{"id":3383,"date":"2026-05-07T23:56:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T23:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rjbarrett.redirectme.net\/?p=3383"},"modified":"2026-05-07T23:56:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T23:56:00","slug":"where-is-every-american-idol-winner-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rjbarrett.redirectme.net\/?p=3383","title":{"rendered":"Where Is Every \u2018American Idol\u2019 Winner Now?"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\u201cAmerican Idol\u201d has crowned 23 talented singers as winners of the singing competition and soon enough, one more hopeful will have their moment to shine. <\/p>\n

Over the years, \u201cAmerican Idol\u201d has helped launch the careers of talent like Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and many more in the music industry and beyond. <\/p>\n

But unless you\u2019re one of the loyal fans whose \u201cIdol\u201d worship burns as bright as those who call themselves Caleb\u2019s Creatures, Care Bears, or the Soul Patrol, then you may not know what has happened to your favorite winner after their finale appearance.<\/p>\n

Ahead of Season 24, the top three singers vying for the coveted title are Keyla Richardson, Jordan McCullough and Hannah Harper. <\/p>\n

While fans wait to see who will be crowned the newest American Idol on May 11, here is every winner in order of season, and a bit about what they\u2019re up to now.<\/p>\n

Season 23: Jamal Roberts<\/h2>\n
\"Jamal<\/picture>
Jamal Roberts is crowned the Season 23 “American Idol” winner on May 18, 2025.<\/span>Christopher Willard \/ Disney<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year: <\/strong>2025<\/p>\n

Coronation song:<\/strong> \u201cHeal\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up: <\/strong>John Foster<\/p>\n

\"John<\/picture>
John Foster during the “American Idol” Season 23 finale on May. 18, 2025.<\/span>Christopher Willard \/ Disney<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hailing from Mississippi, Jamal Foster is the most recent American Idol winner. After winning the title, he received a Grammy nomination for best gospel performance\/song for \u201cStill (Live)\u201d featuring Jonathan McReynolds. He was also briefly on tour with Brandy and Monica on the \u201cThe Boy Is Mine Tour.\u201d<\/p>\n

He returned to the \u201cAmerican Idol\u201d stage during the show\u2019s 24th season. On the May 4 episode, he sang his new single, \u201cPerfect For Me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Season 22: Abi Carter<\/h2>\n
\"Abi<\/picture>
Abi Carter won Season 22 of “American Idol.”<\/span>Eric McCandless \/ Disney<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year: <\/strong>2024<\/p>\n

Coronation song:<\/strong> \u201cThis Isn\u2019t Over\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up: <\/strong>Will Moseley<\/p>\n

\"Will<\/picture>
Will Moseley was the runner-up of “American Idol” Season 22.<\/span>Eric McCandless \/ Disney<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Abi Carter impressed judges with her rendition of Billie Eilish\u2019s \u201cWhat Was I Made For?\u201d After winning \u201cAmerican Idol,\u201d she continues to write and record music. In 2025, she embarked on a solo tour, \u201cNo Amount of Dark Tour.\u201d<\/p>\n

Most recently, she also returned to \u201cAmerican Idol\u201d during Season 24 to sing her latest single, \u201cBurned,\u201d on May 4. <\/p>\n

Season 21: Iam Tongi<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Iam<\/picture>
Iam Tongi was crowned the Season 21 winner of “American Idol.” <\/span>Eric McCandless \/ ABC<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year: <\/strong>2023<\/p>\n

Coronation song:<\/strong> \u201cDon\u2019t Let Go\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up: <\/strong>Megan Danielle<\/p>\n

\"Megan<\/picture>
Megan Danielle, Iam Tongi and Colin Stough, the three final contestants of Season 21 on “American Idol.” <\/span>Stewart Cook \/ ABC via Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At just 18, high school student Iam Tongi became not just a national sensation when he won \u201cAmerican Idol,\u201d but the first Pacific Islander to ever achieve the feat. With his island style and breezy pop sound, the native Hawaiian performed his original song, \u201cI\u2019ll Be Seeing You,\u201d along with a viral cover of James Blunt\u2019s \u201cMonsters\u201d during the finale, leaving every tear duct in the house drained. When he\u2019s not working on new music, he\u2019s performing live, dedicating shows to his late father.<\/p>\n

In 2025, he recorded and released a version of \u201cHawaiian Roller Coaster Ride\u201d for the live action film \u201cLilo & Stitch.\u201d His debut album also dropped in March 2026. <\/p>\n

Season 20: Noah Thompson<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"ABC's<\/picture>
Noah Thompson was the Season 20 winner of “American Idol.” <\/span>Eric McCandless \/ ABC via Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year: <\/strong>2022<\/p>\n

Coronation song:<\/strong> \u201cOne Day Tonight\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up: <\/strong>HunterGirl<\/p>\n

\"HUNTERGIRL\"<\/picture>
Huntergirl was the runner-up in Season 20 of “American Idol.”<\/span>Eric McCandless \/ ABC via Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cIdol\u201d fans fell in love with Noah Thompson, then 19, as well as his backstory. A construction worker raising a baby named Walker with his girlfriend at the time, the singer hails from Kentucky but now calls Nashville home as of January 2023, according to his Instagram. In June 2023, the artist dropped his debut album, \u201cMiddle of God Knows Where,\u201d a musical ode to his roots elevated with his signature rock. In 2025, he released a his EP, \u201cFind \u2018Em In a Bar.\u201d<\/p>\n

Season 19: Chayce Beckham<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"ABC's<\/picture>
Chayce Beckham was the Season 19 winner of “American Idol.”<\/span>Eric McCandless \/ ABC via Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year: <\/strong>2021<\/p>\n

Coronation song: <\/strong>\u201c23\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up: <\/strong>Willie Spence<\/p>\n

\"ABC's<\/picture>
Willie Spence was the runner-up in Season 19 of “American Idol.” He died the following year in a car accident at the age of 23. <\/span>Eric McCandless \/ ABC via Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Now that he\u2019s traded being a forklift operator for the singing spotlight, Chayce Beckham is still riding the momentum he got from winning Season 19 of the singing competition. The only singer to ever prevail with an original song (\u201c23\u201d), the SoCal country star released a six-song EP, \u201cDoin\u2019 It Right,\u201d and has hit the road to tour with country stars Jimmy Allen and Luke Combs. <\/p>\n

Beckham continues to record and is currently on his the road with his \u201cThe Old Fashioned Tour.\u201d <\/p>\n

Season 18: Just Sam<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"ABC's<\/picture>
Just Sam won Season 18 of “American Idol” in the first-ever virtual finale.<\/span>ABC \/ ABC via Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year: <\/strong>2020<\/p>\n

Coronation song: <\/strong>\u201cRise Up\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up: <\/strong>Arthur Gunn<\/p>\n

\"ABC's<\/picture>
Arthur Gunn was the runner-up in Season 18 of “American Idol.”<\/span>ABC via Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the series\u2019 first-ever remote finale, Just Sam was crowned the Season 18 winner of \u201cAmerican Idol.\u201d Accepting the title from their living room during the COVID-19 pandemic, Just Sam celebrated with their grandma via video call. Before the show, Just Sam was a singer performing in New York City\u2019s subways for commuters and tourists. In a December 2023 interview with The Washington Post, the artist talked about being back to busking on trains to pay their bills. In an April 2026 video, the singer got candid about the struggles that they have faced in trying to further their career. <\/p>\n

Season 17: Laine Hardy<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Laine<\/picture>
Laine Hardy won Season 18 of “American Idol.”<\/span>Todd Wawrychuk \/ Disney General Entertainment Con<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2019<\/p>\n

Coronation song: <\/strong>\u201cFlame\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up:<\/strong> Alejandro Aranda<\/p>\n

\"ABC's<\/picture>
Alejandro Aranda was the runner-up in Season 17 of “American Idol.”<\/span>Todd Wawrychuk \/ ABC<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After making it through auditions in Season 16 and getting eliminated in the \u201cFinal Judgement\u201d round, Laine Hardy returned to accompany a friend during Season 17 auditions. After his friend won over the judges, Hardy started singing and secured his own golden ticket to advance to the next round. The rocker from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, won the whole shebang and went on to release a three-song EP titled \u201cIn the Bayou\u201d before hitting the road in 2019 to headline his first tour. In April 2022, however, Hardy made headlines when he was arrested. He last released a single, \u201cBack of My Mind\u201d in 2025.<\/p>\n

Season 16: Maddie Poppe<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"ABC's<\/picture>
Maddie Poppe was crowned the Season 16 winner of “American Idol.”<\/span>Eric McCandless \/ ABC via Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2018<\/p>\n

Coronation song: <\/strong>\u201cGoing Going Gone\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up: <\/strong>Caleb Lee Hutchinson<\/p>\n

\"Caleb<\/picture>
Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Maddie Poppe and Ryan Seacrest on American Idol.<\/span>Eric McCandless \/ ABC<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 2018, ABC resurrected the singing competition after a two-year break to great fanfare. Maddie Poppe, the Americana songbird from Clarksville, Iowa, won over the hearts and votes of the deciding public, beating Caleb Lee Hutchinson, her boyfriend at the time. Though the pair never formally addressed their breakup, fans have speculated that Poppe is dating someone new from photos she\u2019s shared on Instagram. <\/p>\n

Since the show, Poppe has released her debut studio album, \u201cWhirlwind,\u201d and released several singles, including her latest, \u201cSOS I\u2019m in Love,\u201d in 2023. She\u2019s also gone on tour and most recently did a Christmas show in 2025.<\/p>\n

Season 15: Trent Harmon<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Trent<\/picture>
Trent Harmon onstage at “American Idol” Season 15 on March 10, 2016.<\/span>FOX \/ FOX Image Collection via Getty I<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2016<\/p>\n

Coronation song: <\/strong>\u201cFalling\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up: <\/strong>La\u2019Porsha Renae<\/p>\n

\"La'Porsha<\/picture>
La’Porsha Renae performs onstage during “American Idol” Season 15 on April 6, 2016.<\/span>FOX \/ FOX Image Collection via Getty I<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For its final season on Fox, \u201cIdol\u201d crowned Trent Harmon, a country singer born in Mississippi, the winner of the singing competition. In 2016, he released his self-titled EP and, two years later, his first studio album, \u201cYou Got \u2018Em All.\u201d Since his win, he\u2019s been busy, but not just with music \u2014 although he performs occasionally on Tuneden Live, a virtual venue, and released his hit single \u201cHeartBeat\u201d in March 2023. He married his longtime girlfriend and announced they welcomed a baby girl in October 2023. <\/p>\n

He released a Christian music EP, \u201cScars & Sins,\u201d on May 30, 2025, and his most recent single, \u201cMercy,\u201d is dropping on May 8. <\/p>\n

Season 14: Nick Fradiani<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"American<\/picture>
Nick Fradiani claimed the winner title during the “American Idol” Season 14 finale.<\/span>Stephen J. Cohen \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year: <\/strong>2015<\/p>\n

Coronation song: <\/strong>\u201cBeautiful Life\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up: <\/strong>Clark Beckham<\/p>\n

\"FOX's<\/picture>
Clark Beckham became the Season 14 runner-up after Nick Fradiani was announced as the “American Idol” winner on stage. <\/span>Fox<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nick Fradiani kicked off his music career singing in a band called Beach Avenue (they appeared on Season Nine of \u201cAmerica\u2019s Got Talent\u201d). Hailing from Connecticut, musician released his debut album, \u201cHurricane\u201d (2016), and entered the theater world in 2019 when he stepped into the role of Lorenzo Anello in \u201cA Bronx Tale\u201d that toured across the nation. He released his second album \u201cPast My Past\u201d in 2022, and appeared on Broadway in \u201cA Beautiful Noise\u201d playing musical icon Neil Diamond. He continues to perform to this day. <\/p>\n

Season 13: Caleb Johnson<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Fox's<\/picture>
Caleb Johnson was the Season 13 winner of “American Idol.”<\/span>Kevin Winter \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2014<\/p>\n

Coronation song: <\/strong>\u201cAs Long As You Love Me\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up:<\/strong> Jena Irene<\/p>\n

\"Fox's<\/picture>
Jena Irene was Season 13’s runner-up of “American Idol” when fellow contestant Caleb Johnson was announced as the winner. <\/span>Kevin Winter \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Winning top prize might be the show\u2019s toughest feat. But the second? Avoiding the bottom three the entire comeptition, which North Carolina rocker Caleb Johnson did. Following Season 13\u2019s finale, Johnson released his first album \u201cTestify,\u201d then went on tour with bonafide rockers like KISS, Sammy Hagar and Joan Jett. He formed a band called Caleb Johnson & the Ramblin\u2019 Saints, and in 2019, released their album \u201cBorn From Southern Ground,\u201d a rock-blues-gospel mashup. Three years later, he got the official call-up in 2018 when Meat Loaf asked him to step in as vocals for his band, The Neverland Express. <\/p>\n

Season 12: Candice Glover<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"FOX's<\/picture>
Candice Glover claimed the coveted title of “American Idol” winner for Season 12. <\/span>Fox via Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year: <\/strong>2013<\/p>\n

Coronation song:<\/strong> \u201cI Am Beautiful\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up:<\/strong> Kree Harrison<\/p>\n

\"Fox's<\/picture>
Candice Glover stood alongside Season 12 runner-up Kree Harrison, who she was good friends with at the time.<\/span>Kevin Winter \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Third time was the charm for Candice Glover, the soul singer from South Carolina who auditioned for \u201cIdol\u201d multiple times before making it to the live shows. Her perseverance paid off, because in the end, she became the first woman to win the title since 2007. A year after her crowning, she released her debut album, \u201cMusic Speaks.\u201d In 2017 and 2018, she dropped singles \u201cMy Mistake\u201d and \u201cBreak Me,\u201d and even debuted on Broadway with \u201cHome for the Holidays.\u201d Today, the songstress continues to light up the stage. <\/p>\n

Season 11: Phillip Phillips<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"FOX's<\/picture>
Phillip Phillips performed his original hit “Home” on stage after being crowned the Season 11 winner of “American Idol.”<\/span>Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year: <\/strong>2012 <\/p>\n

Coronation song: <\/strong>\u201cHome\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up:<\/strong> Jessica Sanchez<\/p>\n

\"FOX's<\/picture>
Jessica Sanchez is the Season 11 runner-up of “American Idol.” <\/span>Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Winning Season 11 of \u201cAmerican Idol\u201d was only the beginning for Phillip Phillips. After being crowned the show\u2019s winner, his debut album, \u201cThe World From This Side of the Moon,\u201d went multiplatinum. The album\u2019s success led to the Georgia native getting to tour with John Mayer, the Goo Goo Dolls and Gavin DeGraw, and even snagging a guest role on a 2018 episode of \u201cHawaii Five-O.\u201d In June 2023, the earthy vocalist released his fourth studio album, \u201cDrift Back,\u201d and hit the road touring the record across the country. Most recently he was a runner-up on <\/strong>Season 14 of \u201cThe Masked Singer\u201d and his latest single, \u201cHomesick,\u201d was released in April 2026. <\/p>\n

Season 10: Scotty McCreery<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Fox's<\/picture>
Scotty McCreery was the Season 10 winner on “American Idol.”<\/span>Kevin Winter \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year: <\/strong>2011<\/p>\n

Coronation song:<\/strong> \u201cI Love You This Big\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up:<\/strong> Lauren Alaina<\/p>\n

\"Fox's<\/picture>
Lauren Alaina, the runner-up for Season 10, held hands with Scotty McCreery during their season finale of “American Idol.” <\/span>Kevin Winter \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shortly after Scotty McCreery sang his way to the top of \u201cAmerican Idol,\u201d he released his debut album, \u201cClear as Day,\u201d which went platinum. Several smash hits, number ones and studio albums later, the kid from North Carolina is all grown up and married to longtime girlfriend, Gabi Dugal, and they now share a baby boy who was born in October 2022. The ride has been a wild one for McCreery, who\u2019s toured with country megastars like Brad Paisley, The Band Perry and Rascal Flats; he even inked a deal with Hallmark on a series named after and inspired by his hit single \u201cFive More Minutes.\u201d The singer-songwriter released his \u201cScooter & Friends\u201d EP in 2025 and is currently on tour. <\/p>\n

Season 9: Lee DeWyze<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"FOX's<\/picture>
Lee DeWyze won Season Nine of “American Idol.” <\/span>Kevork Djansezian \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year: <\/strong>2010<\/p>\n

Coronation song: <\/strong>\u201cBeautiful Day\u201d by U2<\/p>\n

Runner-up<\/strong>: Crystal Bowersox<\/p>\n

\""American<\/picture>
Crystal Bowersox, the runner-up in Season Nine, performed alongside at Lee DeWyze during “American Idol Live!” on August 13, 2010 in Los Angeles.<\/span>Jason LaVeris \/ FilmMagic<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lee DeWyze, a folk rocker from Mount Prospect, Illinois, was able to connect with fans and the \u201cIdol\u201d judges through his raspy tone and raw, authentic quality singing. And ever since the credits rolled on his season\u2019s finale, that bond remains unbroken. In addition to eight albums, his songs have been featured in several hit shows, including \u201cThe Walking Dead,\u201d \u201cSuits,\u201d \u201cShameless,\u201d \u201cElementary,\u201d and \u201cNashville.\u201d Today, he\u2019s married to actor Jonna Walsh. He\u2019s also working on his new album. <\/p>\n

Season 8: Kris Allen<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"American<\/picture>
Kris Allen took the top title during Season Eight of “American Idol.”<\/span>M Becker \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2009<\/p>\n

Coronation song:<\/strong> \u201cNo Boundaries\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up: <\/strong>Adam Lambert<\/p>\n

\"American<\/picture>
While Adam Lambert was runner-up in Season Eight of “American Idol,” he went on to find great success of his own, including becoming the lead singer in the rock band Queen.<\/span>Kevin Winter \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An acoustic guitarist whose bold musical choices won over fans, Kris Allen is still strumming the strings on stage. Since his win, he\u2019s released several albums, charted on Billboard\u2019s Hot 100, collaborated with fellow \u201cIdol\u201d alum Haley Reinhart on a single in 2023 and tapped into the philanthropic world with causes close to his heart. In 2013, he was in a car accident that shattered his wrist and forced him to re-learn the guitar. Since then, he\u2019s continued to tour and release music, his last album, \u201cPole Vaulter,\u201d came out in 2024.<\/p>\n

Season 7: David Cook<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Idol<\/picture>
David Cook was the Season Seven winner on “American Idol.”<\/span>Kevin Winter \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2008<\/p>\n

Coronation Song:<\/strong> \u201cThe Time of My Life\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-Up: <\/strong>David Archuleta<\/p>\n

\""American<\/picture>
David Archuleta was deemed the runner-up of Season Seven on “American Idol” and went on to release nine albums.<\/span>M. Caulfield \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before \u201cAmerican Idol,\u201d David Cook had already self-released an album, \u201cAnalog Heart.\u201d After winning the singing competition, the Texas rocker dropped his self-titled studio album, which achieved platinum status from the Recording Industry Association of America. In 2018, Cook made his Broadway debut in \u201cKinky Boots,\u201d but today, he\u2019s back to rocking out on stage. He\u2019s currently on tour and just added more dates. <\/p>\n

Season 6: Jordin Sparks<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\""American<\/picture>
The “American Idol” winning title for Season Six went to Jordin Sparks, who was 17 at the time.<\/span>Lester Cohen \/ WireImage<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year: <\/strong>2007 <\/p>\n

Coronation song: <\/strong>\u201cThis Is My Now\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up: <\/strong>Blake Lewis<\/p>\n

\""American<\/picture>
Blake Lewis was the runner-up on Season Six of “American Idol.” <\/span>Lester Cohen \/ WireImage<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The youngest to ever win the singing contest, Jordin Sparks was just 17 when her whole world changed. Soon after, the pop-R&B artist released her self-titled debut album, which went platinum in the U.S., and has added three more studio albums to her genre-blending discography. The Phoenix native also launched a fragrance brand, performed on Broadway in \u201cIn the Heights,\u201d and acted alongside Whitney Houston in the musical film \u201cSparkle.\u201d Sparks is married to Dana Isaiah and they share son Dana Isaiah Thomas Jr. together. Jordan was also up for her second Grammy nomination at the 2024 awards ceremony Feb. 4, where she performed Prince and the Revolution\u2019s \u201cLet\u2019s Go Crazy\u201d alongside Pentatonix, Sheila E., J. Ivy and Larkin Poe. She continues to sing and act. <\/p>\n

Season 5: Taylor Hicks<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"American<\/picture>
Taylor Hicks won Season 5 of “American Idol.”<\/span>Vince Bucci \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year: <\/strong>2006<\/p>\n

Coronation song:<\/strong> \u201cDo I Make You Proud?\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up: <\/strong>Katharine McPhee<\/p>\n

\"American<\/picture>
Katharine McPhee was deemed the runner-up on Season Five of “American Idol” and went on to release several albums, make her Broadway debut on “Waitress” and break into TV and film.<\/span>Vince Bucci \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At 29, Taylor Hicks became the oldest singer to win \u201cIdol\u201d at the time. A silver-haired showman boosted by a loyal fan base called the Soul Patrol, Hicks has since released several studio albums, while also making his Broadway debut in \u201cGrease\u201d as Teen Angel as well as dabbling in film and television, appearing in an episode of \u201cLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit.\u201d In 2012, the Alabama musician became the first winner to score a long-term residency in Las Vegas. Today, he continues to release music and go on tour. <\/p>\n

Season 4: Carrie Underwood<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"American<\/picture>
Carrie Underwood became the first country singer to win “American Idol” when she was announced as the winner of Season Four.<\/span>Kevin Winter \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year: <\/strong>2005<\/p>\n

Coronation song: <\/strong>\u201cInside Your Heaven\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up:<\/strong> Bo Bice<\/p>\n

\""American<\/picture>
Bo Bice was the runner-up in Season Four of “American Idol.”<\/span>Ray Mickshaw \/ WireImage<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After the celebratory confetti fell, Carrie Underwood wasted no time turning her victory into a fruitful career. Now a multiplatinum-selling recording artist, the country girl from Oklahoma not only has nine studio albums in her oeuvre, but also created a fitness brand called CALIA, has eight Grammys (16 nominations), has the most CMT Music Award wins ever with 25 trophies and shares two boys with former NHL player Mike Fisher. And the starlet doesn\u2019t seem to be slowing down anytime soon, she had her Las Vegas residency \u201cReflection\u201d and is a current judge on \u201cAmerican Idol.\u201d <\/p>\n

Season 3: Fantasia Barrino<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Fantasia<\/picture>
Fantasia Barrino was crowned the winner of Season 3 on “American Idol” and a decade later, she continues to hit milestones in her career. <\/span>Ray Mickshaw \/ WireImage<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year: <\/strong>2004<\/p>\n

Coronation song: <\/strong>\u201cI Believe\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up:<\/strong> Diana DeGarmo<\/p>\n

\"American<\/picture>
Diana Degarmo became the runner-up on Season Three of “American Idol” after Fantasia Barrino was announced the winner.<\/span>Frank Micelotta \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ever since \u201cIdol\u201d judge Simon Cowell told the 19-year-old from North Carolina she was the best contestant the show had ever seen, Fantasia Barrino has been living up to the compliment. A dynamo on the stage, page and screen, Barrino has won a Grammy (and has raked in 12 Grammy nominations), made the New York Times best-seller list with her 2005 memoir, \u201cLife Is Not a Fairy Tale,\u201d and earned a Golden Globe nomination for her rendition of Celie in the film adaptation of \u201cThe Color Purple.\u201d She also studied business at Central State University. <\/p>\n

At the 2024 Grammy Awards, Barrino paid tribute to Tina Turner by singing \u201cProud Mary\u201d on stage, which also happened to be one of the songs she sang during her \u201cAmerican Idol\u201d audition 20 years earlier. Talk about a full circle moment! <\/p>\n

Season 2: Ruben Studdard<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\""American<\/picture>
Ruben Studdard won the coveted spot during the Season Two finale of “American Idol” in 2003. <\/span>Steve Granitz \/ WireImage<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2003<\/p>\n

Coronation song:<\/strong> \u201cFlying Without Wings\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up:<\/strong> Clay Aiken<\/p>\n

\"Clay<\/picture>
Clay Aiken was the runner-up in Season Two of “American Idol” and went on to release several studio albums of his own.<\/span>Steve Granitz \/ WireImage<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

They call him the Velvet Teddy Bear, but his resume is nothing to play with. Brimming with musical accolades, a Broadway debut and a soulful discography that would make Luther Vandross proud, the R&B crooner\u2019s list of accomplishments isn\u2019t stopping anytime soon, coming off the heels of his new album \u201cThe Way I Remember It\u201d that was released last year. Additionally, Ruben <\/strong>Studdard and his longtime pal, \u201cIdol\u201d co-finalist Clay Aiken, just wrapped their joint tour \u201cTwenty\u201d that commemorated 20 years since starring on the singing competition together. Studdard and his wife Kristin Moore-Studdard share a son and daughter together. <\/p>\n

In the last years, he\u2019s collaborated with Aiken, performing shows together. <\/p>\n

Season 1: Kelly Clarkson<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Kelly<\/picture>
Kelly Clarkson became the first-ever “American Idol” winner when she won the competition during its inaugural season.<\/span>Kevin Winter \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Year: <\/strong>2002<\/p>\n

Coronation song:<\/strong> \u201cA Moment Like This\u201d<\/p>\n

Runner-up: <\/strong>Justin Guarini<\/p>\n

\"Kelly<\/picture>
Justin Guarini became the runner-up for the first season of “American Idol” after Kelly Clarkson was crowned the winner.<\/span>Kevin Winter \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When 20-year-old Kelly Clarkson became the singing competition\u2019s inaugural champ, the world got a taste of what the future queen of pop rock could do with those arresting tonsils. Now 41, the singer-songwriter is sitting on a mountain of multiplatinum feats, bolstered by 10 studio albums, three Grammy wins (and 17 noms total) and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. <\/p>\n

Beyond the recording studio, the Texas native has proven her gift of gab on the small screen. She\u2019s a coach on \u201cThe Voice\u201d and has a successful daytime talk show, which is ending this fall after seven seasons.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n