 2009.

His sister Marie Osmond could only finish in 3rd place with partner Jonathan Roberts in the Fall of 2007.

Answer: "Shark Tank"

Interestingly, "Shark Tank" is a show that was developed from a Japanese program called "Dragon's Den". The format is very similar with members of the public appearing in front of four successful business investors to pitch their ideas. The goal is to secure an investment and interest for their respective product line.

The show first aired on ABC in 2009. Notable investor-judges include Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Daymond John, founder of FUBU, and investment gurus Kevin O'Leary, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, and Lori Greiner.

Answer: "Survivor"

"Survivor" is a reality television show where competitors are exposed to wilderness locations and compete as tribes or individuals in order to win a major cash prize. The progressive elimination format has members of tribes vote for their least favorite colleague to be eliminated.

The original idea for "Survivor" was put forward by Charlie Parsons in Great Britain. However, the first "Survivor" show, "Expedition Robinson" to make it to television was the Swedish version that debuted in 1997. The American version was produced by Mark Burnett and Charlie Parsons and premiered on May 31st 2000.

The host was Jeff Probst and the show became an instant goldmine for CBS. The winner of the very first "Survivor" show in America was Richard Hatch.