The story of American Idol is tied to its founder, British entertainment powerhouse Simon Fuller. Considered the most successful British manager by Billboard, Fuller has had quite the adventure as far as show business is concerned. He’s done it all; managing talent, production, investing, and creative consultancy. American Idol, one of his successful franchises, began in 2001 as Pop Idol in the United Kingdom. After its inception (that was in part due to the contribution of everyone’s least favorite television judge, Simon Cowell), the show morphed into a corporate magnet, generating over $8 billion in revenue.
The franchise premiered on FOX in 2002. With 15 seasons running and a brief hiatus, it is one of America’s top-rated reality television shows. It is known for its inclusion of celebrity judges such as Jennifer Lopez, who is rumored to have commanded a $17 million paycheck per season.
According to Billboard, every season finale of the show attracts a viewership in the tens of millions. It is no surprise that it has given birth to stars who’ve had impressive careers. The big question is, what have the first ten winners been up to? Let’s find out.
10 Season 10: Scotty McCreery
Scotty McCreery is one of the youngest contestants to ever win American Idol. The country singer has released several albums since his debut. In 2017, his single "Five More Minutes" set the record of topping the charts without the backing of a record label. In the world of country music, that is a rare achievement. In 2020, he released "You Time," a single from his upcoming album.
9 Season 9: Lee Dewyze
Before American Idol, Lee Dewyze had a steady music career. He was part of the Lee Dewyze band and had released two independent albums. Post-Idol, he released Live It Up, his third overall album. As of 2021, he is set to go on a tour dubbed "Lee Dewyze, Ghost Stories Tour 2021" whose details are yet to be revealed.
8 Season 8: Kris Allen
At the time he was joining American Idol, Kris Allen already had an album to his name. After his win, he released a self-titled album. The album's lead single "Live Like We’re Dying" made sales somewhere in the neighborhood of $1.7 million. In 2019, he celebrated the tenth anniversary of his win by releasing "10," a compilation of re-worked versions of his songs. He is set to go on a Europe tour with David Cook in October.
7 Season 7: David Cook
Before winning American Idol, David Cook had been in the music game for a strong minute. He was part of a band that had seven albums and released a solo album, Analog Heart. His debut single "The Time of My Life" was released after his win. It entered the Billboard Hot 100 charts at number three. This month, he released "The Looking Glass,' an EP, and is set to perform at the digital platform Mandolin.
6 Season 6: Jordin Sparks
At the age of 17, Jordin Sparks became the youngest contestant to ever win American Idol. Her debut self-titled album included "No Air," a collaboration with Chris Brown that saw her sell over three million digital copies. She took a five-year break and returned to the scene with her 2020 single "Unknown." This year she competed on The Masked Dancer and placed fifth and released a single, "You Still Think of Me."
5 Season 5: Taylor Hicks
Way before Taylor Hicks won the fifth season of American Idol, he already had his foot in the game. He had performed for a little over a decade and had two albums that were produced independently. The show was a big boost to his career, as it brought him national recognition. In 2019, he landed a role as Charlie Anderson in the musical Shenandoah. He is set to perform at Regions Tradition on the 5th of May and has appeared in the movie Stars Fell on Alabama.
4 Season 4: Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood’s debut single "Inside Your Heaven" helped her make history as the first country artist to ever peak the summit on Billboard Hot 100. She has shattered the glass ceiling with three Grammys to her name and broken countless records as a country artist. She recently received a nomination at the 56th Academy of Country Music Awards and is scheduled to be a resident at Resort Worlds in June 2021.
3 Season 3: Fantasia Barrino
When I See You star Fantasia found her big start on the show. Her second album Fantasia topped the charts for weeks running. She graced the music scene with her sultry vocals and down-to-earth personality. In 2019, the singer released her seventh studio album, Sketchbook, released by her record label Rock Soul Inc. At the moment, the singer is expecting a bundle of joy with her husband, Kendall Taylor, and hosts #TaylorTalks on Facebook and Instagram.
2 Season 2: Ruben Studdard
After he won the second season of American Idol, Ruben went on to win a Grammy for "Superstar" and record seven studio albums. He’s also ventured into the television scene and appeared in shows such as The Biggest Loser which focuses on weight loss. Reuben currently cohosts ViceStyles, a show that discusses various vices of gentlemen ranging from music, cigars, libations, fashion, style and more!’
1 Season 1: Kelly Clarkson
Known as The Original American Idol, Kelly Clarkson’s celebrated win did not disappoint. She won the hearts of Americans with A Moment Like This and went on to stay rooted in the game, releasing eight albums. Since 2019, she has hosted The Kelly Clarkson Show, a syndicated variety show that has earned three Daytime Emmy Awards. The show is currently in its second season and has been renewed for a third and fourth season. She is also a coach on NBC's The Voice.