Top 20 Fan-Favorite TV Shows of 2002: See the List!

Buckle up, nostalgia enthusiasts! We’re about to take a thrilling ride back to 2002, a golden year for television that gifted us with some of the most iconic shows in history. Remember when you’d rush home to catch the latest episode, or the heated debates about who was the best character? Well, it’s time to dust off those memories and prepare for a delightful trip down memory lane. We’ve compiled a list of the top 20 fan-favorite TV shows from 2002 that had us glued to our screens, laughing, crying, and sometimes even screaming at the TV. So, grab your popcorn, settle into your favorite armchair, and let’s revisit the shows that defined a year and left an indelible mark on our hearts. Ready? Lights, camera, action!
The Wire

The Wire

Release Date: 2002-06-02

Genres: Crime, Drama

“The Wire” is a gripping TV show that takes you into the world of Baltimore’s homicide and narcotics detectives, as well as the criminals they pursue. Set in a universe where the war on drugs has become an unending bureaucracy, the series blurs the lines between good and evil. With a talented cast including Dominic West, Lance Reddick, and Sonja Sohn, this show, released in 2002, is a must-watch for anyone seeking a thrilling and thought-provoking crime drama.

Cast: Dominic West (Jimmy McNulty) , Lance Reddick (Cedric Daniels) , Sonja Sohn (Kima Greggs) , Wendell Pierce (Bunk Moreland) , Michael Kenneth Williams (Omar Little) , Deirdre Lovejoy (Rhonda Pearlman) , J.D. Williams (Bodie Broadus) , Jamie Hector (Marlo Stanfield) , Aidan Gillen (Tommy Carcetti) , Andre Royo (Bubbles) , Seth Gilliam (Ellis Carver) , Domenick Lombardozzi (Herc) , Corey Parker Robinson (Leander Sydnor) , Isiah Whitlock Jr. (Clay Davis) , Michael Kostroff (Maurice Levy) , John Doman (William Rawls) , Reg E. Cathey (Norman Wilson) , Clark Johnson (Augustus Haynes) , Tom McCarthy (Scott Templeton) , Gbenga Akinnagbe (Chris Partlow) , Neal Huff (Michael Steintorf) , Jermaine Crawford (Duquan “Dukie” Weems) , Tristan Mack Wilds (Michael Lee) , Michelle Paress (Alma Gutierrez)

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Tags: drug dealer, newspaper, corruption, police, gangster, baltimore, usa, organized crime, police detective, surveillance, power politics, urban decay, newspaper reporter, workers union, education system, docks, black project, violence

Firefly

Firefly

“Firefly” is a thrilling sci-fi TV show that takes place in the year 2517, where humans have settled in a new star system. Join the renegade crew of Serenity, a “Firefly-class” spaceship, as they embark on exciting adventures. With a talented ensemble cast and a release date in 2002, this show is definitely one of the best voted TV shows of that year!

Cast: Nathan Fillion (Mal Reynolds) , Gina Torres (Zoƫ Washburne) , Alan Tudyk (Hoban Washburne) , Morena Baccarin (Inara Serra) , Adam Baldwin (Jayne Cobb) , Jewel Staite (Kaylee Frye) , Sean Maher (Simon Tam) , Summer Glau (River Tam) , Ron Glass (Derrial Book)

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Tags: future, spacecraft, heist, outlaw, space, space western, space opera

Foyle's War

Foyle’s War

Release Date: 2002-10-27

Genres: Mystery, Drama, War & Politics, Crime

Foyle’s War is a captivating TV show set during World War II, where Detective Chief Superintendent Foyle takes on his own battle on the home-front. Set in southern England in 1940, the series follows Foyle as he investigates crimes amidst the chaos of war. With talented actors like Michael Kitchen and Honeysuckle Weeks, this thrilling show offers a unique perspective on crime-solving during one of history’s most turbulent times.

Cast: Michael Kitchen (DCS Foyle) , Honeysuckle Weeks (Samantha Stewart)

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Tags: world war ii, police detective, 1940s

The Shield

The Shield

Release Date: 2002-03-12

Genres: Crime, Drama, Action & Adventure

“The Shield” is one of the best TV shows of 2002, according to the votes. Set in an inner-city Los Angeles police precinct, the series follows a group of cops who aren’t afraid to bend the rules and even work against their colleagues to maintain both the safety of the streets and their own interests. With a talented cast including Michael Chiklis, Catherine Dent, and Walton Goggins, this gripping crime drama is definitely worth checking out.

Cast: Michael Chiklis (Vic Mackey) , Catherine Dent (Danielle Sofer) , Paula GarcƩs (Tina Hanlon) , Walton Goggins (Shane Vendrell) , Michael Jace (Julien Lowe) , Jay Karnes (Dutch Wagenbach) , David Marciano (Steve Billings) , Benito Martinez (David Aceveda) , CCH Pounder (Claudette Wyms) , Cathy Cahlin Ryan (Corrine Mackey) , David Rees Snell (Ronnie Gardocki)

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Tags: drug dealer, police brutality, gang, dirty cop, police corruption, los angeles, california, drugs, police detective, death, criminal investigation, lapd, mexican cartel, brutal violence

Monk

Monk

Release Date: 2002-07-12

Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Mystery

“Monk” is a highly acclaimed TV show that aired in 2002 and was voted as one of the best that year. It follows the story of Adrian Monk, a former police officer with a unique approach to solving cases. After the tragic murder of his wife, he developed an extreme case of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Now working as a private consultant, Monk continues to investigate cases in unconventional ways, making for an intriguing and captivating series. Starring Tony Shalhoub, Ted Levine, Jason Gray-Stanford, and Traylor Howard, this show is definitely worth checking out.

Cast: Tony Shalhoub (Adrian Monk) , Ted Levine (Leland Stottlemeyer) , Jason Gray-Stanford (Randall Disher) , Traylor Howard (Natalie Teeger)

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Tags: california, san francisco, california, private investigator, obsessive compulsive disorder, private detective, mental disorders, criminal consultant, police procedural

Brigada

Brigada

Release Date: 2002-09-23

Genres: Action & Adventure, Drama, Crime

“Brigada” is a thrilling TV show that made it to the list of the 20 Best Voted TV Shows of 2002. It follows a group of childhood friends who unexpectedly find themselves entangled in the dangerous world of a powerful Moscow gang after a tragic incident. With a talented cast including Sergei Bezrukov, Dmitriy Dyuzhev, and Ekaterina Guseva, this gripping series will keep you on the edge of your seat from its release date in September 2002.

Cast: Sergei Bezrukov (ŠŠ»ŠµŠŗсŠ°Š½Š“р Š‘ŠµŠ»Š¾Š² (Š”Š°ŃˆŠ° Š‘ŠµŠ»Ń‹Š¹)) , Dmitriy Dyuzhev (Kholmogorov Cosmos (Cosmos)) , Vladimir Vdovichenkov (Š’Š°Š»ŠµŃ€ŠøŠ¹ Š¤ŠøŠ»Š°Ń‚Š¾Š² (Š¤ŠøŠ»)) , Pavel Maykov (Š’ŠøŠŗтŠ¾Ń€ ŠŸŃ‡Ń‘Š»ŠŗŠøŠ½ (ŠŸŃ‡Ń‘Š»Š°)) , Andrei Panin (Š’Š»Š°Š“ŠøŠ¼Šøр ŠšŠ°Š²ŠµŃ€ŠøŠ½) , Ekaterina Guseva (ŠžŠ»ŃŒŠ³Š° Š”урŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²Š°) , Mukhamadali Makhmadov (ŠŠ±Š“уŠ»Š°-ŠŃƒŃ€Šø) , Aleksandr Vysokovskiy (ŠœŠ°ŠŗсŠøŠ¼ ŠšŠ°Ń€ŠµŠ»ŃŒŃŠŗŠøх) , Mariya Aronova (Š•ŠŗŠ°Ń‚ŠµŃ€ŠøŠ½Š° ŠŠøŠŗŠ¾Š»Š°ŠµŠ²Š½Š°) , Sergey Aprelsky (Š”ŠµŃ€Š³ŠµŠ¹ ŠœŃƒŃ…ŠøŠ½) , Aleksandr Belyavskiy (Š’ŠøŠŗтŠ¾Ń€ ŠŸŠµŃ‚Ń€Š¾Š²Šøч Š—Š¾Ń€ŠøŠ½) , Anatoliy Belyy (ŠæŠ¾Š“ручŠ½Ń‹Š¹ Š’Š²ŠµŠ“ŠµŠ½ŃŠŗŠ¾Š³Š¾) , Sergey Garmash (ŠŠ»ŠµŠŗсŠ°Š½Š“р Š¢ŃƒŃ‡ŠŗŠ¾Š² (Š”Š°Š½ Š”Š°Š½Ń‹Ń‡)) , Nikolay Eryomenko (Š®Ń€ŠøŠ¹ Š„Š¾Š»Š¼Š¾Š³Š¾Ń€Š¾Š²) , Mikhail Zhigalov (Š›ŃƒŠŗŠ°) , Aleksandr Inshakov (ŠŗŠ°Š¼ŠµŠ¾) , Aleksei Kravchenko (Š˜Š³Š¾Ń€ŃŒ Š’Š²ŠµŠ“ŠµŠ½ŃŠŗŠøŠ¹) , Leonid Kuravlyov (ŠŸŠµŃ‚Ń€ Š§ŃƒŠ¹ŠŗŠ¾Š²) , Farhad Mahmudov (Š¤Š°Ń€Ń…Š°Š“ Š”Š¶ŃƒŃ€Š°ŠµŠ²) , Pyotr Merkuryev (ŠæрŠ¾Ń„ŠµŃŃŠ¾Ń€ ŠŗŠ¾Š½ŃŠµŃ€Š²Š°Ń‚Š¾Ń€ŠøŠø) , Alla Meshcheryakova (Š¼Š°Ń‚ŃŒ ŠŸŃ‡ŠµŠ»Ń‹) , Aleksandra Nazarova (Š•Š»ŠøŠ·Š°Š²ŠµŃ‚Š° Š”урŠøŠŗŠ¾Š²Š°) , Viktor Pavlov (ŠŸŠ°Š²ŠµŠ» ŠŸŃ‡ŠµŠ»ŠŗŠøŠ½) , Mariya Poroshina (Š¢Š°Š¼Š°Ń€Š° Š¤ŠøŠ»Š°Ń‚Š¾Š²Š°) , Sergey Rubeko (ŠŸŠµŃ‚Ń€Š¾Š²Šøч)

Directors: Alexey Sidorov

Writers: Alexandr Veledinsky, Igor Porublyov, Alexey Sidorov

Tags: criminal

CSI: Miami

CSI: Miami

Release Date: 2002-09-23

Genres: Drama, Mystery, Crime

“CSI: Miami” is a gripping crime drama that follows a team of Crime Scene Investigators working for the Miami-Dade Police Department. Led by the talented David Caruso, the show combines thrilling deduction, intense subject matter, and compelling character-driven drama. Released in 2002, this spin-off of the popular CSI franchise focuses on Miami’s CSIs, who are not only skilled scientists but also dedicated cops. With a stellar cast including Emily Procter, Omar Benson Miller, and Eva LaRue, this series is a must-watch for fans of crime-solving and gripping storytelling.

Cast: David Caruso (Horatio Caine) , Emily Procter (Calleigh Duquesne) , Omar Benson Miller (Walter Simmons) , Spencer List (Troy Faber) , Jonathan Togo (Ryan Wolfe) , Adam RodrĆ­guez (Eric Delko) , Rex Linn (Frank Tripp) , Eva LaRue (Natalia Boa Vista)

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Tags: miami, florida, police, detective, spin off, forensic science

George Lopez

George Lopez

Release Date: 2002-03-27

Genres: Comedy

“George Lopez” is a heartwarming TV show that premiered on March 27, 2002. The show revolves around George, a father raising his daughter Carmen and dyslexic son Max with his wife Angie. It follows George’s journey as he navigates parenthood after a difficult childhood under the care of his neglectful alcoholic mother Benny. With a talented cast including George Lopez, Constance Marie, Luis Armand Garcia, Valente Rodriguez, Belita Moreno, and Masiela Lusha, this show promises to bring laughter and relatable family moments to your screen.

Cast: George Lopez (George Lopez) , Constance Marie (Angie Lopez) , Luis Armand Garcia (Max Lopez) , Valente Rodriguez (Ernie) , Belita Moreno (Benny Lopez) , Masiela Lusha (Carmen Lopez)

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Tags: los angeles, california, family, mexican american, sitcom, family of color

Spooks

Spooks

Release Date: 2002-05-13

Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Crime

“Spooks” is a gripping British drama series that takes you into the thrilling world of the British Security Service. Set in the highly secure Thames House headquarters, the show follows a group of MI5 officers, known as The Grid, as they face various challenges to protect the nation. With a talented cast including Peter Firth, Nicola Walker, and Lara Pulver, this popular series is a must-watch for fans of espionage and intense suspense.

Cast: Peter Firth (Harry Pearce) , Nicola Walker (Ruth Evershed) , Max Brown (Dimitri Levendis) , Lara Pulver (Erin Watts) , William Hope (Jim Coaver) , Alex Lanipekun (Ben Kaplan) , Geoffrey Streatfeild (Calum Reed)

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Tags: england, spy, mi5

Everwood

Everwood

Release Date: 2002-09-16

Genres: Drama

“Everwood” is a heartwarming TV show that premiered in 2002. It follows the journey of Dr. Andrew Brown, a renowned neurosurgeon who moves his family to the charming town of Everwood, Colorado, after the loss of his wife. As he adjusts to his new life as a small-town doctor, he navigates the challenges of raising his talented but troubled teenage son and his adorable young daughter. With a talented cast including Treat Williams, Gregory Smith, and Emily VanCamp, this show is sure to tug at your heartstrings.

Cast: Treat Williams (Andrew Brown) , Gregory Smith (Ephram Brown) , Emily VanCamp (Amy Abbott) , Debra Mooney (Edna Harper) , John Beasley (Irv Harper) , Vivien Cardone (Delia Brown) , Chris Pratt (Bright Abbott) , Stephanie Niznik (Nina Feeney) , Merrilyn Gann (Rose Abbott) , Tom Amandes (Harold Abbott)

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Tags: small town, colorado, dysfunctional family, family relationships, doctor, widower, single father, friends in love, simpler life

Taken

Taken

Release Date: 2002-12-02

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama, Mystery

“Taken” is a captivating TV show that aired in 2002 and made it to the list of the 20 Best Voted TV Shows of that year. Set between 1944 and 2002, it revolves around three families: the Crawfords, who try to hide the Roswell crash and the existence of aliens; the Keys, who become subjects of frequent alien experimentation; and the Clarkes, who provide shelter to one of the surviving aliens. With an incredible cast including Dakota Fanning, Matt Frewer, Emily Bergl, Rei Hance, Joel Gretsch, Adam Kaufman, and Camille Sullivan, this show is a must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts.

Cast: Dakota Fanning (Allie Keys) , Matt Frewer (Dr. Chet Wakeman) , Emily Bergl (Lisa Clarke) , Rei Hance (Mary Crawford) , Joel Gretsch (Owen Crawford) , Adam Kaufman (Charlie Keys) , Camille Sullivan (Nina Toth)

Directors: Sergio Mimica-Gezzan

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Tags: alien, extraterrestrial, conspiracy, miniseries, family drama, alien abduction, alien invasion, government conspiracy, alien conspiracy

Without a Trace

Without a Trace

“Without a Trace” is a thrilling TV show that premiered in 2002 and quickly became one of the best-voted shows of the year. Set in New York City, it follows the dedicated team of the FBI’s Missing Persons Unit as they solve mysterious disappearances. With a talented cast including Anthony LaPaglia, Poppy Montgomery, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, this gripping series will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Cast: Anthony LaPaglia (Jack Malone) , Poppy Montgomery (Samantha Spade) , Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Vivian Johnson) , Enrique Murciano (Danny Taylor) , Roselyn SƔnchez (Elena Delgado) , Eric Close (Martin Fitzgerald)

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Tags: new york city, police, fbi, missing person, criminal investigation, police procedural

The Twilight Zone

The Twilight Zone

Release Date: 2002-09-18

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Mystery

“The Twilight Zone” is a 2002 revival of the classic 1950/60s TV series, with Forest Whitaker taking on the role of narrator and host, originally played by Rod Serling. This captivating show, released on September 18, 2002, brings back the eerie and thought-provoking stories that made the original series so popular. Get ready to be transported to a world where the boundaries of reality are blurred and unexpected twists await at every turn.

Cast: Forest Whitaker (Self – Host)

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Tags: paranormal phenomena, surrealism, anthology, supernatural power, horror

The Dead Zone

The Dead Zone

Release Date: 2002-06-16

Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

“The Dead Zone” is a gripping TV show that aired in 2002 and was voted as one of the best that year. Starring Anthony Michael Hall, Nicole de Boer, and Connor Price, it follows the story of Johnny Smith, who discovers his psychic abilities after waking up from a coma. With its intriguing plot and talented cast, this show is definitely worth checking out if you’re into supernatural mysteries.

Cast: Anthony Michael Hall (Johnny Smith) , Nicole de Boer (Sarah Bracknell Bannerman) , Connor Price (JJ Bannerman)

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Writers: Stephen King

Tags: time travel, psychic power, injury, based on movie, waking from coma, supernatural power

John Doe

John Doe

Release Date: 2002-09-20

Genres: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

“John Doe” is a captivating TV show that premiered in 2002. It follows the story of a man who wakes up on an island near Seattle, completely naked and with an extraordinary ability to know everything in the world, except for his own identity and the reason behind his presence there. With a talented cast including Dominic Purcell, Sprague Grayden, and William Forsythe, this mystery-filled series is sure to keep you hooked from the very beginning.

Cast: Dominic Purcell (John Doe) , Sprague Grayden (Karen Kawalski) , Jayne Brook (Jamie Avery) , John Marshall Jones (Frank Hayes) , Rekha Sharma (Stella) , William Forsythe (Digger)

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Tags: amnesia

Rose Red

Rose Red

Release Date: 2002-01-27

Genres: Mystery, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

“Rose Red” is a thrilling TV show that aired in 2002 and was voted as one of the best that year. It follows Dr. Joyce Reardon as she assembles a team of psychics to awaken a supposedly dormant haunted mansion called Rose Red. With a talented cast including Nancy Travis and Matt Keeslar, this show promises to keep you on the edge of your seat with its supernatural mysteries.

Cast: Nancy Travis (Prof. Joyce Reardon) , Matt Keeslar (Steve Rimbauer) , Kimberly J. Brown (Annie Wheaton) , David Dukes (Professor Carl Miller) , Judith Ivey (Cathy Kramer) , Melanie Lynskey (Rachel Wheaton) , Yvonne SciĆ² (Actress Deanna Petrie) , Matt Ross (Emery Waterman) , Julian Sands (Nick Hardaway) , Julia Campbell (Ellen Rimbauer) , Emily Deschanel (Pam Asbury) , Kevin Tighe (Victor Kandinsky) , Jimmi Simpson (Kevin Bollinger) , Kristen Fischer (Annie) , Paige Gordon (April Rimbauer) , Laura Kenny (Mrs. Kay Waterman) , Tsidii Leloka (Sukeena) , John Procaccino (John P. Rimbauer) , Robert Thomas Preston (Young Steven Rimbauer)

Directors: Craig R. Baxley

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Tags: upper class, professor, haunted house, psychic power, miniseries, paranormal investigation, haunted manor

8 Simple Rules... for Dating My Teenage Daughter

8 Simple Rules… for Dating My Teenage Daughter

Release Date: 2002-09-17

Genres: Comedy, Drama

“8 Simple Rules… for Dating My Teenage Daughter” is a heartwarming American sitcom that aired from September 2002 to April 2005. Starring John Ritter and Katey Sagal as Paul and Cate Hennessy, it revolves around their middle-class family raising three teenagers, played by Kaley Cuoco, Amy Davidson, and Martin Spanjers. The show follows Paul’s hilarious attempts to enforce his strict dating rules for his daughters, making for a delightful and relatable comedy series based on the book “8 Simple Rules” by W. Bruce Cameron.

Cast: Katey Sagal (Cate Hennessy) , Kaley Cuoco (Bridget Hennessy) , Amy Davidson (Kerry Hennessy) , Martin Spanjers (Rory Hennessy) , James Garner (Jim Egan) , David Spade (C.J. Barnes)

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Tags: family relationships, family, overprotective parent, sitcom

Birds of Prey

Birds of Prey

“Birds of Prey” is a thrilling TV show that aired in 2002. Starring Ashley Scott, Dina Meyer, Rachel Skarsten, Shemar Moore, Ian Abercrombie, and Mia Sara, it follows the adventures of Huntress, Dinah, and Oracle as they continue Batman’s fight for justice in New Gotham City. With a gripping storyline and a talented cast, this show is definitely one of the best voted TV shows of 2002.

Cast: Ashley Scott (Helena Kyle / Huntress) , Dina Meyer (Barbara Gordon / Oracle) , Rachel Skarsten (Dinah Lance / Black Canary) , Shemar Moore (Jesse Reese) , Ian Abercrombie (Alfred Pennyworth) , Mia Sara (Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn)

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Tags: superhero, villain, based on comic, interracial relationship, supernatural power, gotham city

Firestarter: Rekindled

Firestarter: Rekindled

“Firestarter: Rekindled” is a thrilling TV miniseries that serves as a sequel to the popular Stephen King novel adaptation. Set in 2002, it follows the now-grownup Charlie McGee, portrayed by Marguerite Moreau, as she faces off against her old nemesis, played by Malcolm McDowell. With an impressive cast including Dennis Hopper and Danny Nucci, this two-night Sci Fi Channel miniseries is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Cast: Marguerite Moreau (Charlene “Charlie” McGee) , Malcolm McDowell (John Rainbird) , Dennis Hopper (James Richardson) , Danny Nucci (Vincent Sforza) , Skye McCole Bartusiak (Young Charlie McGee)

Directors: Robert Iscove

Writers: Philip Eisner, Stephen King

Tags: fire, supernatural, miniseries

American Idol

American Idol

Release Date: 2002-06-11

Genres: Reality

“American Idol” is a popular TV show that premiered in 2002 and quickly became a sensation in American television history. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the show features talented singers from all over the country who compete for the title of the new American Idol. With judges like Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr., it’s an exciting and entertaining journey to discover the next big music star.

Cast: Jennifer Lopez (Self – Judge) , Ryan Seacrest (Self – Host) , Keith Urban (Self – Judge) , Harry Connick Jr. (Self – Judge)

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Tags: judge, competition, talent, music competition, aspiring singer, singer, voting, singing, audition, singing competition, talent search, talent competition, music industry, vocal talent

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