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Category : American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008

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‘American Idol’ Daily: visiting with the Christmas tour

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I had the opportunity Tuesday afternoon to drop by the rehearsal studios of the American Stars in Concert for the Holidays tour. In an unassuming studio space in Burbank I found Idol giants Kimberley Locke, Diana DeGarmo, Chikezie and David Hernandez running through a rendition of ‘Mr. Sandman’ adapted to the season as Mr. Santa (see videos below).

Leading the performers through their paces was the associate music director of ‘American Idol,’ the man who has taken the giants through their songs since season one, Michael Orland. Below are excerpts from my chat with him, followed by my conversation with the Idols themselves.

LAT: How has it been working with this group, whom you knew back when?

Michael Orland: So great to see how far they’ve come. Kimberley I’ve worked with recently. She did a cruise and I went along as musical director. Diana is an incredible performer. She was great on the show but she was 16. Now she’s 21. She’s amazing, so talented.

LAT: So what have you been up to since the finale?

MO: I’m just back from doing the Radio City Music Hall Christmas show, with 18 Rockettes, camels, little people as elves and a living nativity scene. Right when I got back from Radio City, I did Hollywood Week at the Kodak Theater for season eight. It was fun watching the newbies.

LAT: Can you spot the stars?

MO: I definitely can spot them. I remember in season two I spotted Clay, Ruben, Kimberley and Frenchie Davis out of the crowd. I definitely saw some incredible performers this week. They’re all numbers at this point, I don’t even remember names, but I definitely saw some incredible singers.

LAT: What advice do you give them?

MO: We tell them, when they come in for Hollywood Week, we’ve already done Carrie, we’ve already done Ruben, we’ve already done Chris Daughtry. Don’t copy them. You’ve gotta be original.

LAT: Were there any changes afoot?

MO: Well there was the new judge. I was waiting to see a clash between the two girls but they got along great.

LAT: On the meanness scale, where did she fall between Simon and Paula.

MO: On the Meanness scale ... leaning towards Simon for sure. But she’s really great. She adds a really interesting element.

LAT: How do you make an Idol concert work outside of the context of the show?

MO: You have so many people who are such great performers now and its so much fun to take the ones from the different seasons and see how they interact. It’s basically like being on Idol again except they’re all professional now. But the chemistry between the performers really helps, I thought it was going to be interesting to see how everyone got along. The first day of rehearsal everyone jibed. There was no diva or anything. They all totally got along with each other. And I think people will pick up on how much fun they have together.

LAT: What do you go through preparing for this tour?

MO: These guys have literally had five days of rehearsal for this whole thing. We’re going to New York on Friday to rehearse with the band, then Saturday morning we’re doing the CBS morning show. And then we get right on a plane to Pittsburgh and open Saturday night in. And Friday we’re going to be in the air all day, so its going to be crazy. But we’ll do it. That’s show biz. I love every second of it. We put on those shows at Idol every week, its like doing a full-blown concert every week, so this is the same thing.

LAT: This is supposed to be your break before the season starts.

MO: Oh, I can’t wait for it to start again. I’m like a kid waiting for summer camp to start. I love it.

Next I sat down with the four stars themselves for a brief chat.

LAT: So how’s it coming?

Kimberley Locke: Going on the road, it’s a process. Five days ago we knew nothing. We come in and pound it out for six hours a day, every day for five days. And you’re still missing steps, But its a lot to learn.

Diana DeGarmo: Unlike most tours where you have maybe a month to come together we have maybe five days. But everything is coming together. The harmonies, it all comes together.

LAT: How many songs are in the show?

KL: It’s an hour and a half show with intermission. It’s about 40 songs.

David Hernandez: We’re literally singing every holiday song you could possibly think of.

KL: They forgot one!’Dradle, Dradle, Dradle.’

Chikezie: I’m sure there’s a Kwanza song out there somewhere they missed.

LAT: How do you remember it all?

DD: We keep doing it over and over again. The more we try to get it into our heads, the words to ‘Mr. Santa,’ which is the ‘Mr. Sandman’ song.

KL: You know how you have a dead zone with your cellphone? Well, there are spots on stage where you have dead zones with your head. You forget the words, you forget the moves.

C: Or you do the wrong one.

KL: Or you do the wrong one.

C: You’re doing stuff from the end at the beginning.

KL: And then you just inhale. That’s the best you can do.

LAT: Are you drawn to the Christmas songs?

DD: Over the years, I’ve done a lot of Christmas shows. It’s been kind of ironic, but every couple years I’ll be doing something in the Christmas vibe.

KL: Most people will say Christmas is their favorite time of year. Everybody has their favorite Christmas song and the song they can remember where they were and what they were doing when they heard it. People come out and they’re going to be saying, ‘I hope they sing my favorite song.’ And they’re going to be waiting for it. And you best believe if we don’t do it they’re going to say, ‘You didn’t do my song.’

LAT: What’s it like coming back to an Idol-related show? Is it like coming home?

DH: It’s like coming back to the show, but it’s better than that, because everyone is so relaxed and we’re with people we actually like. Because to be honest when you’re on Idol, you don’t necessarily get along with everybody.

DD: It’s a competition still.

DH: But now its like we have our own careers, we come together and do this ...

C: Now I actually like David!

KL: I think that after it’s been so long for me, it doesn’t feel like Idol. I went on a Christmas tour last year with Dave Cox so it doesn’t feel very different from that. It feels like working. But it’s nice to be on the road with people who share the same experience. We all know what each other’s been through. We’re kind of all on the same journey at different places in the journey. So it feels very natural. And it’s nice to be in the stage with different Idols. Why not?

DD: It has been a while, so it doesn’t feel like I’m back in the loop of Idol. It feels like I’m doing a Christmas tour. But we all have this common bond. The trip is going to be great. I’m really excited.

LAT: When Idols from different seasons get together, what his the first question you ask each other?

DH: How much are you getting paid!

KL: Diana and I went to breakfast the other morning and I feel like I grilled you.

DH: At dinner we talked about it.

KL: We talk about our experience and what we’ve learned.

DH: It’s funny because we’ll all talk about it, we’ll all have a common idea, like, ‘Oh yeah, I felt the same way about ...’

KL: It’s not the same as what we expected it to be. The industry, not Idol. We’ll talk about a lot of industry stuff and we share our stories and I think we all have had different experiences, but we can help each other in that way. And we can say, ‘I went through that, and this is what happened.’

DD: We all have very different careers and personalities and ways of approaching the industry. But it’s all somehow very similar.

KL: So we ask the basic questions: How’s it going? Are you signed to a label? Do you have management? Do you have a problem with this because I have a problem with this.

LAT: Can you each tell me what you were doing before and what you’re planning on doing after the tour?

C: Before the tour I was on a tour.

C: I had a little time to rest after that, but I’ve been writing ever since. Hopefully, in the next month, probably in the beginning of next year I’ll have my album and that’s it.

LAT: Can you tell us anything about your album?

C: Ummm ... it’s funny. I thought that I had it all figured out at the beginning, the whole idea for the album. But as I’m going out and doing gigs and meeting with people I’m finding out, I want to work with this person, I want to work with that person. I met these guys called Thrasher who did this one song called ‘Ray Gun’ and he’s so hot, had such amazing guitars. And I was like, I want to work with you! We’re going to have to make some space on this one. We’re going to have to make a song together.

DD: I’ve been living in Nashville, writing and recording. Working with a producer named John Rich. And we actually just went through two weeks of shopping my deal to see who bites in this lovely economy. But either way after this I’m going back and continuing my writing, which has really blossomed.

LAT: And you’re doing country?

DD: I’m doing country music, yes! My writing has been very specific and focused and it’s been a very artistic expression, for lack of a better term.

LAT: And how did you feel after your Howard Stern appearance?

DD: I loved it! It was definitely a one-of-a-kind experience. For a long time I didn’t want to do it, and finally I gave in. It wasn’t too bad. There were a couple awkward moments when I was like, ‘Really? You’re going to ask me that question, I’m not even going to answer.’ But they were really cool.

LAT: Are you looking forward to seeing [Stern wack-pack member and Diana obsessive] Eric again?

DD: Yeah, I’ll probably see him out and about somewhere along the way. He’ll probably show up at one of these tour dates.

LAT: What about you, David?

DH: Well, thank God the music has been coming in. Since the show, I started my own show at a place called Barcelona, Scottsdale. It’s an upscale club. I have my own band and we do Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights. And currently I’ve been recording. My manager and I are working on getting a deal but we’re still in the recording process. So after the tour I’ll be going back into that while doing the gig. I’m going to be going to New York a lot and working on it there. I’m going for an alternative kind of vibe. I want to go for David Hernandez meets Dave Matthews kinda deal. But they’ll be a couple mainstream things. And then I’m working on acting on the side. I’m doing some pretty extensive acting classes, getting ready for the pilot season coming in January.

LAT: You’ve got a lot of irons in the fire.

DH: A lot of irons. Actually, Syesha is in my acting class with me. It’s a pretty small world. A lot of irons burning at both ends.

LAT: Kimberly ...

KL: It’s been so long ago since I came off Idol. I got signed to Curb records. I had two solo albums. My last album came out last March. I have a Christmas album that’s out now that’s available on iTunes. I own a restaurant in New York, Croton Creek wine bar. We celebrated our two-year anniversary on January 4. Right now, I’m currently preparing to start on a new project after we get back from the holidays. And I’ve got a cruise on the books, its called Locke and Loaded. I’ve partnered up with Harvey Walden from Celebrity Fit Club and we’re doing a music and fitness cruise.

LAT: Music and fitness?

KL: Well, I came up with the idea because I’ve had like five No. 1 dance songs and everybody says, ‘I heard your song in the gym this morning in spin class or in boot camp class.’ So I went back to Harvey and said would you be interested in doing a cruise with me where I book all the musical talent and you come on and do boot camp. And do workout sessions on the cruise. So we’re going Sept. 12 through the 19th on Royal Carribean Liberty of the Seas, which is an awesome, awesome ship. And we’re going to the Carribean. St. John. San Juan. And we’re just going to do a week of sailing. So before then, hopefully we’ll have been in the studio and have half of the album done. Staying busy! Just like everybody else. That’s what it’s all about!

LIVE! Tour 2009

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American Idols LIVE! Tour 2009 is a summer concert tour in the United States and Canada featuring the top 10 contestants of the eighth season of American Idol , which airs in 2009. The tour commences on July 5 in Portland, Oregon and ends on September 15 at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Performers [ ]

• 1 Rudy Cardenas
• 2 Abi Carter
• 3 Jack Blocker

All the ‘American Idol’ Winners in Order: See Where They Are Now

From kelly clarkson to jordin sparks.

With 21 seasons of wild auditions, intense elimination rounds and jaw-dropping finales,  American Idol  continues to be on our watchlist .

And American Idol is officially back with Season 22 as of February 18.  Ryan Seacrest  is hosting the installment alongside returning judges  Luke Bryan ,  Katy Perry  and  Lionel Richie . ABC also announced that  Tori Kelly  is joining the season as a guest mentor and performer.

In honor of our favorite competition show, we’re taking a little trip down memory lane. Perhaps you’re curious to know what happened to Ruben Studdard (AKA the Velvet Teddy Bear), or maybe you’re wondering what Jordin Sparks has been up to lately. Or perhaps you want more info about the first winner, Kelly Clarkson or the 411 on the latest winner of season 21 .

That’s why we compiled a list of all the American Idol winners in order, complete with details about their most recent and upcoming projects.

The 20 Most Successful ‘American Idol’ Contestants, from Carrie Underwood to Jennifer Hudson

Season 1 (2002): Kelly Clarkson

• Now: hosts The Kelly Clarkson Show (with season 5 airing in 2023); released her 10th studio album Chemistry (2023); added additional dates to her residency at the Bakkt Theater in Vegas for December 2023 and February 2024

American Idol ’s first champion has been riding the wave of success for over two decades—and she’s showing no signs of slowing down. Since her win in 2002, Kelly Clarkson has blossomed into an actress, author and TV personality with three Grammys to her name.

Clarkson reflected on American Idol 20 years later, telling E! News , "I feel like I've obviously progressed as a human. At the same time, though, I do feel very similar and very tied that 19-year-old girl that first auditioned. I don't feel very different in the sense that I've always had a lot of jobs—well, then, it was necessity—I've always loved talking to people and I've always loved performing. I still love all the same things."

Aside from releasing nine albums, she headlined multiple tours, sharing the stage with musicians like Reba McEntire , Maroon 5 and The Fray. You may have also spotted her in a few films and shows, including Nashville , King of the Hill and of course, From Justin to Kelly . But now, Clarkson is keeping busy with her talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show , which already earned her five Emmys. We wouldn’t be too surprised if she reached full EGOT status within the next five years.

Season 2 (2003): Ruben Studdard

• Now: made his Broadway theater debut in December 2018 with Ruben & Clay’s First Annual Christmas Carol Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Show  (aka  Ruben & Clay’s Christmas Show ); released the album Ruben Sings Luther in 2018

His smooth vocals have been compared to the great Luther Vandross, so it comes as no surprise that Studdard is thriving several years after his win. The 45-year-old singer has since released seven albums, including the certified Gold I Need an Angel and his platinum-selling debut, Soulful .

In an interview with Variety , Studdard reflected on his career after American Idol. "I had no expectation of how it would be after the show, even the next week. We were a part of Kelly Clarkson's ascent as well, so everything that was happening for her was kind of happening while we were going through the process. So we didn't have a blueprint as to how things would go for us. We absolutely had no idea that people would even care about this stuff five year later," he shared.

But like Clarkson, he also ventured into acting. The Grammy-nominated artist appeared in several popular shows, including One on One, 8 Simple Rules and All of Us . But by 2018, he moved on to Broadway theater, making his debut in Ruben & Clay’s Christmas Show . Studdard released his most recent album in 2018, but in 2022, Diverse announced that he will be teaching a masterclass on how to prepare for the music industry at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Season 3 (2004): Fantasia Taylor

• Now: reprising her role as Celie for the 2023 movie musical adaptation of The Color Purple (her feature film debut); headlined The Sketchbook Tour in 2019; currently working on two albums (one of which she says will be a gospel album)

Did you know that Fantasia Taylor (formerly Barrino) was just 20 years old when she won American Idol in 2004? The power vocalist kicked things off by releasing her debut album, Free Yourself , which went platinum and earned three Grammy nominations.

In 2022, Taylor spoke candidly about winning the competition show at just 19. She said, "It was the door that opened for me that allowed so many things, good and bad." She continued to tell ABC Audio , "I had to go through so many things, nobody prepares you for the industry. I knew how to sing, OK, I've been doing that since I was five years old, that was easy. But the industry is a different world."

Aside from singing, she made her Broadway debut in 2007. She landed the lead role of Celie in the Broadway musical, The Color Purple . Five albums and several tours later, Taylor is reprising her role as Celie in the upcoming movie adaptation. The singer and her husband, Kendall Taylor, also authored a new book called No Crowns in the Castle . And on top of that, she will attending Central State University and enrolling in online courses. Talk about wearing many hats.

Season 4 (2005): Carrie Underwood

• Now: released her ninth studio album, Denim & Rhinestones in 2022; launched her Sirius XM channel Carrie's Country in June 2023; extended her Vegas residency, Reflection, through August 2024

After being crowned the fourth American Idol winner, Carrie Underwood built a massive empire that continues to grow as we speak. Right after her win, the country star’s debut single, "Inside Your Heaven," hit the no. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and her debut album, which earned three Grammys, spawned chart-topping hits like "Jesus, Take the Wheel" and " Before He Cheats ."

In 2022, Underwood reflected on her time at American Idol , and discussed her journey after winning season four on Instagram . She posted, "Today is the 17 year anniversary of my American Idol win! Where does the time go? Please enjoy from the journal of a 22-year-old farm girl who just had the most incredible night. I still feel the excitement through the pages! Happy anniversary to me and a forever 'thank you' to all who voted!"

Since then, Underwood has released eight more albums, scored five more Grammys and earned five Guinness World Records, making her one of the biggest country singers of all time. But outside of music, she published a New York Times best seller, dabbled in acting and even launched her own fitness clothing line , CALIA.

Season 5 (2006): Taylor Hicks

• Now: released new track “Porch Swing” in February 2023; debuted in his starring role as Charlie Anderson in a production of Shenandoah in 2019; featured in the film Stars Fell on Alabama (2021); hosted INSP cooking show State Plate from 2016–2018

After he won the nation over with his contagious energy and awesome stage presence, Taylor Hicks signed with Arista Records to release his self-titled debut album. And three years later, he released The Distance through his own label, Modern Whomp.

In 2008, he ventured into Broadway and joined the cast of Grease as Teen Angel. By 2019, he was starring in a musical called Shenandoah as Charlie Anderson. Plus, in 2012, he made history as the first American Idol winner to land a long-term Las Vegas residency. Most recently, he released two songs for the rom-com film Stars Fell on Alabama , which included a cover of The Rejects song, “Gives You Hell.”

In June 2023, he sat with Parade to talk about his time on Idol along with hinting at new music coming next year. "That opportunity to be able to be on that show at the that time period has allowed me longevity—obviously, with hard work as well. But I'm very blessed to have been able to be on that show at the that time and win it."

Season 6 (2007): Jordin Sparks

• Now: competed on The Masked Dancer and finished in 5th place (2021); competed on 31st season of Dancing with the Stars (2022); released the holiday album Cider & Hennessy in 2020

Sparks has come a very long way since she competed on the show. After winning at age 17, the singer went on to release four studio albums and multiple chart-topping singles, including the infamous hit "No Air," which earned her a Grammy Award nomination. In 2012, VH1 named her one of the 100 greatest women in music and she has since become one of the most successful Idol contestants.

In a 2022 interview with Ryan Seacrest , she reflected on turning from an Idol winner to a mentor on the hit show. "It was really a full circle moment to be honest with you. I just couldn't believe that I was back and it was my turn to share what I've learned. I can't believe it's gone by so quickly, but I really enjoyed my time there."

Her lengthy resume also boasts a few acting credits, including Broadway musicals like In the Heights and Waitress . She even made her feature film debut in Sparkle alongside Whitney Houston in 2012. Most recently, she returned to competition shows like The Masked Singer and Dancing with the Stars .

Season 7 (2008): David Cook

• Now: released his third EP The Looking Glass in 2021, which was supported by The Looking Glass Tour (2021) and the Summer/Fall Tour (2022); portrayed Charlie Price in a Broadway production of Kinky Boots (2018)

After Idol , David Cook’s debut single "The Time of My Life," made the Billboard Hot 100 charts and sold an impressive 1.4 million copies. And his self-titled debut album, which spawned two top twenty singles, was also certified platinum.

In a 2018 interview with People Now , Cook looked back on his time at Idol with appreciation. "It's one of those things that every time I've been fortunate enough to go back since then, it's still such a fraternity. It's still such a family," he said. "It's such a cool family and a lot of the same people behind the scenes are still there, so I loved my time on that show."

He has four studio albums under his belt and has previously headlined several tours over the years. According to his official website , he is currently on tour and performing in cities like New York, Michigan and Ohio. Like other previous winners, the singer also made it to Broadway, where he played Charlie Price in Kinky Boots.

Season 8 (2009): Kris Allen

• Now: in 2021, toured Europe with fellow American Idol winner David Cook; released the track “It's You I Like” in 2022; welcomed his third child with wife Katy O'Connell in 2019

After thousands of fans swore that Adam Lambert would win, Kris Allen came out on top in a surprising twist. His self-titled album debuted number 11 on the U.S. Billboard 200 with his single "Live Like We're Dying" making over $1.7 million in sales. Since winning, he has released six albums and toured with big musicians like Maroon 5 and Keith Urban.

To this day, Allen is still surprised he won that night. He told Entertainment Weekly back in 2019, "I'm always surprised, man. For me, making it through each week—everyone is so talented, and, I don't know, to make it through each week is crazy."

But aside from making music, he’s been busy advocating for music education through organizations like the Music Empowers Foundation and Little Kids Rock. The Idol winner has also traveled across the world doing missionary work, going to places like Thailand, Mozambique and South Africa.

Season 9 (2010): Lee DeWyze

• Now: released his eighth studio album Ghost Stories in 2021; celebrated 10-year anniversary with wife Jonna Walsh in July 2022; performed a series of U.S. shows in fall 2023

Although he already had two independent albums under his belt, it was his success on Idol that really catapulted Lee DeWyze to fame. After the show, he released his album Live It Up through RCA Records and four of his songs hit the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Although he has seven albums, he has since transitioned into TV compositions for shows such as Elementary, Suits , The Fosters, Nashville and Shameless. For DeWyze, it has always been about the songwriting more than singing. He told told Yahoo Entertainment , “When I came off of  American Idol — I’ve made this pretty clear over the past few years— it was always about the songwriting for me. It’s what I loved.  That’s  why I did all of that in the first place. It wasn’t for fame or any of that stuff.”

He continued, “It was really because I wanted to have music be a career for myself, so right out of the gate, I started writing music — just writing and writing and writing. Then the right things happened, the right things clicked … and I had a song on  The Walking Dead .”

Season 10 (2011): Scotty McCreery

• Now: released fifth studio album, Same Truck , in 2021; welcomed his first child with wife Gabi in October 2022; executive produced and wrote the Hallmark film Five More Minutes (2021)

Following his victory, Scotty McCreery (AKA the youngest winner in the show’s history) parted ways with Mercury Nashville and decided to release his song, “Five More Minutes,” without the backing of a record label. As a result, he wound up making history as the first (and only) country music artist to chart a song that was independently released.

In 2021, he shared his iconic audition tape on Facebook, saying, "10 years ago started me on the most insane journey I could ever dream of. Thanks for being there with me every step of the way! Here's to another 10 years yall! Much love."

The season ten winner has kept the momentum going since then. He released a total of five albums, and his latest, Same Truck , dropped in 2021. McCreery also scored a few awards, including an ACM Award for Best New Artist and two ACA Awards for Artist of the Year.

Season 11 (2012): Phillip Phillips

• Now: released fourth studio album Drift Back in June 2023; will perform at the 2023 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships in November 2023; embarking on Drift Back Tour from October–November 2023

Fun fact: Phillip Phillips’s debut song, “Home,” is the best-selling song in American Idol history, with over five million copies sold in the U.S. alone. His first album, The World from the Side of the Moon , spawned two major hits, including “Gone, Gone, Gone.”

In a 2017 interview , Phillips said he was grateful for the show and offered some positive advice to future contestants: "Know who you are as an artist, and don't be afraid to make that statement on television. It's a great platform to get you out there and get fans...but know what you want out of your career before you just go out for a show."

Since then, he has released two more albums ( Behind the Light in 2014 and Collateral in 2018), and after five years, he's coming out with his fourth album called Drift Back . He's previously toured with musicians like John Mayer , Gavin DeGraw, Train and the Goo Goo Dolls. NBD.

Season 12 (2013): Candice Glover

• Now: works as a music coordinator at the Savannah College of Art and Design; performed at the grand opening of the International African American Museum in August 2023; starred on the show GRITS: Girls Raised in the South (2019)

As they say, third time's a charm. Candice Glover made history as the first champion who auditioned three times before making it to the live shows. And while Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey’s reported feud was dominating headlines at the time, Glover still made quite an impression.

Following her win on season 13, she joined the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2013 and released her album Music Speaks, which made it to the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The songstress also ventured into acting and made her Broadway debut in the musical Home for the Holidays in 2017.

Three years after winning, she spoke candidly about shifting from Idol to being an artist in the industry. "After you win a nationwide competition—some people will go as far as calling it a talent show —people don’t really take you as seriously as an artist. They just take you as someone who won a talent show," she told Rated R&B .

She continued, "It’s a process to transition yourself from 'I won American Idol ' and just scratch that sticker off your forehead and show the world 'I’m an artist.' When you’re on American Idol , you have to sing other people’s music. When you come out with something totally different, they can either love it or hate it. It can be nerve-wracking but I wouldn’t trade it for anything."

Season 13 (2014): Caleb Johnson

• Now: joined the Neverland Express band and they released Paradise Found: Bat Out Of Hell Reignited in January 2023; subsequently toured the U.K. in May 2023

In 2014, Caleb Johnson made it to American Idol 's top 13 after auditioning twice in previous seasons. And fortunately, his determination paid off.

After winning, he spoke with Entertainment Weekly , saying, "You know, it was just a surreal, almost kind of terrifying moment. But then it was complete shock and amazement, and I was like 'Wow, I can't believe I just won American Idol.' It's just kind of crazy, you know? But it was so incredible and the rush of energy and everything that came with that was ridiculous."

While riding the wave of his win, he teamed up with Interscope Records and released an album called Testify , which peaked at no. 24 on the Billboard 200. But in 2015, he left Interscope to create his own label, Big Johnson Records. He formed a band called Caleb Johnson & the Ramblin' Saints, and together they released Born from Southern Ground in 2019. Johnson also dropped a solo album, called Mountain Mojo Vol. 1 , in June 2021.

Season 14 (2015): Nick Fradiani

• Now: plays young Neil Diamond in A Beautiful Noise at the Broadhurst Theater on Wednesdays (and sometimes fills in on other nights); released Past My Past album in November 2022

One thing we can say about Nick Fradiani is that he's a go-getter. After competing on both America's Got Talent and Battle of the Bands , the singer already had a decent following as a band member. So, when he moved on to American Idol as a solo artist, he was already a natural.

A great example? When he didn't feel any nerves during the finale. "The most comfortable I ever felt was when we did the finale at the Dolby Theater, which was thousands of people and the most viewers that you're going to get from the show. That's when I felt most comfortable, no nerves whatsoever," he told Tampa Bay Times in 2015 .

By 2016, he released his solo album Hurricane before coming out with Past My Past five years later. His latest single, “Never Gonna,” released during the pandemic. He explained on Instagram , “I wrote this song about two weeks into quarantine back in March of 2020. Playing this song really feels good, and I hope you feel that way when you hear it!" Aside from music, he also has been brushing up on his acting chops. He portrayed Lorenzo Anello in A Bronx Tale in 2019 and was a Neil Diamond alternate in A Beautiful Noise in 2022.

Season 15 (2016): Trent Harmon

• Now: works as a full-time songwriter in Nashville; released the track “You Got 'Em All” in 2018; performed at the reopening of the Bluebird Cafe in July 2021

It all started with his soulful rendition of Allen Stone's "Unaware" during the auditions. And even after dealing with health issues, Trent Harmon persevered and finished the season on top.

In a 2017 interview with Clairon Ledger , the country singer shared his biggest lesson from being on Idol. "I got a lot of benefits from doing the show from learning to sing early in the morning and always being ready to go. On this radio tour when we’d go visit them on their morning show so we’d have to sing at 6:00 in the morning. On Idol , it was like that too. We would have a dress rehearsal at 6:00 or 7:00 in the morning before you do the real thing. I didn’t know that would benefit me until this happened."

After his victory, Harmon joined Big Machine Records and released a self-titled EP, which included his hit single, "There's a Girl." Then, after a short hiatus due to contract issues, he released his debut album, You Got 'Em All , in 2018. The following year, he tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend, Kathleen Couch.

Season 16 (2018): Maddie Poppe

• Now: released the singles “SOS I'm in Love,” “Screw You a Little Bit” and “Good Enough to Let You Go” in 2023; performed a series of U.S. shows from August–October 2023; guest-starred on The Masked Singer Tour in May 2022; dropped her holiday EP Christmas From Home in November 2020

The folk singer and instrumentalist won American Idol after impressing the judges with her stellar voice. After winning season 16, Maddie Poppe independently released an album, Songs from the Basement . By 2019, she signed with Hollywood Records and released her first studio album Whirlwind with multiple chart-topping singles, including "Made You Miss" and "Not Losing You.”

Two years later, she wanted to move away from the folk genre she was known for in Idol . She told People , "I feel like for a while, I just wanted to do what other people wanted me to do. I lived to please other people. And I felt that since people voted for my folk/Americana sort of sound on  American Idol , that was the sound I was meant to have, because they were the ones that put me here, you know? That's when I realized that I needed to love what I was putting out."

She's currently touring across the country with season 21 runner up Megan Danielle and released singles called "Peace of Mind" and "Screw You a Little Bit." However, fans may recall that she found love with fellow  American Idol  contestant and runner-up, Caleb Hutchinson, during the show. Sadly, around December 2022, Poppe confirmed breakup rumors after she had removed his photos from her Instagram page.

Season 17 (2019): Laine Hardy

• Now: performing a special live Christmas show in November 2023; released debut album Here's to Anyone in September 2021

The 23-year-old singer and guitarist first auditioned in 2018 and only made it to the top 50. But when Laine Hardy returned the following year to play guitar for a friend, he accidentally became a contestant when the judges encouraged him to audition for a second time.

After winning  American Idol , his coronation song, "Flame," peaked at no. 8 on the U.S. digital charts, and he went on to headline his first tour in 2019. He went on the road once again following the release of his debut album,  Here's to Anyone , in 2021.

In 2022, he parted ways with his record label, but reflected on his career on Twitter . “I was just 17 years old when I first tried out for American Idol , and at the time, I couldn’t have ever imagined where I was headed. Since then, I’ve been able to tour across America, play for our troops in Asia, and make new fans in Europe. I had to grow up quickly and I am still learning more about myself every day,” he wrote. “The teams at 19 Entertainment and Disney Music Group have given me so much support and guidance, and I will forever be grateful. And now it’s time for me to take my career in a new direction and I am figuring that out. Stay tuned for what’s coming next.”

Season 18 (2020): Just Sam

• Now: maintains a strong social media presence, posting singing videos from all over New York (which have been shared by celebs such as Viola Davis)

Just Sam (AKA Samantha Diaz) made quite a few headlines after they won the competition—but not for the reasons you might think. In a candid Instagram Story, the 25-year-old Harlem native revealed that their victory on American Idol didn’t automatically lead to success in the music industry. Although they landed a record deal with Hollywood Records, they decided to leave the label .

Since winning, they have struggled with rising to fame in the music industry, especially during the pandemic. Per The Sun , they faced the harsh realities of competition shows. It left them returning back to singing in the NYC subway stations.

However, in a recent interview with TMZ , Just Sam said they are looking for a comeback. "Now I'm at a place where I'm like, 'Girl, it's OK to record in someone's house studio and put it out. The people are going to hear you. They're going to feel you 'cause I put my heart into my music,'" they said. "So many people are reaching out and showing love, and I have opportunities that my team and I are working on and collaborations that we're going to make happen soon."

Season 19 (2021): Chayce Beckham

• Now: released the tracks “Whisky on the Wall,” “23,” “Little Less Lonely” and “Till the Day I Die” in 2023; performed and received plaque at the Grand Ole Opry in October 2023; joined Luke Bryan on his Country On Tour (2023)

On American Idol 's nineteenth season, he beat out finalists Willie Spence and Grace Kinstler. Now, Chayce Beckham is making his mark in the country music scene.

He released his EP Doin' It Right with his original song, “23,” peaking at no. 1 on the U.S. digital chart. The 28-year-old singer also collaborated with Lindsay Ell for their catchy duet, “Can’t Do Without Me.” (You can check out their music video here .) Not only did Beckham headline his own North American tour, but he also served as an opening act for Luke Combs’s Canadian shows.

"I'm just a normal dude," Beckham told CMT . "The whole world changed a year ago, but I've been working very hard. I traded in my 12-hour-a-day job for a 24-hour-a-day job, and this is something that I put all my energy into now. It's nice to know that hopefully, it's making a difference for some people as far as the music goes."

Season 20 (2022): Noah Thompson

• Now: released his debut EP, Middle of God Knows Where , in June 2023; supported debut EP with U.S. shows from October–November 2023

As a constructor worker living in a small town, Thompson loved music but never thought he had a shot at American Idol . In fact, it wasn't until his best friend pushed him to audition that the 21-year-old singer felt more confident about following his dreams.

As viewers fell in love with the country star, Thompson began sharing more of his vocal chops online through TikTok videos belting hits like "Stay" by Rihanna and "Blue Side of the Mountian" by Chris Stapleton. Before joining the show as a contestant, Thompson had already produced three original songs: "Pedestal," "Not a Phase," and "Hearts Painted Black."

In 2022, he released his first single "One Day Tonight" that's already landed him the number one spot on the iTunes charts before surprising fans with his first album Middle of God Knows Where. In 2022, he told Spectrum News about his newfound fame, "It's unbelievable. Like, my whole family, we're all just kind of blown away by it. We're still trying to take it all in, because it's just life changing, you know. It is life changing."

Season 21 (2023): Iam Tongi

• Now: dropped debut single “I'll Be Seeing You” in May 2023; sang the national anthem at the 2023 Home Run Derby in July; released a studio version of his duet with James Blunt on a cover of the song “Monsters” in August 2023

The latest Idol winner to join the list is Iam Tongi. He is the first Pacific Islander and first non-country singer in three years to win the show. Tongi has been a clear winner from the start—even making the judges emotional during the audition.

Since winning in May, he joined fellow contestant Oliver Steele on tour. He also got to sing the national anthem at this year's Home Run Derby. So far, he has released two singles called "I'll Be Seeing You" and "The Winner Takes It All."

In an interview with Michael Strahan , he recalled that special winning moment. "When they called my name, I was just very excited. It was just an amazing experience," he shared.

Katy Perry Walks Off Set After Aretha Franklin’s Granddaughter Auditions for ‘American Idol’

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American idol season 22 runner-up will moseley is already opening for this superstar country music group.

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I’m convinced jennifer lopez is returning to judge american idol for this one reason, american idol's mia matthews lands major country music opportunity after elimination.

• American Idol season 22 runner-up Will Moseley will open for the Zac Brown Band.
• Will is opening for the Zac Brown Band on their June 2 tour date at CMAC in Canandaigua, New York
• Will released new music during American Idol season 22.

American Idol season 22 runner-up and country music singer Will Moseley will be the opening act for the Zac Brown Band during one of their tour dates. Will, a 23-year-old musician from Hazlehurst, Georgia, wowed the judges--Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan--at his audition with his original song "Gone For Good." He then dominated the American Idol season 22 competition, delivering consistently great performances. He made it all the way to the finale along with Jack Blocker and Abi Carter. Ultimately, Will placed second to Abi, but his music career is taking off anyway.

"Here we go! Hit the ground running! New York here we come!"

In an Instagram post, Will announced that he'll be the opening act for the Zac Brown Band on their June 2 tour date at CMAC (Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center) in Canandaigua, New York .

Will posted a photograph of the band with the tour date. He captioned his post, "Here we go! Hit the ground running! New York here we come! Beyond thankful for this opportunity @zacbrown!"

Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.

Will Moseley Released New Music During American Idol

Will performed two of his singles on the show.

During American Idol season 22, Will's original audition song, "Gone For Good," which he wrote and previously released in 2023, went to number two on the iTunes country charts . On the show, Will said that he saw that he was one spot behind Beyoncé's "Texas Hold 'Em" and one spot ahead of Luke Combs' "Where the Wild Things Are." Will also released another song, "Why," which he co-wrote with Will Richardson and Nathan Baker, during his run on American Idol . During the finale, he sang his American Idol single "Good Book Bad" in the final competition round. The song was written by Jordan Walker, Lalo Guzman, and Thomas Archer.

Throughout American Idol season 22, Will proved himself to be a phenomenal country artist . He put his own country spin on many classic songs, including "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay" by Otis Redding, "Night Moves" by Bob Seger, "Gimme Three Steps" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele, "Born to Be Wild" by Steppenwolf, and "It's My Life" by Bon Jovi. Will also sang many country hits during American Idol season 22 , including "Makin' Me Look Good Again" by Drake White, "Starting Over" by Chris Stapleton, "Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde" by Travis Tritt, "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash, and "My Town" by Montgomery Gentry.

Will stayed true to himself throughout American Idol season 22. All of his hard work has paid off as he's now opening for the Grammy Award-winning Zac Brown Band. The band rose to superstardom in 2008 with its hit single "Chicken Fried," and has since gone on to become one of the most beloved and popular groups in country music history. Will is going to gain so much more exposure by opening for them , including singing for country music fans who didn't watch American Idol . With his incredible voice and star quality, Will has the potential to become one of American Idol's biggest success stories.

American Idol season 22 is available to stream on Hulu.

Source: Will Moseley /American Idol

American Idol

American Idol is a reality singing competition that adds to the international "Idol" brand, conceived initially in the U.K. as Pop Idol. Holding massive auditions across the U.S., American Idol invited several contestants to perform in front of a panel of judges that would determine whether or not they'd go on to future rounds for a chance at competing in the fully televised premiere of the show. Contestants are voted off each week by American participation via voting through various mediums, and the winner of the competition would be given a contract with a record label to secure a future as America's next musical idol. 

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American Idol Winners Ranked: Where Season 22’s Newly Crowned Champ Stands

Monica Mercuri

Monday, May 20th, 2024

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American Idol Winners Ranked From Worst to Best

Since its debut in 2002, the show has crowned a winner each season, although not every victor has been a fan favorite. So, we decided to dive into the show’s history and rank all the American Idol winners from worst to best .

American Idol is a popular singing competition that follows unknown artists from across the country competing for a recording contract and $250,000. The winner is determined by American viewers who can vote for their favorite artists. Created by Simon Fuller, the series originally ran for 15 seasons on FOX before it was canceled in 2016 and revived a few years later by ABC. Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie have been judges since the reboot.

Some of the biggest names in the music industry have come out of the show, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry, Fantasia Barrino, and more. Below, we’ve ranked every winner of American Idol from seasons 1 through 22. Keep reading to see our rankings for American Idol’s best and worst winners .

Laine Hardy (2019)

Season 17 winner Laine Hardy won the American Idol title in 2019, but his career suffered a setback after he was arrested in 2022 for secretly recording his ex-girlfriend. A few months later, he left his record label Disney Music Group. Hardy is still releasing and recording music and figuring out his career.

Lee DeWyze (2010)

After Lee DeWyze won American Idol in 2010, CNN wrote that his competitor, Crystal Bowersox, “clearly bested DeWyze in every department.” The site added, “She sang like a dream, had charisma and earned praise from the judges, who took DeWyze to task for a seeming lack of energy and passion.” DeWyze was named the winner and went on to release six studio albums. His songs have been featured in shows like The Walking Dead, Shameless, Nashville, Elementary, and Suits .

Taylor Hicks (2006)

Taylor Hicks infamously beat out powerhouses Katharine McPhee, Chris Daughtry, and Kellie Pickler in Season 5 of American Idol . After declining record sales, Hicks was dropped from his record label in 2008. He formed his own label, Modern Whomp, and secured a Las Vegas residency in 2012. 

Nick Fradiani (2015)

The Connecticut native won Season 14 in 2015. His 2016 debut album, Hurricane, and 2017 EP, Where We Left Off , both performed poorly, and he parted with his label, Big Machine Records, in 2018. Since then, Fradiani’s taken a different direction with music and starred in Broadway shows like A Bronx Tale in 2019 and A Beautiful Noise in 2022.

Noah Thompson (2022)

Thompson wowed judges and America with his swoon-worthy country voice to win the 20th season of America Idol . In 2023, he released his debut EP, Middle of God Knows Where . Given his win is pretty recent, it will be interesting to see where his musical career goes from here.

Abi Carter (2024)

Carter was the clear front runner of American Idol Season 22 and took home the crown in the finale. One of Season 22’s more unique contestants, she set herself apart from her competitors as a singer-songwriter who played multiple instruments and excelled at performances of both covers and her original songs. (She also received a coveted Platinum Ticket during her audition.) Time will tell where Carter’s career takes her.

Kris Allen (2009)

Many were shocked when Kris Allen won American Idol in Season 8. He was named the winner over theatrical powerhouse Adam Lambert. While Lambert’s career took off, Allen’s journey has been more subdued (he was in a devastating car accident in 2013 and had to learn how to play guitar again). Allen released his fifth full-length album, Letting You In , in 2020.

Trent Harmon (2016)

Trent Harmon won Season 15 of American Idol in 2016. The country star later signed with Big Machine Records, but his singles “Falling” and “There’s a Girl” failed to make a splash on the charts. Harmon left Big Machine in May 2019.

Just Sam (2020)

Samantha Diaz (aka Just Sam) was named the winner of the eighteenth season of America Idol through virtual performances during the pandemic. Despite her victory, media outlets reported in 2023 that the singer returned to singing in the subways.

“Back in 2021, I was super embarrassed to be going back to the trains. I didn’t want people to know that I legit needed the money & I didn’t want people to know that it wasn’t optional,” Sam wrote in a now-deleted Instagram comment, according to Just Jared . “I was disappointed in myself for allowing myself to fall so low after winning Idol, but then I had to take it easy on me and remember that I started my journey with Idol at 20 years old.”

Chayce Beckham (2021)

Chayce Beckham won American Idol in 2021, and three years later, the singer released his first album. His 2024 debut, Bad For Me , includes his popular single “23,” which went to No. 1 on the Billboard Country digital chart. He became the 14th Idol winner to achieve the milestone.

Caleb Johnson (2014)

After winning Season 13 of America Idol in 2014, Caleb Johnson released his debut album, Testify , but left his record label the following year. Since then, the rock-n-roll singer has toured with KISS, Black Stone Cherry, and Trans Siberian Orchestra. He is also the lead singer of the band Caleb Johnson and the Ramblin’ Saints. In 2021, he released the 2021 album Mountain Mojo Vol. 1.

Iam Tongi (2023)

Last year, Iam Tongi was crowned the champion of America Idol Season 32. He became the first person from Hawaii, the first Pacific Islander, and the first non-country singer in three years to win the show. Shortly after, he released a studio version of his finale duet, “Monsters,” with James Blunt in August 2023. Tongi also released an original song titled “Why Kiki?”

Phillip Phillips (2012)

Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips’ American Idol single “Home” became the bestselling single in the singing competition’s history. The song was featured in his debut album, The World from the Side of the Moon, which landed at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. The Georgia native released his most recent album, Drift Back, in 2023.

Maddie Poppe (2018)

Maddie Poppe was the first winner after ABC revived the series in 2018. She released her debut album, Whirlwind, in 2019 and joined Ingrid Michaelson for the Dramatic Tour. Last year, she released three new singles, including “SOS I’m In Love” and “Good Enough To Let You Go.” Currently, she’s on Joshua Radin’s spring tour. 

Candice Glover (2013)

Powerhouse vocalist Candice Glover won the twelfth season of American Idol. The South Carolina native was the first winner who auditioned three times before being cast for the show. In 2014, Glover released her debut album, “Music Speaks.” Following a hiatus, she returned in 2017 with the single “My Mistake” and made her Broadway debut in Home for the Holidays that same year.

David Cook (2008)

Who could forget David vs. David in 2008? When David Cook triumphed over teen heartthrob David Archuleta, teenage girls everywhere were crushed. After winning Season 7 of American Idol , Cook released his self-titled album, which included the hit single “Time of My Life.” In 2012, he parted ways with his record label and released music independently with his band Midwest Kings. Like other Idol winners, he also made his way to Broadway, starring in the musical Kinky Boots in 2018.

Scotty McCreery (2011)

Scotty McCreery has enjoyed a successful country music career since winning Season 10 in 2011. He has five consecutive No. 1 hits and toured with artists like Brad Paisley, The Band Perry, and Rascal Flatts. He dropped his fifth studio album, Same Truck , in 2023. Now, he’s gearing up for his next release, Rise & Fall , on May 10.

Ruben Studdard (2003)

As the second winner of American Idol , Ruben Studdard’s post- Idol single “Flying Without Wings” debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot 100. He then released his next single, “Sorry 2004,” and his debut Gospel album, Soulful. Studdard was nominated for a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his single “Superstar.” Additionally, he took on the role of Fats Waller in a national revival tour of Ain’t Misbehavin’ , which earned a Grammy-nominated soundtrack.

Jordin Sparks (2007)

At 17 years old, Jordin Sparks became the youngest winner in American Idol history. Her self-titled debut studio album was filled with radio hits like “Tattoo” and “No Air,” the latter earning a Grammy Award nod for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. Her second album, Battlefield , performed even better on Billboard’s album chart. She’s released music on and off over the years, dabbled in acting and Broadway, and dropped her latest single, “Call My Name,” in 2023.

Fantasia Barrino (2004)

Fantasia Monique Barrino-Taylor, known as Fantasia, won the third season of American Idol. Her soulful cover of Porgy and Bess’s “Summertime” is considered one of the best performances in the show’s history. Her post- Idol single “I Believe” debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Since then, the singer’s won two Billboard Music Awards, a Grammy Award, and was nominated for Golden Globe and BAFTA awards. She recently reprised her role as Celie in the 2023 TV musical adaptation of The Color Purple.

Carrie Underwood (2005)

The Oklahoma singer was crowned the winner in Season 4 and is considered one of the biggest artists discovered on the show. She has released an impressive nine albums and won numerous awards, including eight Grammy Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, and 17 American Music Awards. In 2023, the country singer extended her Las Vegas residency. In addition to music, she also has a fitness apparel and accessories line at DICK’S Sporting Goods called CALIA.

Kelly Clarkson (2002)

Two decades before Kelly Clarkson became the host of her daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, she made history as the first-ever winner of American Idol in 2002. Since then, the Texan artist has built an extensive career, winning three Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards while releasing ten studio albums. Clarkson also served as a coach on Season 14 of The Voice and launched her own talk show in 2019, which has awarded multiple Daytime Emmys.

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50 Best ‘American Idol’ Alumni of All Time

After 22 seasons of the show, who are the most successful entertainers to emerge from the reality singing competition?

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A new American Idol winner was crowned on Sunday night… so now what?

As we’ve seen over 22 seasons of the reality singing competition — 15 on Fox starting in 2002, and the seventh just wrapping up on ABC — there are mixed results when it comes to who is most likely to succeed after their time on the show. Winning Idol is no guarantee of a future career, and finishing in 10th place doesn’t mean someone won’t make it big.

Watch the Performances That Got 11 Memorable 'American Idol' Contestants Voted Off the Show

Following the end of another season, the Billboard staff wanted to take a closer look at all the top 10 finalists from the first 21 seasons to see not how well they did as contestants on the show, but how well they’ve done since. We’ve ranked the 50 Best American Idol Alumni — and we’re not just judging this by selling a lot of music or dominating our charts (though those are definitely factors). We’re looking at who has carved out the most impressive careers in the public eye, whether that’s staying in music or branching out into acting — in films and TV or on stage — or maybe hosting, taking part in more reality competitions, writing books or even pursuing politics.

The staff voted on the greatest careers to emerge from this decades-long pop-star boot camp. Who has transcended their time on Idol to become a legendary entertainer that has defined pop culture in the past quarter-century? Who has gotten off to a great start but still has to make strides to reach superstar status? ( Note: We only considered top 10 finalists from each Idol season, which rules out some notable alumni like “Fingers Crossed” singer Lauren Spencer Smith or Dani Noriega, aka RuPaul’s Drag Race standout Adore Delano, who both were eliminated in the top 20, or any now-famous artists who didn’t make it past the audition or Hollywood Week rounds. )

Basically: Who has became an actual pop-culture idol beyond their time competing on Idol ? Below, find Billboard ‘s 50 Best American Idol Alumni of all time, ranked.

Casey Abrams (season 10, 6th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Two top five Jazz Albums debuts

Much of Abrams’ post- Idol career has been linked with his fellow season 10 alum Haley Reinhart. The pair recorded a cover of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” that peaked at No. 3 on the Holiday Digital Song Sales chart in 2011; they co-produced Reinhart’s AC-hit version of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” in 2015; and they’ve both collaborated with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox since 2015, with Abrams and his upright bass taking center stage in jazzy covers of Fountains of Wayne’s “Stacey’s Mom” (11 million views) and the very fitting take on Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass,” which also features Reinhart and has more than 105 million views on YouTube. On the solo front, Abrams’ latest album, 2019’s Jazz , peaked at No. 2 on the Jazz Albums chart — one of his two top five debuts on the chart. – KATIE ATKINSON

Maddie Poppe (season 16, winner)

Greatest post- Idol achievement : Landing two Adult Pop Airplay hits

In a vote of confidence for Idol ’s move from Fox to ABC the season that Poppe won, she was voted the Competition Contestant of 2018 at that year’s People’s Choice Awards. Her 2019 debut studio album Whirlwind launched the single “Made You Miss,” which spent 16 weeks on Billboard ’s Adult Pop Airplay chart, peaking at No. 21. A second single from the project, “Not Losing You,” spent 17 weeks on the chart and peaked at No. 26.  – GIL KAUFMAN

Trent Harmon (season 15, winner)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Top 20 Country Airplay hit “There’s a Girl”

Harmon released a self-titled EP in 2016 that included the upbeat love song “There’s a Girl” (co-written by Harmon), which climbed to No. 18 on the Country Airplay chart. His full-length 2018 debut You Got ’Em All – whose track list included “Girl,” as well as his Keith Urban-co-written Idol coronation song “Falling” and the Country Airplay top 40 title track – was released via Big Machine Records and debuted at No. 2 on the Heatseekers Albums chart. – K.A.

Iam Tongi (season 21, winner)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Topping the Rock Digital Song Sales chart with his original track “I’ll Be Seeing You”

Along with Mick Fleetwood, Ziggy Marley and Sarah McLachlan, the native Hawaiian participated in the #MauiStrong livestream event to raise money following the August 2023 Maui wildfires. Since winning Idol , he’s delivered a studio duet with James Blunt of “Monsters” (the song he initially auditioned for the show with) and released an EP of Christmas music. – JOE LYNCH

Thia Megia (season 10, tied for 10th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Joining the cast of Days of Our Lives

Since tying for 10th place on Idol as a 16-year-old back in 2011, Megia has turned her attention to acting, most notably as the character Haley Chen in the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives . The Filipino-American performer starred in 88 episodes of the long-running daytime series from 2018 to 2020. – K.A.

Michael J Woodard (season 16, tied for 4th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Voicing the title character in the Netflix film Arlo the Alligator Boy and TV series I Heart Arlo

After seeing Woodard’s Idol audition, director Ryan Crego cast the Philadelphia performer as the voice of the title character in the 2021 Netflix animated musical Arlo the Alligator Boy – alongside fellow voice actors Jennifer Coolidge, Mary Lambert and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea – and in a follow-up TV series on the streamer called I Heart Arlo . Also in 2021, Woodard became the third-ever signee to Idol judge Katy Perry’s Unsub Records, releasing his debut EP MJW1 via the Capitol Records imprint in January. – K.A.

Heejun Han (season 11, 9th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Hosting South Korean music talk show After School Club

Heejun enlisted Pusha T for a verse on his dubstep-inspired debut single “Bring the Love Back” in 2013. That same year, the Korean-born, American-raised singer competed on the third season of the South Korean reality contest K-pop Star , reaching the top six. After a string of new music (including “Q&A” with Tiffany from Girls’ Generation) and acting roles (2015’s Seoul Searching ), Heejun replaced Jae of Day6 as the co-host of the South Korean music talk show After School Club in 2018 alongside Seungmin of Stray Kids and then Kim Woosung of The Rose, staying on as an emcee until 2021. – K.A.

Blake Lewis (season 6, runner-up)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: No. 1 Dance Clubs Songs and Dance/Mix Show Airplay hit “Heartbreak on Vinyl”

Known as the first Idol beatboxing contestant, Lewis signed to Arista and then Tommy Boy to release four studio albums between 2007 and 2020. His first, A.D.D. (Audio Day Dream ), peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200. In 2009, Lewis performed for first lady Michelle Obama at the Congressional Club’s luncheon in her honor, singing three songs — including what might have been the first beatbox interpretation of “America the Beautiful.” Lewis has two Billboard No. 1s to his credit: His 2010 single “Heartbreak on Vinyl,” an ode to vanishing brick-and-mortar record stores, topped the Hot Dance Club Songs and Dance/Mix Show Airplay charts. – FRED BRONSON

Jessica Sanchez (season 11, runner-up)

Greatest post- Idol Achievement: Her song “Stronger Together,” written for Hillary Clinton, was spotlighted at the 2016 Democratic National Convention

In 2013, the Cali-bred vocal powerhouse reached No. 26 on the Billboard 200 with her debut studio album Me, You & the Music , which she paired with a two-episode stint on Glee that allowed her to flex her acting chops as the character Frida Romero. In the years since, she’s shifted her musical output to focus on impactful topics, including recording the unifying song “Stronger Together” for the 2016 Democratic National Convention and targeting xenophobia and racism with 2021’s “Us.” She kept the music with a message coming on 2022’s “Baddie,” a self-penned song about women’s empowerment. – KYLE DENIS

Catie Turner (season 16, 7th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Making her Billboard chart debut with “God Must Hate Me”

Turner earned praise from the judges when she auditioned with her original song “21st Century Machine,” which foreshadowed a career of brilliant and prolific songwriting for the pop performer. She’s released 20 singles since her Idol run, including 2023’s “God Must Hate Me,” which landed on the LyricFind U.S. chart at No. 20, marking her Billboard chart debut. In 2019, she opened for Meghan Trainor in Atlantic City, and in 2020, she signed to Atlantic Records, for whom she’s released three EPs. – F.B.

Kris Allen (season 8, winner)

Greatest post- Idol achievement : Top five Adult Pop Airplay hit “Live Like We’re Dying”

Allen introduced his 2009 self-titled debut album with the lead single “Live Like We’re Dying,” which was written by The Script and recorded as a bonus track for the Irish rock band’s 2008 album before soaring to new heights with Allen, peaking at No. 3 on the Adult Pop Airplay chart and hitting the top 20 of the Hot 100 (No. 18). The Arkansas native has since released four more studio albums and collaborated on songs with Train singer Pat Monahan and Toby Gad (John Legend, Fergie). The former mission worker has also dedicated his time to a pair of charity organizations that promote music education for children: Music Empowers Foundation and Little Kids Rock . – G.K.

LaToya London (season 3, 4th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Starring in Tyler Perry’s Madea on the Run film

In 2004, London was signed to Concord Records’ Peak imprint and released her debut album Love & Life the next year, which debuted at No. 27 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. London went on to star as Nettie and Shug Avery in separate productions of the stage musical The Color Purple , winning an Ovation Award for featured actress in a musical in 2012 for her role as Avery. Her stage work also includes the musical adaptation of The Bodyguard film, and she starred in both the 2017 film version and national tour of Tyler Perry’s Madea on the Run . – F.B.

David Cook (season 7, winner)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Hitting No. 3 on the Hot 100 with his debut single

When the dust settled on season 7’s Battle of the Davids, Cook emerged victorious. With his debut single “The Time of My Life,” Cook secured a No. 3 debut on the Hot 100, while consistently placing other singles in the top 40 of the chart for the next year. Even after he parted ways with RCA in 2012, Cook kept his career going, whether it was through his independently released rock songs or a starring role in the hit Broadway musical Kinky Boots in 2018. – STEPHEN DAW

Haley Reinhart (season 10, 3rd place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Top 20 Adult Contemporary cover of “Can’t Help Falling in Love”

Reinhart’s 2012 debut album Listen Up! landed at No. 17 on the Billboard 200 and spawned the Adult Pop Airplay hit “Free” (No. 26), leading to her gig as the first Idol alum to play Lollapalooza that same year. In 2015, she began recording and touring with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, performing jazzy covers for their popular YouTube channel. Her cover of Radiohead’s “Creep” is the group’s most-watched video ever (currently at 120 million-plus views), and she sings on their four most popular videos of all time. Her second album, Better , was released in 2016 and includes a cover of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” that went viral after its inclusion in a touching commercial for Extra Gum , peaking at No. 17 on the Adult Contemporary chart. – K.A.

Colton Dixon (season 11, 7th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: No. 1 Hot Christian Songs and Christian AC Airplay hit “Build a Boat”

Dixon has scored three No. 1 albums on the Top Christian Albums chart, all of which also impacted the Billboard 200. The singer-songwriter has toured with TobyMac and Third Day and has twice won the GMA Dove Award for best rock/contemporary album of the year (for A Messenger and Anchor in 2013 and 2015, respectively). In 2022, his single “Build a Boat” spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Christian Songs chart and 10 weeks atop Christian AC Airplay. – J.Lynch

Kimberley Locke (season 2, 3rd place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Top 40 Pop Airplay hit “8th World Wonder”

Thanks to her deal with Nashville-based Curb Records, Locke made Idol history as the first finalist to be signed to a major record label other than RCA, the company that had an agreement to release music by all the show’s winners. Her debut single “8th World Wonder” was a top 10 Adult Contemporary hit and top 40 Pop Airplay hit, and it peaked at No. 49 on the Hot 100. Locke was queen of the Adult Contemporary chart for three Decembers in a row when she had No. 1 hits with her Christmas covers of “Up on the Housetop” (2005), “Frosty the Snowman” (2006) and “Jingle Bells” (2007). Her television work incudes guest-hosting The View and competing on a celebrity edition of Don’t Forget the Lyrics! , as well as Family Feud and Celebrity Fit Club . In 2011, Locke founded her own company, I AM Entertainment. – F.B.

Diana DeGarmo (season 3, runner-up)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: DeGarmo was one of the first Idol alumni to star on Broadway, with roles in Hairspray and Hair

DeGarmo’s first post- Idol single “Dreams” peaked at No. 14 on the Hot 100. She has continued to record, releasing the vinyl double-LP Gemini in 2019, which includes many of her own compositions. In addition to her work on Broadway in Hairspray and Hair , as well as an off-Broadway production of The Toxic Avenger, DeGarmo has appeared in productions of West Side Story , starring as Maria, and Brooklyn: The Musical in the title role. After her wedding to fellow Idol alum Ace Young (see No. 33) on June 1, 2013, she starred as the Narrator in a national tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat , with Young in the title role. Her other stage work includes a Hollywood production of Back to Bacharach and David , and she had a story arc as a singer on the daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless . – F.B.

Ace Young (season 5, 7th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Co-writing Daughtry’s top five Hot 100 hit “It’s Not Over”

During the 2006 summer Idol tour, Young wrote a song with fellow contestant Chris Daughtry that would become Daughtry’s breakout hit “It’s Not Over,” which earned Grammy nominations for best rock song and best rock performance and peaked at No. 4 on the Hot 100. Young made his Broadway debut in Grease in 2008 and then starred in Hair in 2010, where he met and fell in love with his co-star Diana DeGarmo (see No. 34). In one of the most memorable moments of any Idol season finale, Young arranged to surprise DeGarmo on the 2012 live broadcast by dropping to one knee and proposing marriage. The couple have been married since 2013 and have frequently worked together, including on a national tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat , where Young took the title role to DeGarmo’s Narrator. – F.B.

Bucky Covington (season 5, 8th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Self-titled debut hitting No. 1 on Top Country Albums

Covington’s 2007 self-titled debut flew straight to No. 1 on Top Country Albums, selling 61,000 copies and scoring the best opening week for a debut album by a man on the chart since Billy Ray Cyrus’ Some Gave All in 1992. The project spun off three top 20 hits on the Hot Country Songs chart – “A Different World” (No. 6), “I’ll Walk” (No. 10) and “It’s Good to Be Us” (No. 11), all of which also landed on the Hot 100 – and included a pair of deep cuts co-written by future country superstar Chris Stapleton. – K.A.

Bo Bice (season 4, runner-up)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Joining Blood, Sweat & Tears as their lead singer

Bice’s debut album entered the Billboard 200 at No. 4, one of the highest new entries for an Idol alum’s album at that time. In 2006, the Huntsville, Ala., native was one of the “friends” (alongside Hank Williams Jr. and Three Doors Down) on the TV special Decades Rock Live: Lynyrd Skynyrd & Friends. Two years later, Bice joined Todd Rundgren, Denny Laine, Lou Gramm and Christopher Cross on a tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Beatles album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band . After memorably performing Blood, Sweat & Tears’ song “Spinning Wheel” on Idol , Bice took over lead vocal duties for the ’60s rock band in 2013, performing with the group through 2018.– F.B.

Elliott Yamin (season 5, 3rd place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Top five Pop Airplay hit “Wait for You”

Yamin went the indie route after his top three Idol finish, releasing his self-titled debut through Nashville’s Hickory Records in March 2007 and debuting atop the Independent Albums chart and at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. The project’s breakout single “Wait for You” climbed as high as No. 13 on the Hot 100, thanks in part to its steady popularity at radio. The song peaked at No. 4 on Pop Airplay and landed at No. 15 on the 2007 year-end Adult Contemporary chart. – K.A.

Josh Gracin (season 2, 4th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement : Kicking off his career with three top 5 Hot Country Songs hits, including the No. 1 “Nothin’ to Lose”

Gracin was on active military duty while on Idol and completed his service after his season. Following his discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps, he released a string of 24 singles, right up to his new 2024 song “Blame It on a Girl,” plus three studio albums (the first two went top five on Top Country Albums). He kicked off his career with three top five hits on the Hot Country Songs chart, including the 2005 No. 1 “Nothin’ to Lose.” Gracin has also toured consistently, with dates scheduled this year. – F.B.

Anoop Desai (season 8, 6th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Recurring role in the FX comedy/horror series What We Do in the Shadows

After finding online acclaim for eight EPs of R&B-leaning pop music under the pseudonym TOTEM between 2015 and 2017 – playing Lollapalooza under the alias and penning an essay for Billboard about then-President Trump’s immigration ban – Desai switched gears to acting, guest-starring on the Paul Giamatti-starring HBO series Billions (2020) and two episodes of Natasha Lyonne’s Netflix show Russian Doll (2022). He currently has a recurring role as The Djinn on the FX comedy/horror series What We Do in the Shadows and made his film debut last year alongside Michael Cera in The Adults . – K.A.

Justin Guarini (season 1, runner-up)

Greatest post- Idol achievement : Originating the role of Carlos in the Broadway musical Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Guarini made his Broadway debut in 2010, starring in the musical adaptation of Pedro Almodóvar’s film Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown , alongside Patti Lupone and Laura Benanti. Once he was embraced by the Broadway community, Guarini continued to star on the Great White Way, including replacing one of the leads in the Green Day musical American Idiot in 2011, as the title role in a contemporary production of Romeo and Juliet in 2013, and a run as Fiyero in Wicked in 2014. Guarini has been most visible starring in the role of Lil’ Sweet in a series of commercials for Dr. Pepper. He’s also had many hosting duties, including backstage at the 2016 Tony Awards for BroadwayHD.com as well as Idol Wrap and Idol Tonight for the TV Guide Network. He is the author of Audition Secrets , a guide to nailing casting calls. – F.B.

Danny Gokey (season 8, 3rd place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Top 10 albums in three different genres on the Billboard charts

Since his time on Idol , Gokey has landed top 10 projects on Top Christian Albums (including three No. 1s), Top Country Albums and even Latin Pop Albums (2016’s La Esperanza Frente A Mi ) – and don’t forget Top Holiday Albums too, with 2015’s Christmas Is Here landing at No. 1. The three-time Grammy nominee and two-time GMA Dove Award winner’s soulful drawl has helped him grow into one of Idol’s brightest stars, and his most recent LP, 2021’s Jesus People, saw yet another expansion of Gokey’s sound, as he dabbled in classical music and dance-pop. – K.D.

Tamyra Gray (season 1, 4th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Co-writing Fantasia’s Hot 100-topping Idol coronation song

Gray has been acting regularly since the show, landing a recurring role on season 3 of the Emmy-winning David E. Kelley series Boston Public in 2003; as a singer in the 2008 Anne Hathaway-starring indie film Rachel Getting Married ; and with three stints on Broadway, including as a replacement for Mimi in Rent (2007) and Papa Ge in the Tony-winning revival of Once on This Island (2018). She also had a pair of high-profile songwriting gigs connected to Idol : co-writing Fantasia’s powerhouse Hot 100-topping season 3 coronation song “I Believe” as well as the Kelly Clarkson duet “You Thought Wrong” from her fellow season 1 alum’s debut album Thankful . – K.A.

Alejandro Aranda (season 17, runner-up)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Two top 20 songs on Alternative Digital Song Sales chart under the moniker scarypoolparty

Since his Idol days, Aranda has been recording under the name scarypoolparty, often creating music that’s a far cry from typical Idol fare. He’s branched out into everything from vibey R&B to industrial metal, landing two top 20 hits on the Alternative Digital Song Sales chart in 2019: “Tonight” (No. 6) and “Cholo Love” (No. 16). The Twin Shadow mentee has performed at festivals from Lollapalooza to Austin City Limits, toured as support for X Ambassadors and collaborated with deathcore outfit Left to Suffer. – J.Lynch

Majesty Rose (season 13, 9th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Recording three releases with Maverick City Music

After releasing the EP Bloom in 2016 and the non-album single “Plunge” the following year, Rose joined Maverick City Music for a few releases, starting with the 2019 EP Maverick City Vol. 2 . Rose returned for the 2020 albums Maverick City, Vol. 3: Part 1 and Maverick City Christmas, both of which made the top five on Billboard ’s Top Gospel Albums chart. The former was a fixture on that chart for nearly 200 weeks and won a Billboard Music Award for Top Gospel Album. – PAUL GREIN

Daniel Seavey (season 14, 9th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Two Billboard 200 top 10 albums with boy band Why Don’t We

One year after his time on Idol, Daniel Seavey formed the American boy band Why Don’t We alongside Jack Avery, Corbyn Besson, Zach Heron and Jonah Marais. The group released its Billboard 200 top 10 debut album 8 Letters in 2018. Why Don’t We earned its first Hot 100 top 40 hit with “Fallin’ (Adrenaline)” from the band’s 2021 sophomore album The Good Times and the Bad Ones , which became their highest-charting project after debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. After the group announced it was going on hiatus in 2022, Seavey embarked on his first solo headlining tour, titled Introducing Daniel Seavey, in January 2023 and dropped his debut solo EP Dancing in the Dark last year.  – HERAN MAMO

Mandisa (season 5, 9th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Winning the Grammy for best contemporary Christian music album

In 2014, Mandisa became the first woman to win the Grammy for best contemporary Christian music album, triumphing for 2013’s Top Christian Albums No. 1 Overcomer . The project’s title track – whose music video featured inspirational footage of Robin Roberts, Gabby Giffords and more – hit No. 1 on both the Hot Christian Songs and Christian Airplay charts. Since her time on Idol , the singer – who died in April at age 47 – placed all six of her studio albums on the Billboard 200, starting with 2007’s True Beauty . A cherished member of the Christian music family, Mandisa’s gorgeous voice will live on through her music and fans. – K.D.

Ruben Studdard (season 2, winner)

Greatest post- Idol achievement : His Billboard 200-topping debut album Soulful and its Hot 100 top 10 lead single “Sorry 2004”

Studdard scored right out of the gate with his Hot 100 No. 2 cover of Westlife’s “Flying Without Wings” followed by a No. 1 debut album ( Soulful ) and a Grammy nomination for his recording of “Superstar,” first made famous by The Carpenters. Soulful lead single “Sorry 2004” was a Hot 100 top 10 hit, peaking at No. 9 in, you guessed it, 2004. His follow-up gospel album I Need an Angel debuted at No. 1 on the Top Gospel Albums chart in ’04 as well. The enduring friendship between Studdard and his Idol runner-up Clay Aiken (whom he edged out by fewer than 134,000 votes out of 24 million) is also inspiring, including a series of joint tours and the 2018 Broadway holiday musical Ruben & Clay’s Christmas Show , as well as their recent adorable appearance on The Masked Singer in a dual costume as The Beets . – G.K.

Jax (season 14, 3rd place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Debuting on the Hot 100 seven years after her time on the show

Pop-rock singer/songwriter Jax took her time garnering an audience, growing her fanbase through viral videos on TikTok (where she boasts more than 14 million followers) in which she updated lyrics of songs like Avril Lavigne’s “Sk8r Boi” and Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.” Jax hit a cultural nerve with the release of her bombastic single “Victoria’s Secret” in 2022. Taking the underwear brand to task for the creation of unrealistic body standards, Jax’s song blew up overnight, earning her a top 40 spot on the Hot 100, with her song peaking at No. 35 and making her a name to watch. – S.D.

Kellie Pickler (season 5, 6th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: A top 10 country hit that she co-wrote with Taylor Swift

Pickler has released four albums, all of which made the top five on Billboard ’s Top Country Albums chart. The first two, Small Town Girl and Kellie Pickler , reached No. 1. Pickler teamed with Taylor Swift to write “Best Days of Your Life,” which reached the top 10 on Hot Country Songs in 2009. Pickler also served as the opening act on Swift’s Fearless Tour in 2009-10. In 2013, Pickler won season 16 of Dancing With the Stars . From 2017 to 2019, she and comedian Ben Aaron co-hosted the daytime TV talk show Pickler & Ben . – P.G.

David Archuleta (season 7, runner-up)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: “Crush” peaking at No. 2 on the Hot 100 and topping Digital Song Sales

It’s been 16 years since Archuleta stole America’s hearts as the sweet, teenage runner-up of season 7. Since then, he’s continued to win music lovers over with enduring hits like 2008’s “Crush” – which peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100 and topped the Digital Song Sales chart – and “A Little Too Not Over You.” While the star, who grew up as a devout Mormon, briefly put his career on pause to complete a mission trip to Chile, he has since returned to music and came out as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in 2021. Currently, Archuleta is fresh off the release of a new song “Hell Together” and working on a memoir to tell his story on his own terms. – RANIA ANIFTOS

Chayce Beckham (season 19, winner)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Landing his first Country Airplay No. 1 with the self-penned “23”

Beckham hit the ground running after winning season 19 in 2021, immediately making waves on the Country Airplay chart with his Lindsay Ell duet “Can’t Do Without Me.” He’s now a veteran on the chart, with his 2024 solo-written hit “23” marking his first leader on the tally, and marking his Hot 100 debut with a No. 45 peak. He followed up on the stream of success with his debut album, Bad for Me , which was released via 19 Recordings/Wheelhouse Records/BMG in April 2024 – when Billboard also named him our Country Rookie of the Month . – R.A.

Katie Stevens (season 9, 8th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Starring on five seasons of Freeform’s The Bold Type

Following her exit from season 9, Stevens starred in two musicals – Bare: A Pop Opera and Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical – but found her biggest successes on television. She starred as Karma Ashcroft on MTV’s romantic comedy series Faking It , which won breakout show at the 2014 Teen Choice Awards. One year after the show ended, Stevens scored the lead role as Jane Sloan on Freeform’s comedy drama series The Bold Type about three women who work at the fictional global women’s magazine Scarlet in NYC. The Bold Type , which was on air for five seasons, won Choice Summer TV Show at the TCAs from 2017-2019, while Stevens earned individual nominations for Choice Summer TV Star at the Teen Choice Awards and best television actress at the Imagen Awards in 2018. – H.M.

Constantine Maroulis (season 4, 6th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Only Idol alum to be Tony-nominated for both acting and producing

The hirsute Greek-American stallion of season 4 put his rock bona fides and flair for drama (plus that BFA in musical theater from the Boston Conservatory) to work in various theater productions both on and off-Broadway, playing roles ranging from Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar to Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde in Jekyll/Hyde. He scored Broadway’s biggest accolade, Tony nominations, both on and offstage: for his acting in Rock of Ages – also making a cameo in the 2012 film remake as a record exec – and as a producer on the Deaf West revival of Spring Awakening . – REBECCA MILZOFF

Phillip Phillips (season 11, winner)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: “Home” topped the Adult Contemporary chart for 12 weeks in 2013

From the beginning of season 11, Phillip Phillips was the guy next door, staying true to himself in a T-shirt, jeans and a guitar no matter the circumstances (OG Idol fans remember when he refused Tommy Hilfiger’s makeover during an episode). That authenticity stretched beyond his win, as he made fans feel right at “Home” with his debut track – which spent 12 weeks atop the Adult Contemporary chart in 2013 and was a top 10 Hot 100 hit too, peaking at No. 6 – as well as follow-up hits including “Gone Gone Gone.” Phillips dropped his latest album, Drift Back , in 2023 and continues to tour. – R.A.

Lauren Alaina (season 10, runner-up)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Simultaneously topping five Billboard charts with the Kane Brown duet “What Ifs”

While she got off to a hot start with the top 20 Hot 100 debut of her Idol coronation song “Like My Mother Does,” Alaina wouldn’t find her way back to the chart until 2017 with “Road Less Traveled,” which heralded her mainstream breakthrough following years of toiling in the country scene. But it was the seismic success of her Kane Brown duet “What Ifs” — which ranked as the sixth-biggest Hot Country Songs hit of the 2010s – that made her a bona fide star. More smash collaborations with fellow country stars HARDY (“One Beer”) and Dustin Lynch (“Thinking ’Bout You”) followed, as did scores of massive tour looks, including opening stints on treks with Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton and Pentatonix. In 2022, Alaina was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, the kind of 10-year full-circle moment every girl dreams of. – K.D.

Clay Aiken (season 2, runner-up)

Greatest post- Idol achievement : Running for Congress as the Democratic candidate in his home state of North Carolina

Clay Aiken became so ubiquitous in pop culture in the years following his 2003 Idol run that it’s easy to forget that he didn’t actually win the show’s second season – instead finishing as runner-up to Ruben Studdard (see No. 20). Still, it was his ballad debut single “This Is the Night” that won the post-show battle on the charts, debuting atop the Hot 100, while his No. 4-peaking “The Way”/”Solitaire” double-A-side fared the best of any of that season’s post- Idol singles and his “Invisible” became an indelibly creepy pop-rock radio banger. His first five albums would all reach the Billboard 200’s top 10, led by his 2003 debut Measure of a Man , which topped the listing and was certified two-times platinum by the RIAA. But his greatest post- Idol achievement is one nothing to do with music or even entertainment: A career-long activist, Aiken got into politics in the 2010s and was even selected as the Democratic candidate for North Carolina’s second congressional district in 2014 – though he again lost in the finals, as Republican incumbent Renee Elmers was ultimately re-elected.  – ANDREW UNTERBERGER

Katharine McPhee (season 5, runner-up)

Greatest post- Idol achievement : Starring in NBC’s cult-classic musical series Smash

The season 5 runner-up has had assorted TV, movie and Broadway roles (including as a replacement in the Sara Bareilles-penned Waitress musical), a big branding deal (Neutrogena), and a pair of Christmas albums that both hit Billboard ’s Top Holiday Albums chart. But her most lasting win came in 2011, when she won the role of Karen Cartwright in NBC’s musical drama Smash. While it was on air for just two seasons, the show and McPhee’s starring performance as the lead ingenue have become cult classics. In a very meta moment, more than a decade after it wrapped on NBC, Smash is set to become a Broadway musical. In 2019, McPhee married legendary producer David Foster, with whom she has a young son (who may well be a drum prodigy ). – R.M.

Gabby Barrett (season 16, 3rd place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: The 27-week No. 1 country hit “I Hope”

Barrett’s debut single “I Hope” logged 27 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard ’s Hot Country Songs chart, while a remix featuring Charlie Puth reached No. 3 on the Hot 100. Her follow-up, “The Good Ones,” also topped Hot Country Songs and cracked the top 20 of the Hot 100. Barrett has won three Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, two ACM Awards and two CMT Music Awards. She is set to make her acting debut in an upcoming film written and directed by Trey Edward Shults, which will also feature The Weeknd, Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan. In another Idol love story, Barrett married fellow season 16 finalist Cade Foehner in 2019. – P.G.

Jordin Sparks (season 6, winner)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Kicking off her career with five top 20 Hot 100 hits

After triumphing in season 6 of Idol , Sparks became an immediate rhythmic-pop mainstay in the late 2000s, hitting the top 20 of the Hot 100 with her coronation song “This is My Now” as well as her next four releases: “Tattoo,” her Chris Brown duet “No Air” (a career-high No. 3), “One Step at a Time” and “Battlefield.” Sparks has continued a prolific recording career in the years since and has gone on to star in feature film and Broadway productions, and that opening run of hits continues to accrue millions of streams and radio spins more than a decade later. – JASON LIPSHUTZ

Scotty McCreery (season 10, winner)

Greatest post- Idol achievement : Five Country Airplay No. 1 hits

The season 10 champ was the second-youngest winner at the time of his crowning, at just 17 years old – though he already possessed the baritone and demeanor of a much-more-seasoned vet. Perhaps that’s why it’s seemed like Scotty McCreery has only grown into his stardom in the 13 years since, as he shook off a spotty start to his post- Idol career by going independent in 2017, leaving Mercury Nashville and immediately landing his first Country Airplay No. 1 with the ballad “Five More Minutes,” inspired by the death of his grandfather. McCreery scored his fifth consecutive Country Airplay No. 1 in 2022 with “Damn Strait,” a tribute to his hero George Strait, whose “Check Yes or No” he delivered a memorable performance of – by the country icon’s own request – during his winning Idol run. McCreery’s status as one of country radio’s most reliable hitmakers has lasted him through 2024, as he scored a No. 2 Country Airplay hit just this May with the heartbreaker “Cab in a Solo.” – A.U.

Chris Daughtry (season 5, 4th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: His self-titled debut was the then- fastest-selling debut rock album in SoundScan history

With his band Daughtry, the season 5 standout found immediate and sustained success on the Hot 100 and Billboard rock charts, including a self-titled 2006 debut album that sold more than 6 million copies and spent two weeks atop the Billboard 200. The project’s lead single, “It’s Not Over,” peaked at No. 4 on the Hot 100 and topped both the Pop Airplay and Adult Pop Airplay charts, while earning a Grammy nomination for best rock song and best rock performance by a duo or group with vocals (two of four nods earned for the album). Daughtry was the first of two No. 1 albums in a row for the grunge-inspired hard rock act, followed by a pair of top 10 debuts and now the 2023 single “Artificial,” which ran up to No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart in February.– G.K.

Fantasia (season 3, winner)

Greatest post- Idol Achievement: Her Golden Globe-nominated starring role in The Color Purple

In 2004, Fantasia’s voice rallied the nation thanks to its idiosyncratic grit and incomparable emotion. Twenty years later, that voice drove the film adaptation of The Color Purple musical – which she also starred in on Broadway from 2007-08 – to the top of the domestic box office and into the awards conversation. Whether she’s cementing herself in the R&B history books with timeless cuts like “When I See U” and “Free Yourself” or earning Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for her portrayal of Celie in The Color Purple , Fantasia is simply captivating. Each time life throws her an obstacle, she seems to bounce back 10 times stronger. After all, who else could star in their own biopic, which was based on their own New York Times best-selling memoir that only covered the first third of her music career? After being named one of Time magazine’s most influential people of 2024 and with a new gospel album on the horizon to follow up yet another career peak, Fantasia is drawing up the post- Idol longevity blueprint right before our eyes. – K.D.

Adam Lambert (season 8, runner-up)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Touring as the lead vocalist of Queen

He may have finished second on Idol , but there’s no doubt that in the years since his debut on the show, Lambert has become nothing short of a capital-W winner. In the decade-and-a-half since he stunned the Idol audience with his glam-rock vocal stylings, Lambert has scored a top 10 hit on the Hot 100 with “Whataya Want From Me” and three top five debuts on the Billboard 200, with Trespassing ‘s No. 1 start making him the first openly gay man to top the chart. That’s not even to mention how the singer became the touring frontman of Queen + Adam Lambert, embarking on multiple globe-spanning treks with Sir Brian May and Roger Taylor. Whether in his solo career, his collaborations, or his advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, Lambert has made it abundantly clear that he’s a superstar from day one. – S.D.

Jennifer Hudson (season 3, 7th place)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: The only Idol alum to win the EGOT

Hudson established herself as a versatile powerhouse after rising to fame during season 3 and leaving in a shocking seventh-place finish . After signing with Arista/J Records and RCA two years after that Idol exit, Hudson released her Billboard 200 No. 2 eponymous debut album in 2008, leading to her first Grammy win, for best R&B album. J-Hud made her film debut as Effie White in the 2006 musical drama Dreamgirls and won an Oscar for best supporting actress. She expanded her acting résumé with roles in The Secret Life of Bees and the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect , with the late Queen of Soul personally selecting Hudson to portray her. Hudson released two more Billboard 200 top 10 albums, with I Remember Me (2011) and JHUD (2014), and she won her second Grammy in 2017 for best musical theater album with The Color Purple, two years after she made her Broadway debut in the musical. In 2022, she collected a Tony Award for producing the Broadway musical A Strange Loop — making her the only Idol alum to win the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony). – H.M.

Carrie Underwood (season 4, winner)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: Becoming the best-selling artist ever to come from Idol

You have to hand it to Simon Cowell. Way back when Underwood appeared on Idol in 2005, he confidently told the vocal powerhouse: “Not only will you win this show, you will sell more records than any other previous Idol winner.” Nearly 20 years later, one of the most vocally gifted singers Idol has produced remains its top record seller, with 85 million albums sold worldwide, according to her label Capitol Records Nashville. Her coronation single, “Inside Your Heaven,” debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and her popularity has never waned. Her 2007 Hot 100 top 10 “Before He Cheats” spent more than a year on the chart. But it’s on the country charts where she has truly left her mark: Eight of her nine studio albums have debuted at No. 1 on Top Country Albums and she’s taken 18 singles to the top of the country charts. She also leads all Idol alumni with the most Grammy wins at eight and is the only woman to win the ACM Award for entertainer of the year three times. – MELINDA NEWMAN

Kelly Clarkson (season 1, winner)

Greatest post- Idol achievement: A tie for her three No. 1 Hot 100 hits & her 19-time Daytime Emmy-winning talk show

Two decades after becoming a star, the original Idol champ’s list of accomplishments continues to grow year after year, as Clarkson has hosted a TV talk show (which has earned 19 Daytime Emmys along the way, with eight new nominations pending) for five seasons, spent multiple seasons as a coach on The Voice , toured the world before scoring a Las Vegas residency, won three Grammys from 17 nominations, and released one of the most successful new holiday hits of the 21st century (“Underneath the Tree”). Yet when we think of Clarkson’s career since becoming an Idol star all those years ago, we can’t help but think of the hits first and foremost — the heartfelt joy of “A Moment Like This,” the fluttering hope of “Breakaway,” the unshakeable command of “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” and, of course, the pop perfection of “Since U Been Gone.” With three Hot 100 chart-toppers (more than any other Idol alum) and 11 top 10 hits, Clarkson has become one of the most reliable hitmakers of a pop generation — the crown jewel in a sparkling career that is still going strong today. – J.Lipshutz

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Carrie Underwood's net worth today: How rich is the country icon?

Hundreds of country musicians in America have thriving careers in the industry. The older generation of singers in this genre holds onto their relevance while the newer ones strive to find their footing. Any latter looking for inspiration might find one in the enormity of Carrie Underwood's net worth.

Carrie Underwood entered the American music scene in the early 2000s and effortlessly cemented her place as a shining star in the constellation of artists. Her net worth has significantly increased over the years. Find out how below.

Profile summary

Carrie underwood's net worth in 2024.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, the musician is worth $140 million. She has made this fortune from her endeavours in music, fashion, writing, acting, and endorsement deals.

Carrie Underwood's net worth by Forbes as of 2015, was $42 million, but she has almost quadrupled that amount in less than a decade. How did she accumulate this wealth?

Carrie Underwood has been a music lover since she was little and almost got signed to a label as a teenager. She did other jobs before becoming a musician. She confirmed this in an interview when she said the following:

I don't think I've ever had a bad job. I've had hard jobs. I've had jobs that worked random hours. My first job was at a gas station, and that was a lot of fun, actually. While I was working at the gas station, I took another job at a hotel down the street. There was nobody else working there.

When did Carrie Underwood win the American Idol?

As one of the judges predicted, she won the 2005 edition of the show. That same year marked the beginning of her rise in the music industry.

Entrepreneur

Carrie also dabbles in the fashion and sports business by blending the two to launch a fitness and lifestyle brand called CALIA by Carrie Underwood. The company started in 2015 in collaboration with Sporting Goods, which Dick owns.

Although she is no more in charge of the brand since 2021, it has become a favourite among sports lovers and is an excellent addition to Carrie Underwood's annual salary.

Underwood is also an author. In March 2020, she published her first book, Find Your Path , a bestselling lifestyle book in the New York Times.

Endorsement deals

Her celebrity status means several brands view her as a worthy ambassador. She is associated with high-profile brands, such as Olay, Bodyarmor, Almay, and Skechers. Carrie Underwood's NFL salary comes from her role as the face of NBC's Sunday Night Football theme song since 2013.

Carrie Underwood's SNF salary is reportedly around $1 million per episode or about $18 million annually.

Real estate investor

The singer and her husband, Mike Fisher, own several properties. One such is her first home, which she bought in 2005 in Franklin, Tennessee. She purchased the house for $384,000 and sold it in 2007, taking a $12,000 loss.

Others include a mansion in Ottawa, Canada, and another in Brentwood, Tennessee.

How much did Carrie Underwood pay for her house?

The exact price of her 7,000-square-foot home in Brentwood, Tennessee, is unknown. Nonetheless, she reportedly sold it for $1.41 million in 2020.

Carrie Underwood's house is an over 300-acre custom-built mansion in Franklin, Tennessee.

What kind of car does Carrie Underwood drive?

One of the oldest among Carrie Underwood's cars is the Ford Mustang convertible, which she was given in 2005 after she emerged as the winner of American Idol. Other cars in her garage include:

• 2022 Land Rover Defender
• 2022 Mercedes C63 AMG
• 2022 Cadillac Escalade
• 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2008 Audi R8 V10
• 2022 Mercedes V250d
• 2022 Volkswagen Amarok

Who is the richest American Idol?

Carrie is the wealthiest artist to have come out of the music show. She has sold over 85 million records worldwide.

After her American Idol triumph, Carrie took over the country's music charts. Her debut album, Some Hearts , was commercially successful and launched her into the spotlight. She set new records while winning several awards, including a trio of Grammy Awards.

She also earns from her music by doing global tours. Her electrifying stage presence attracts large audiences. She allegedly made $50 million from her Cry Pretty Tour 360 tour, and the same goes for her Storyteller Tour , where she amassed around $58.1 million.

Frequently asked questions

Carrie Underwood's celebrity status means she is always a hot topic in the media, and several fans constantly inquire about various aspects of her life. Below are some of the most common questions about the wealthy singer:

• How much does Carrie Underwood make per NFL song? She reportedly makes $1 million per episode of Saturday Night Football.
• How much money does Carrie Underwood make per concert? As of 2014, she demanded $500,000 per show.
• How much does Carrie Underwood charge for a private event? She reportedly charges between $999,999 and $1,499,000.
• What country is Carrie Underwood from? She is an American.
• Is Kelly Clarkson richer than Carrie Underwood? No, she is not since her net worth is only $35 million.

Carrie Underwood's net worth is a product of her hard work and consistency within and outside the music industry. She has grown from the rookie who seized American Idol by surprise to the stunning woman responsible for being a wife and mother of two kids.

As published on Briefly , Morgan Wallen is an American country music singer and songwriter. After competing on The Voice in 2014, he rose to fame and signed with Big Loud Records.

His chart-topping album Dangerous: The Double Album and hit singles like Whiskey Glasses and Chasin' You have earned him widespread recognition and wealth. Discover lesser-known facts about Morgan Wallen's net worth and financial portfolio.