8a. Since American Idol premiered on television, many talented contestants have appeared on the show.

Question

8b. Since American Idol premiered on television, many talented contestants appeared on the show.
my answer is A. please explain rationale

Answer 1

The construction "have appeared" shows ongoing action, so A is correct.

In sentence B, the verb is "appeared" and indicates that the action is completed.

Answer 2

Thanks

Answer 3

You're welcome.