“American Idol” just wrapped up another season and crowned a new winner. But how successful have Idol contestants been over the past 20 plus years?
Each May becomes a very polarizing moment as Idol fans fill social media sites with their thoughts and predictions as to which finalist is the best. In this most recent season, the vote for the winner – Jamal Roberts – was the highest numbers ever seen on any season of “American Idol”!
Of all the “American Idol” winners, original winner Kelly Clarkson and season four winner Carrie Underwood have by far been the most successful winners.
While it is far too soon to know where Roberts will land in the list of hit songs, records, and awards; some of the past hundreds of contestants from the show have left their mark on the world of music.
Season one winner Kelly Clarkson has her own talk show, has been a coach on “The Voice”, and has earned three Grammy Awards out of her 17 nominations.
Season two winner Ruben Stoddard has teamed up with his season two runner-up Clay Aiken to don a costume and attempt to stump the judges…successfully…on “The Masked Singer”.
After winning season four, Carrie Underwood took the Country music world by storm, racking up numerous ACM and CMA awards; and she has won eight Grammy Awards out of her 16 nominations to top the list of Idol Grammy winners; including the only Best New Artist Idol winner.
Tori Kelly, Eric Burton, and Jimmie Allen have all earned Best New Artist nominations.
Season three winner Fantasia Barrino has received 12 Grammy nominations.
Season six winner Jordin Sparks has received two Grammy nominations.
Whie he didn’t officially earn a Grammy nomination, season five winner Taylor Hicks appeared on Jimmy Fallon’s Best Comedy nominated album.
Season eight runner-up Adam Lambert has had a great deal of success as the lead singer for Queen but has earned only one Grammy nomination.
Season three’s Jennifer Hudson has won only two Grammy Awards; but she also has won BAFTA and Academy Awards.
Season nine’s Tori Kelly has won three Grammy Awards.
After being eliminated in season five, Chris Daughtry went on to form his own band and earned four Grammy Award nominations. Daughtry also joined in on “The Masked Singer” frenzy in season two of the show as the Rotweiler.
Season five alum Ace Young shared a Grammy nomination with Daughtry when he co-wrote “It’s Not Over”.
Also from season five, Mandisa won a Grammy Award for her Christian music album “Overcomer”. Mandisa died in 2024.
Season eight’s Danny Gokey went on to focus his career on Christian music and has received three Grammy nominations.