American Idol is one of the popular shows in the USA. It has produced so many stars in its long run, but the first 10 winners stand special in the history of the show. Well today, we look back on what the talented individuals have been doing since their winnings.
First 10 Winners of American Idol : Success Stories
1. Kelly Clarkson (Season 1)
Kelly Clarkson is one of the most successful and favorite winners of American Idol. She won not only the American Idol Award but also released many platinum albums and won numerous awards. She even has her show, entitled “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” She had a beautiful voice and was charming, with such a great personality, that she was an icon of pop music.
Kelly Clarkson, who won the first season of American Idol in the year 2002, is an appealing singer with an awesome voice and charming personality. After winning she produced a debut album called “Thankful” which comprised a single hit entitled “A Moment Like This”.
This launch made Clarkson stardom due to the numerous Grammy Awards she was awarded after having several chart-topping albums such as Breakaway, Stronger, and Meaning of Life up to date.
Kelly Clarkson is now a successful singer, songwriter, actress, and TV host. She has continued to make music and perform it and has been hosting her talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” She has also guest-starred as a judge in the TV show “The Voice.”
2. Ruben Studdard (Season 2, 2003)
Ruben Studdard is a sweet singer hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, he won American Idol in 2003. After he won, he released his first album called Soulful. This album had in it the popular song “Flying Without Wings.” His nice voice and soulful music helped him get a Grammy nomination and gain many fans.
Having silky vocals with a soulful style, Studdard obtained a Grammy nomination and many enthusiasts of his music. Success was followed by Studdard with issues like a musical career that was up and down.
He made his way back to success with albums like The Return and Unconditional Love. Other than music, he appears on different television shows, including an appearance in The Biggest Loser, where he has been fighting obesity. Up to this day, he still performs and tours. This has kept him relevant to this musical industry, aside from some philanthropic works.
3. Fantasia Barrino, Season 3, 2004
Fantasia Barrino won the popular American reality show American Idol in 2004. Viewers captured the impressive voice and soul in her performances. Her debut album, Free Yourself, was critically acclaimed and included the hit single “I Believe,” which showcased her vocal prowess. Barrino’s success extended beyond music; she made her Broadway debut in The Color Purple, earning a Tony nomination for her role.
Over the years, Fantasia has released several albums and songs, including Back to Me and Side Effects of You, which received positive reviews. Apart from music and acting, she has also faced personal issues regarding finances and the law, but she has emerged stronger. Fantasia continues to perform and give hope to others that she has not let go of her story and that she has conquered it.
4. Carrie Underwood (Season 4, 2005)
Carrie Underwood is a successful country sensation after being the American Idol Season 4 winner in 2005. The album Some Hearts, which she released next, produced several hit songs, such as the great adapted tune “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats,” which brought her several Grammy Awards and accolades.
Underwood has grown her career over time, with successful albums and hit songs that rank her as a country music star. She has also tried to make her way as an actress in films and TV series, including the show. In addition to her artistic activities, Underwood often performs charitable work, particularly in the area of animal rights and natural disaster aid. Up to date, she still produces new music and has tour dates, mesmerizing audiences around the world.
5. Taylor Hicks (Season 5, 2006)
Soulful, singer Alabama’s Taylor Hicks won American Idol in 2006. With his Self-styled and strong performance that astonished the stage. Hicks used to beat crowds with his special style. A self-titled first album came second on the Billboard 200 with the hit, “Do I Make You Proud.”
Grease and The Lion King amongst others were some of the famous songs. Soul, rock, and blues were combined in some of his albums that he has. He had featured in several TV shows as a guest such as in APART from music. He has engaged in charity projects among others. He is still a performer and remains in touch with his fans, teaching them what it is to be an artist
6. Jordin Sparks (Season 6, 2007)
At age 17, she became the youngest American Idol winner. Her first major album was released named Jordin Sparks and one of the hit songs in that album is “Tattoo.” That song became famous was able to acquire many honors for her ability in singing. That song is the first taste of a lot of people’s knowing her, which later on will lead to many triumphs.
Apart from her many concerts, Sparks ventured into acting. She acted in films, as The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete, and Broadway productions, like In the Heights. She was also active in several causes, which even included anti-bullying campaigns. Sparks continues to mix out new music and touring, remaining relevant in entertainment and ever an inspiration to young talents.
7. David Cook (Season 7, 2008)
American Idol 2008 was won by Davide Cook, who generally is considered a rocker or rock musician. His first famous album reached number three on the Billboard 200. This highly popular song, “Light On,” is from this album. Cook has a distinctive voice and style in this genre and that gained him fans who are very adoring.
From there, he was able to release several albums, including This Loud Morning and Digital Vein, amongst a few others. He has also been involved in numerous charity events mainly about cancer awareness, since he is a survivor. He is currently on tour and still releasing music in the same spirit of activity in rock.
8. Kris Allen (Season 8, 2009)
The acoustically sounding and emotive performer Kris Allen won American Idol Season 8. His debut self-titled album included a hit called “Live Like We’re Dying”, which quickly gained popularity among his fans and came to exemplify his songwriting talent.
He does have many albums among them are Thank You Camellia and Horizons, and his numerous concerts. He is greatly valued for his interactive performances with many other artists in different genres of music. In addition to that, he is known for supporting and aiding charity projects concerning education and health; he is still doing music and having interactive media with his fans, an artist indeed.
9. Lee DeWyze (Season 9, 2010)
Winner of American Idol in 2010, Lee DeWyze a folk rocker with a voice that grabbed the audiences. Among the tracks from this first album, his smash single “Sweet Serendipity” was certainly one that showcased his unique sound and serious songwriting skills.
This former American Idol winner and artist has matured a lot, considering that he has already released several albums among them Frames and Ghost Stories. DeWyze is known for his deep lyrics and acoustic music that relates to his fan’s feelings. Besides performing in shows and tours, DeWyze is also involved in various charity assignments, more so the promotion of mental health. He keeps touring and making music with his audience pretty close.
10. Phillip Phillips (Season 11, 2012
Phillip Phillips won this title in 2012, singing with a folk drive, with a rough voice, and through excellent playing on his acoustic guitar winning American fan’s hearts. His first album is “Home,” which, hitting the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, became the best-selling song in the show’s history.
From there he has gone on to release four studio albums including The World from the Side of the Moon, Behind the Light, Collateral, and Drift Back. He has toured extensively sharing stages with John Mayer, the Goo Goo Dolls, and Gavin DeGraw. In 2015, Phillips married his longtime girlfriend, Hannah Blackwell they had a child, Patch Shepherd together in 2019.
Through litigation with the American Idol management, Phillips remained unworried and continued to write music that his fans loved. His most recent release, Drift Back in 2023 evidenced just how much he had matured as an artist and just how he could make one feel something deep in their soul with thought-provoking lyrics and heartfelt sounds.
These are the first 10 talented winners who have found success after winning American Idol. The show has provided a platform for countless aspiring singers to showcase their talents and pursue their dreams.
