Most Famous ‘American Idol’ Contestants Of All-Time

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April 5, 2019 2:38PM EDT

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Famous ‘American Idol’ Contestants

Famous ‘American Idol’ Contestants — ‘American Idol’ has had a lot of success in producing singing superstars over the years. From contestants who won the show, like Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, to those who found fame even without winning, like Jennifer Hudson, there’s no denying that ‘American Idol’ has given us some stars. Kelly Clarkson completely changed the scope of reality competition shows when she won the first season of ‘American Idol’ in 2002. She was a small town girl who quickly skyrocketed to superstardom, and her career only continues to take off all these years later. Carrie Underwood followed suit after winning season four, becoming an international country superstar. The ladies are by far the two most famous stars from the show, but there are plenty of others who have had major success in the years since they sang on the ‘American Idol’ stage. Click through the gallery to check out the most famous ‘American Idol’ contestants of all time!

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Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson — Kelly Clarkson helped make a great name for ‘American Idol.’ Even 18 years after she won the show, Kelly continues to be a massive international pop star, and she has three Grammy Awards, along with 15 nominations in total, to her name. She also went on to become a coach on ‘The Voice,’ and has already won three seasons out of four.

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Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood — After winning season 4 of ‘American Idol,’ Carrie Underwood went onto become a massive star in country music. She’s continuously released albums over the years and has sold out massive tours. Carrie has won many ACM Awards, several CMA Awards and seven Grammy Awards throughout her career, and she’s not slowing down anytime soon.

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Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert — Adam Lambert was the runner-up on his season of ‘American Idol,’ and after several years with some success as a solo artist, he found solid footing in the music industry as the frontman for Queen + Adam Lambert. He’s traveled all over the world with the band.

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Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson — Jennifer Hudson shockingly came in SEVENTH place on ‘American Idol,’ but she found success even beyond the music industry after her time on the show. Before she even put out her first solo album, J-Hud took on acting, with a supporting role in the hit movie, ‘Dreamgirls,’ for which she earned an Oscar, Golden Globe, SAG Award and more. She also has two Grammy Awards, and is well-known as an international superstar.

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Katherine McPhee

Katherine McPhee — ‘American Idol’ runner-up, Katharine McPhee, had brief success in mainstream music after her time on the show, but she eventually turned her talents to a mix of music/acting. Katharine starred on the beloved, but short-lived, show ‘Smash’, and did a stint on Broadway in the hit production of ‘Waitress.’ She’s also well-known for her relationship with music producer David Foster.

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Jordin Sparks

Jordin Sparks — Jordin Sparks won season six of ‘American Idol,’ and has continued to release music in the years since. She has also done some acting and work on Broadway, and maintained mainstream relevancy by being open with fans about her personal life and working on a variety of philanthropic causes.

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Clay Aiken

Clay Aiken — While Clay Aiken still pursues music, he has become more well-known for his advocacy in the years since he came in second place on ‘American Idol’s second season. Clay has done a ton of charity work over the years. Additionally, he’s also starred on Broadway.

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Chris Daughtry

Chris Daughtry — Chris Daughtry came in fourth place on ‘American Idol’s fifth season. After the show, he formed the band Daughtry, rather than launching a solo career. The band continues to release music, with their most recent album coming out in 2018.

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Fantasia Barino

Fantasia Barino — Fantasia Barrino has released five albums since her time on ‘American Idol,’ scoring 11 Grammy nominations and 1 win over the years. She’s also been praised for her Broadway performances in ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘After Midnight.’

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Ruben Studddatd

Ruben Studddatd — Although Ruben Studdard never found much mainstream music success after ‘American Idol,’ he kept up his presence on reality TV by competing on ‘The Biggest Loser,’ and even branched out into acting.

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Scotty McCrreery

Scotty McCrreery — Scotty McCreery has made a name for himself in country music since winning ‘American Idol,’ and has released three albums.

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