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American Idol has spent greater than twenty years turning on a regular basis singers into family names. From Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood to Fantasia Barrino and Adam Lambert, the long-running singing competitors has launched a number of the music trade’s largest stars. On Might 11, 2026, the present topped Hannah Harper as its newest champion through the season 24 finale, persevering with the collection’ legacy of discovering new expertise.
Now airing on ABC with judges Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie alongside longtime host Ryan Seacrest, American Idol stays one in every of tv’s largest actuality competitors reveals. Whereas some previous winners went on to huge success in music and leisure, others stepped away from the highlight or pursued very totally different careers after their victories.
Have a look again in any respect the earlier American Idol winners and see the place they’re at this time.
Kelly Clarkson
American Idol grew to become an on the spot phenomenon when it premiered in 2002, and Kelly Clarkson rapidly emerged because the present’s first breakout famous person after profitable the inaugural season. She went on to construct one of the crucial profitable careers of any Idol contestant, releasing chart-topping hits like “Since U Been Gone,” “Due to You,” and “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).”
Through the years, Kelly has launched a number of profitable albums, gained three Grammy Awards, and earned quite a few Emmy wins for The Kelly Clarkson Present, which has change into one in every of daytime tv’s largest discuss reveals. She additionally beforehand served as a coach on The Voice, the place she mentored a number of profitable contestants.
In recent times, Kelly has continued balancing music, tv, and touring whereas remaining intently related to the legacy of American Idol, usually reflecting on how the present modified her life and profession endlessly.
Carrie Underwood
If Kelly Clarkson is among the defining success tales of American Idol, Carrie Underwood is undoubtedly one other. Since profitable season 4 in 2005, Carrie has change into one of many largest stars in nation music, constructing a massively profitable profession with hit songs like “Earlier than He Cheats,” “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” and “Cowboy Casanova.”
Through the years, Carrie has launched a number of chart-topping albums, gained eight Grammy Awards, and earned numerous honors from the CMA Awards and ACM Awards. She was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2008 and continues to be considered one in every of nation music’s most influential fashionable artists.
In 2025, Carrie got here full circle with American Idol when she formally joined the collection as a choose alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, changing longtime panelist Katy Perry. Her return to the franchise grew to become one of many largest headlines surrounding the present’s current seasons, particularly as she helped crown season 24 winner Hannah Harper in Might 2026.