The First 10 American Idol Winners, Ranked

American Idol has been the reality singing competition of this generation. And while many copycat shows have come after it, putting their own spin on things, this long-running series really started it all. The show launched way back in 2002 and aired for 15 seasons on Fox before being cancelled. But viewers wanted more and American Idol returned after a two-year hiatus for a revival on ABC that is still going today.

The show just crowned its 18^th winner, Just Sam, in the most unique season yet, where contestants sang from home over video chat due to the coronavirus pandemic. And while there have been some great winners of late like Sam, Philip Phillips, and Maddie Poppe, here’s a look at the first ten winners and how they rank.

10 Taylor Hicks

Winning season five, many believe his win was the result of a “vote for the worst” social media campaign that saw people online trying to encourage others to vote for the worst competitor to make a mockery of the show.

Regardless of how or why, this oddball, grey-haired young man with the tendency to contort his face and body as he sang garnered his own fanbase called the “Soul Patrol” and ended up releasing two independent albums and securing a Las Vegas residency. Still, in terms of winners, he was the one that really shocked viewers.

9 Kris Allen

This sweet, southern boy had the good looks and charm to win, but many believed he was far too low-key to stand out in the business, and they were right. He did release a number of albums that enjoyed moderate success. But he hasn’t really made any waves in the industry.

He does continue to make music and released re-worked versions of his older songs in 2019. But after a decade since season 8 when he won, Allen is easily forgettable.

8 Lee DeWyze

He had a rasp in his voice, a distinctive tone, and a stage presence that suggested he was already a recording artist. That’s because he actually was. DeWyze had a solo career prior to even joining Idol. Though he wasn’t exactly a massive star.

He has been consistently releasing music since winning season nine. But if you mention his name, most people would probably ask “who?” or have a vague recollection of his win.

7 David Cook

Another rocker-type artist with a killer voice, Cook came to the series with an emotional backstory about his brother who was battling cancer that captured viewers’ hearts. He won the seventh season and enjoyed great success with his first album, which was certified platinum.

He made a slight switch in careers to play Charlie Price in Kinky Boots on Broadway in 2018 but continues to make music.

6 Scotty McCreery

“Baby lock them doors and turn the lights down low.” These were the signature lyrics that came out of McCreery’s mouth during his initial audition in season 10 that had the judges slack jawed. They couldn’t believe that deep, baritone voice was coming out of the sweet and innocent looking teenager.

The strange mismatched voice and look helped the country boy win the entire show and debut singles that reached the Billboard Country charts and even set records. As of March 2018, McCreery has had four top 10 albums in the U.S.

5 Ruben Studdard

It’s tough not to love the big teddy bear that is Studdard. But many were upset at his win over fan favorite Clay Aiken way back in season two in what was deemed the closest final vote tally ever.

He did go on to enjoy a moderately successful career in R&B, including a Grammy nomination, platinum selling albums, top-selling gospel albums, and plenty of hit songs. He shifted to Broadway in 2018 to act in a play alongside his former AI contestant Aiken and had some small acting roles as well.

4 Fantasia Barrino

Known simply as Fantasia, this R&B singer won season three and the hearts of America with her raspy and soulful voice and her backstory as a strong, hardworking single mom. She had plenty of hit singles and her debut album went certified Platinum.

With a Grammy win to her name and almost three-million albums sold to date, it’s no surprise that Patti LaBelle herself nicknamed Barrino “Baby Patti Labelle.” Barrino released her sixth studio album in May 2019.

3 Jordin Sparks

It’s hard to believe that Sparks won way back in season six at the tender age of 17, making her the youngest winner ever in the history of the show. She has also become one of the most successful with a certified Platinum debut record with several top 10 singles.

Her song “No Air” with Chris Brown is the third-highest selling single by any American Idol contestant. It also earned her a Grammy award. She continues to make music as well as work on stage and has started businesses including developing her own perfume.

2 Carrie Underwood

After winning season four, Underwood’s career skyrocketed to incredible heights. Now a singer, songwriter, record producer, fashion designer, author, and actress, she has a net worth of about $200 million.

With chart-topping album after album, catchy songs that cross the line between country and pop, and more than 70 million records sold worldwide and a mantle full of awards, she is one of the most successful winners to ever come from the Idol family.

1 Kelly Clarkson

She might not be worth as much as Underwood, but Clarkson remains the OG American Idol, winning the very first season of the show. From a shy girl from a small town, she has become an outspoken businesswoman with not only a career in music but also an author, actor, and TV personality and host. And through it all, she has remained truly authentic.

She currently works as a judge on another reality competition series, The Voice, as well as hosts her own talk show. And she continues to release albums that consistently top charts thanks to her tremendous talent. She has sold more than 25 million albums and while her career has transcended her time on Idol, she remains the one singer whose name is synonymous with the show.

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