Some of the most popular talent shows on TV include The Voice, X Factor, America’s Got Talent, and, of course, American Idol. American Idol was the one that started it all when it aired its first season in 2002. Since then, there have been a staggering 21 seasons that have introduced audiences to some of the most talented singers to enter the music industry and beyond.
Indeed, as it’s become more normal for singers to become actors, to start their own businesses, or build their own brands, American Idol has proven to be just a stepping stone for many of its contestants. Come with us as we highlight the most successful contestants from American Idol, from winners who launched incredibly successful music careers to those who might have been eliminated but still came out on top in other ways.
1 Kelly Clarkson
When you mention American Idol, it is impossible to leave Kelly Clarkson‘s out of the conversation. Clarkson is a powerhouse of a vocalist who competed in and won the first-ever season of the iconic talent show. Since her legendary win in 2002, Clarkson has produced hit after hit, from “Breakaway” to “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You.” With such a well-rounded career on her back, Clarkson has even extended her talents beyond the boundaries of the music industry.
From American Idol to The Kelly Clarkson Show
Clarkson now hosts her very own talk show called The Kelly Clarkson Show, which aired its first episode in 2019. On the show, Clarkson interviews fellow celebrities, from actors like Jason Mamoa and Danny DeVito to even fellow singers like Christina Aguilera. She is also known to have inadvertently created the “Kelly Clarkson Effect,” which refers to how audiences consider the songs she covers during the “Kellyoke” segment to be better than the original. Clarkson has also not strayed too far from her talent show roots, as she was a judge on numerous seasons of the hit reality singing show, The Voice.
2 Carrie Underwood — Season 4 Winner
Talk about one of the most prominent voices in country music history! Carrie Underwood won the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. Since the win, Underwood has ceased to wow us with the way she constantly furthers her career. From topping the Billboard charts to playing to massive audiences on world tours, there is no doubt that Underwood has established herself as one of the most successful contestants to have emerged from the hit competition show. As one of the most decorated country artists in history, with eight Grammy Awards in her back pocket, Underwood’s music career is the stuff of legends.
From American Idol to Country Music Star
Underwood has also made some noise in the acting scene as well. Underwood was first seen on-screen as Sarah Hill in the 2011 film Soul Surfer. After that, many audiences remember her role as Maria von Trapp in NBC’s production of The Sound of Music Live!.
3 Jennifer Hudson — Season 3 Contestant
Jennifer Hudson, although she did not win American Idol, has emerged as one of the contestants that nonetheless found a voice in this industry. Hudson competed in the third season, but was eliminated. After the show, it was like Hudson was on a mission to prove herself time and time again. Now, she has established herself (and her glorious voice) as legendary. She has put out a successful batch of her own music as well as performed in tributes, concerts, and features alongside other artists.
From American Idol to the Academy Awards
The perfect transition between singing and acting has got to be Broadway, and Hudson did not skip out on that either. Hudson played soul singer Shug Avery in the hit musical The Color Purple alongside other prominent names like Cynthia Erivo and Danielle Brooks. She also had prominent roles in films like Dreamgirls and the Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect. The former actually won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. In the transition to TV, Hudson is also currently hosting her own talk show like fellow Idol alumni Kelly Clarkson. The Jennifer Hudson Show first aired in 2022 and has showcased Hudson’s stage presence to a whole new level.
4 Adam Lambert — Season 8 Runner-Up
It has been proven time and time again that winning the show is not a necessity when it comes to long-term success. Just ask American Idol season 8 runner-up, Adam Lambert. Lambert has one of the most unique and stylistic voices to come from the show. The punk-rock edge and unmatchable power behind his vocals propelled him into superstardom.
From American Idol to Queen
Lambert remained a prominent figure in the music industry throughout the years. Currently, he has joined the iconic rock group, Queen, as the lead singer of Queen + Adam Lambert. That’s not all: Lambert has also forayed into acting. And considering his background in musical theater, it was only fitting that one of his first on-screen gigs was on Fox’s hit musical show Glee.
5 Fantasia Barrino-Taylor — Season 3 Winner
American Idol season 3 champion was the one and only Fantasia Barrino-Taylor. Fantasia’s career post-American Idol was a rocky one. In a recent interview with People, she described her experience after the show and how she “lost everything.” Nevertheless, she was always one of the most memorable winners of the show. From her jaw-dropping vocals to her undeniable passion and affinity for performing, Fantasia is still one of the most well-known contestants from the show’s long history.
From American Idol to the Big Screen
Most recently, Fantasia has once again entered the spotlight, as she reprised her role of Celie in 2023’s movie-musical The Color Purple, a role she first played on Broadway. The time is now to give Fantasia her much-needed flowers if you haven’t already.
6 Jordin Sparks — Season 6 Winner
American actress and singer Jordin Sparks got her start on the sixth season of American Idol, from which she emerged as the winner at just 17 years old. Sparks easily wove her way into the spotlight with her musical and acting talent. In addition to taking part in a handful of films like 2012’s Sparkle and The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete in 2013, Sparks also appeared in the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon spaces.
From American Idol to Strong Music Career
Although we remember her musical contributions in “One Step at a Time,” “No Air,” and “Battlefield,” Sparks is still releasing music today with the single “Call My Name” that came out in late-2023.
7 Katherine McPhee — Season 5 Runner-Up
Being a well-rounded entertainer in the industry today is almost a must. American Idol season 5 runner-up Katherine McPhee has, throughout the years, made a name for herself in not just music, but in acting as well.
From American Idol to Broadway
McPhee played the lead role of Jenna in Broadway’s production of Waitress. Continuing fully into the acting space, McPhee also starred in the CBS drama Scorpion, which ran for four seasons. She has also been releasing music throughout her post-Idol career and has made some noise on the Billboard charts as well.
8 Chris Daughtry —Season 5 Contestant
At its core, American Idol was put in place to find singers. Well, with winners and non-winners of the show, music is the route you would likely expect them to follow after the show ends. Fourth-place winner of American Idol season 5, Chris Daughtry focused completely on his music and it paid off.
From American Idol to Rock Band
He is the lead singer of the rock band Daughtry, and they are still playing shows and going on tour. When it comes to the music side of mainstream success for Idol alumni, Daughtry is right up there with the likes of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Some of Daughtry’s biggest hits include “Over You,” “It’s Not Over,” What About Now,” and “Waiting for Superman.”
9 Elliott Yamin — Season 5 Contestant
Even if it’s just for the masterpiece 2007 song “Wait For You,” Elliott Yamin deserves a place on this list. Yamin was the second runner-up in the fifth season of American Idol. Even after years since the popular song’s release, Yamin’s legacy continues to circle back over and over again as fans are reminded how timeless the song truly is.
From American Idol to Holiday Music
Along the way, Yamin has also taken part in the creation of music perfect for the holiday season: “Sounds of the Season: The Elliott Yamin Holiday Collection” and “My Kind of Holiday.”
