Some might argue that the American Idol auditions are the best part of the entire show. Most of the contestants we get to see on American Idol won't get any lucrative record deals, but they do provide us with endless entertainment. However, the very few talented singers that do make it onto the show sometimes have bright - and lucrative - futures as artists.

American Idol contestants compete to win a record deal. Some previous winners have gone on to make substantial amounts of money. Some, such as Clay Aiken, have expanded their careers and ventured into other businesses, effectively multiplying both their fame and their income sources.

Looking at these former American Idol winners, it's clear that they've all done well for themselves, although some are much wealthier than others.

18 Carrie Underwood Has A Net Worth Of $140 Million

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Via EDM Chicago

American Idol season four winner, Carrie Underwood, has made quite the name for herself. Her Idol days are long behind her, but the star's fame has skyrocketed since then. Carrie's an award-winning singer/songwriter, has a fitness clothing line, and sells out tours. It's easy to see how she has a net worth of $140 million.

17 Kelly Clarkson Has An Estimated Fortune Of $45 Million

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Via House Beautiful

Kelly Clarkson won hearts with her soulful voice during her appearance on American Idol. Being the first-ever winner of American Idol, Kelly set the bar exceptionally high. The show was merely a launchpad for the multi-talented artist, who went on to top charts, win awards, and get her very own talk show. The American Idol alum has an estimated fortune of $45 million.

16 Jordin Sparks Is Valued At $10 Million

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When Jordin Sparks was 17, she became the youngest winner of American Idol. She beat Blake Lewis in the show's sixth season. Sparks is among the most successful American Idol winners of all time, despite taking a break from her music career. Jordin has dabbled in acting and is valued at $10 million.

15 Season 3 Winner, Fantasia Barrino, Is Good For $7 Million

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American Idol's season three winner is Fantasia Barrino and her rise to fame happened when the starlet was only 19. Fantasia has cemented her spot in the music industry, having won multiple awards. She has proved she has what it takes. The songbird has dipped her toes into acting for screen and stage. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Fantasia has racked up $3 million.

14 David Cook Has A Net Worth Of $5 Million

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David Cook was a bartender before he won the seventh season of American Idol. In an interview with Pop Culture, the star revealed, "I was a terrible bartender who played acoustic gigs for rent before Idol." We bet David doesn't need to pay rent these days - the singer has a net worth of $5 million.

13 Scotty McCreery Has An Estimated Fortune Of $4 Million

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Via The Boot

Scotty McCreery won millions of hearts worldwide with his soulful baritone on American Idol, so much so that he was crowned the winner of the tenth season of the show. Four albums later, Scotty is still living his dream, by making music that speaks to the soul. The country music star has an estimated fortune of $4 million.

12 Kris Allen Is Valued At $3.5 Million

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Kris Allen beat runner-up, Adam Lambert, during American Idol's eighth season. Kris used his newfound celebrity to support various charities, including the Music Empowers Foundation, and move forward in his craft. With four albums under his belt, the star has built himself quite the nest egg. He is valued at $3.5 million.

11 Season 11 Winner, Philip Phillips, Has A $3.5 Million Net Worth

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American Idol season 11 winner, Phillip Phillips, did what no other contestant has dared to do. According to People, the star "filed a lawsuit against Idol’s production company 19 Entertainment, claiming they manipulated him into accepting jobs and were being “oppressive” about his career." Surprisingly, that did not hurt his income, as he is currently valued at $3.5 million.

10 Ruben Studdard Is Good For $3 Million

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The 'Velvet Teddy Bear' sang his way to the top during American Idol's second season, beating runner-up, Clay Aiken. Ruben has released several albums and he's also done a bit of acting. There is no stopping this star; his passion for music birthed The Ruben Studdard Foundation for the Advancement of Children in the Music Arts. Ruben has a net worth of $3 million.

RELATED: Ryan Seacrest Has The Original American Idol Table In His Garage!

9 Taylor Hicks Has A Net Worth Of $2 Million

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Via Pop Sugar

Taylor Hicks's American Idol days are long behind him. Three studio albums later, the star has branched out of recording music. He's enjoyed a stint on Broadway and hosted a TV show called State Plate. Taylor is a busy man and he's making bank - the American Idol alum has a net worth of $4 million.

8 Candice Glover Has Earned $1 Million

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Unlike most American Idol alums, Candice Glover did not seem to actively pursue a music career following her big win. Despite winning season twelve of the show and releasing an album soon after, not much is known about Candice's music career after that. What we do know is that the starlet has a net worth of $1 million.

RELATED: 15 Things That Go On Behind The Scenes Of American Idol

7 Season 13 Winner, Caleb Johnson, Has A $1 Million Fortune

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You probably don't remember much about American Idol season 13 winner, Caleb Johnson, because he's not affiliated with a music label. After things fell through with his label, the Idol alum decided to make the kind of music he wanted to make. Caleb's $1 million fortune probably gives him the capacity to have full artistic control over his music.

6 Nick Fradiani Is Not Too Shabby With A $1 Million Net Worth

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American Idol season 14 winner, Nick Fradiani, started out in a band called Beach Avenue. The band's first big reality show appearance was on America's Got Talent. Nick went on to American Idol and won. As a solo artist, he gained acclaim. His song, Beautiful Life, became the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup song. Nick has accomplished so much and has a net worth of $1 million.

5 Lee DeWyze Has An Estimated Fortune Of $500,000

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American Idol has been a launchpad for many artists, including Lee DeWyze. Despite having been part of a popular band prior to the show, it was winning season nine of America Idol that really made Lee's popularity soar. The star went on to release several albums, and this was a lucrative career move. DeWyze is valued at $500,000.

RELATED: 15 Ways American Idol Has Changed Since Season 1

4 Season 17 Winner, Laine Hardy, Has A $500,000 Fortune

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Before his big win, Laine Hardy had previously auditioned for American Idol, but his lack of confidence ultimately led to his elimination. However, Laine's second audition was by chance, and his newfound confidence blew the judges away. The star hasn't released his debut album yet, but he has a $500,000 fortune.

3 Trent Harmon Is Valued At $300,000

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Before Trent Harmon won season 15 of American Idol, he got a shot at stardom when he auditioned for The Voice. None of the judges turned and his episode never aired. Lucky for him, American Idol propelled him to stardom. The star released an album, post-Idol, and is valued at $300,000.

2 Maddie Poppe Is Good For $200,000

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While winning American Idol is almost always the beginning of a beneficial relationship between the artist and the show, this has allegedly not been the case with season 16 winner, Maddie Poppe. The show has reportedly abandoned Maddie, in the sense that she hasn't been invited back to perform on the show. The showrunners also failed to promote her album, Whirlwind. It's a good thing she has a net worth of $200,000 to fall back on.

1 Season 18 Winner, Just Sam, Reportedly Has A Net Worth Of $125,000

Just Sam holding a microphone
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Much like the majority of American Idol contestants, Just Sam's back story is one that will tug at your heartstrings. A former subway singer, now American Idol season 18 winner. Just Sam reportedly has a net worth of $125,000. However, with her talent and charisma, she has an opportunity to add more zeroes to her bank account in the future.

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