An idol (アイドル , aidoru) is a person who is the object of worship, a heroic figure, or a person who has a devoted following. In Japan, it generally refers to young celebrities who are popular for their cuteness of appearance and presence, and cool looks, rather than for their performance (talent).
The definition has changed over time, but the current culture originated in the Meiji era (1868-1912), and in the first digits of the Showa era (1926-1989), the term "idol" was used to describe a wide range of idol singers, idol actresses, idol dancers, and idol voice actors.
Until the Showa period, idols were usually defined as those in their 20s or younger, but in recent years there have been many idols in their 30s or older with long careers, and the number of local idols and hometown idols, idol units that employ students and other amateurs to promote their towns, has also increased, broadening the base of idol groups. The base of idols is becoming wider and wider.
In the English-speaking world, legitimate artists such as The Beatles and Stevie Wonder were also called idols.
In the U.S., the world popular audition program American Idol, which has produced several Grammy Award-winning artists, the competition is purely a talent contest, and the candidates' looks are not questioned at all, so the nuance is slightly different from that in Japanese.
