American Idol is in part responsible for having launched some incredible careers. But, there are also some winners whose music career never really took off post Idol. American Idols like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Fantasia Barrino all went on to have successful careers.

The long-running competition crowned its newest idol at the end of its 20th season earlier this year with Noah Thompson, a 19-year-old construction worker from Kentucky claiming the top prize. Being on American Idol created a lot of firsts for Thompson whose best friend forced him to audition for the competition. “It was actually my first flight, because of ‘Idol,’” Noah told Music Mayhem Magazine. “First time ever meeting famous people, first time going to Hawaii, ... that’s why I’m so grateful for the show because there are a lot of things I would’ve never gotten to do in my lifetime if it wasn’t for the show.” Noah Thompson has since released new music and is getting ready to go on tour with fellow Idol star Hunter Girl.

So, we’ve had 20 Idols since the competition started in 2002 but how many of the winners can you remember? Here’s a list of 8 winners of the competition and what they’ve been up to.

8 Taylor Hicks Won Season 5 Of American Idol

Taylor Hicks won season 5 of American Idol in 2006 and went on to sign a record deal after his win. His first single “Do I Make You Proud” debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100, in addition to topping the chart in Canada.

Unfortunately, Hicks was dropped by his label two years after winning the competition, but he didn’t stop there. He later created his own label and has since been releasing music and touring independently.

Related: Here's What Forgotten 'American Idol' Winner Taylor Hicks Has Been Up To

7 Just Sam Won The Hearts Of Many With Her Performances

She won season 18 of American Idol as Just Sam but now goes by Samantha Diaz. She won the competition and the hearts of many Americans in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sam, who was just recently hospitalized, was immediately signed to Hollywood Records upon winning.

Though nothing came from her deal with the record company, the former New York City subway busker has been releasing music independently.

Related: Just Sam's Net Worth Increased & 7 Other Things She's Done Since Winning 'American Idol'

6 Jordin Sparks Was The Youngest Winner Of American Idol

By winning the sixth season of American Idol in 2007, Jordin Sparks became the show's youngest winner at just 17 years. She then signed to Jive Records and released her self-titled debut album later that year, the now platinum certified album debuted at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

She then went on to have one of the top songs of 2008 with Chris Brown, the duo even just reunited to perform their hit song for the first time in 15 years. Spark’s last single “You Still Think Of Me” was released in 2021, but it did not chart.

5 Candice Glover Auditioned In Three Different Seasons Of American Idol

Candice Glover is a powerhouse vocalist who brought unmatched vulnerability to American Idol. Glover, who won season 12 in 2013, was the first female winner after Jordin Sparks in 2007. She auditioned for season 9 and 11, but was eliminated in the early stages of the competition.

Glover signed to Interscope after winning the competition and her debut album “Music Speaks” in 2014, reached number on the Billboard 200 chart. She has not released another album since, though the balladeer is actively writing and performing.

4 Scotty McCreery Was The Same Age As Jordin Sparks When He Won American Idol

Like season 6 winner Jordin Sparks, Scotty McCreery was only 17 years old when he won the 10th season of American Idol in 2011. Scotty signed to Interscope after Idol with which he released three studio albums, his debut album “Clear as Day” reached number one on Billboard’s US Top Country Albums chart and has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

His next two albums with Interscope peaked at number 2 and 1 respectively. A decade after winning American Idol, McCreery maintains a prominent chart presence; his last album, “Same Truck” (2021) peaked at number 10 on the Top Country Albums Chart.

3 Phillip Phillips Debut Album Was A Hit On Billboard

In 2012, Phillip Phillips was the eleventh winner of American Idol. With more than 5 million sales, "Home," his coronation song that peaked at number 6 on Billboard’s Hot 100, is the show's most successful single.

Phillip Phillips’ debut album after signing with Interscope reached number 4 on Billboard 200 and is certified platinum by the RIAA, his follow-up album peaked at number 7. Phillips has not released an album since his 2018 effort only managed to reach 141 on Billboard 200. His latest singles “Hold on to Your Love” (2021) and “Love Like That” (2022) failed to make it on the charts.

2 Kris Allen Won Over This American Idol Star

During the eighth season of American Idol, Kris Allen beat Adam Lambert to win the competition in 2009. Kris Allen subsequently released hits like his coronation single which reached the top 15 on both the American Billboard Hot 100 and Canadian Hot 100 charts “No Boundaries,” and “Live Like We’re Dying” reached number 18. Allen hasn’t put out a full body of work since his 2016 album “Somethin’ About Christmas” failed to chart.

Related: What Happened To Adam Lambert After Competing On ‘American Idol’?

1 Laine Hardy Auditioned For American Idol The Season Before He Won

In 2019, Laine Hardy rose to the top of American Idol with his Elvis Presley-style croon and stage persona. After his Idol win, Hardy released several singles and soon announced his 13-date tour.

Laine, who was recently arrested for secretly recording his girlfriend, had originally auditioned for the 2018 season but only made it to the top 50 before he was eliminated.