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Newsweek
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
'American Idol' Winners: Where Are They Now?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Since 2002, American Idol has crowned over 20 winners, each with a shot at stardom. Some skyrocketed into household names, dominating charts and award shows. Others, however, took different paths—some quiet, some surprising. Here's a complete look at every winner to date and where life has taken them since stepping off that iconic stage. Kelly Clarkson (Season 1, 2002) The original Idol, Kelly Clarkson, set the standard for all who followed. After winning with "A Moment Like This," she launched a Grammy-winning music career that includes hits like "Since U Been Gone" and "Stronger." Today, she's also a household name on daytime TV thanks to The Kelly Clarkson Show, which continues to earn Emmys and dominate syndication. In 2023, she wrapped a sold-out Vegas residency and released her 10th studio album, Chemistry. Kelly Clarkson performs on NBC's Today show at Rockefeller Plaza on May 6 in New York. Kelly Clarkson performs on NBC's Today show at Rockefeller Plaza on May 6 in New York. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Ruben Studdard (Season 2, 2003) Nicknamed the "Velvet Teddy Bear," Ruben Studdard beat runner-up Clay Aiken in a hotly debated finale. He went on to release several R&B and gospel albums and has toured extensively—including a 20th anniversary tour with Aiken in 2023. Studdard remains active in music and makes regular public appearances. Fantasia Barrino (Season 3, 2004) Fantasia Barrino's powerful vocals and raw backstory made her a standout winner in season 3. After releasing multiple R&B albums, she recently earned critical acclaim for her role as Celie in the 2023 film adaptation of The Color Purple, which scored her a Golden Globe nomination. She continues to act, sing, and inspire with her story of resilience. Carrie Underwood (Season 4, 2005) Country's reigning queen, Carrie Underwood turned American Idol fame into superstardom. She's sold over 85 million records, won eight Grammy Awards, and headlined major tours. Meanwhile, her Las Vegas residency, Reflection, which lasted for more than three years, ended last month. In a full circle moment, Underwood joined American Idol as a judge this year, replacing singer Katy Perry. Carrie Underwood arrives at "Opry 100: A Live Celebration" on March 19 at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Carrie Underwood arrives at "Opry 100: A Live Celebration" on March 19 at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Amy Harris//Invision/AP Taylor Hicks (Season 5, 2006) With his silver hair and retro sound, Taylor Hicks was a surprising, but memorable winner. He later starred in a Broadway tour of Grease, hosted the food show State Plate, and performs regularly, keeping his soulful style alive for loyal fans. Taylor Hicks arrives at the "American Idol" finale on May 23, 2012, in Los Angeles. Taylor Hicks arrives at the "American Idol" finale on May 23, 2012, in Los Angeles. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Jordin Sparks (Season 6, 2007) At just 17, Jordin Sparks became Idol's youngest winner. Her hit "No Air" with Chris Brown, became a global smash. She's appeared on Broadway, in films, and continues to release music. Sparks also remains highly active on social media, connecting with fans and sharing new projects. David Cook (Season 7, 2008) Known for giving Idol a rock edge, David Cook made waves with his cover of "Billie Jean" on the competition show. Post-win, he's released multiple albums including The Looking Glass in 2021 and continues to tour and record. David Cook plays a song from his self-titled debut album during a concert for fans at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York on November 18, 2008. David Cook plays a song from his self-titled debut album during a concert for fans at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York on November 18, 2008. Henny Ray Abrams/AP Photo Kris Allen (Season 8, 2009) Beating Adam Lambert in one of Idol's most talked-about finales, Kris Allen pursued a lower-key career in acoustic pop. He's released several albums and still tours and writes music, maintaining a devoted fanbase. Lee DeWyze (Season 9, 2010) Lee DeWyze's folksy style found niche success post-Idol. His music has been featured in shows like The Walking Dead, and he continues to release albums and perform at intimate venues across the country. Scotty McCreery (Season 10, 2011) With his deep baritone voice, Scotty McCreery quickly became a country sensation. He's had several No. 1 country hits and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2024. His grounded lifestyle and consistent touring schedule have earned him lasting success. Phillip Phillips (Season 11, 2012) "Home" became one of Idol's biggest-ever coronation songs, catapulting Phillip Phillips to mainstream radio. He's since released multiple albums, including 2023's Drift Back, and continues to perform in the folk-rock scene. Finalist Phillip Phillips and John Fogerty perform onstage at the "American Idol" finale on May 23 in Los Angeles. Finalist Phillip Phillips and John Fogerty perform onstage at the "American Idol" finale on May 23 in Los Angeles. John Shearer/Invision/AP Candice Glover (Season 12, 2013) Candice Glover dazzled with powerhouse vocals while on Idol. While her debut album Music Speaks had modest success, she shifted gears, earning a BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2022. Glover continues to sing while pursuing other creative ventures. Caleb Johnson (Season 13, 2014) Caleb Johnson leaned into hard rock after winning, forming his band The Ramblin' Saints. He's toured with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and remains active in the rock community. Nick Fradiani (Season 14, 2015) Following his win, Fradiani released Hurricane before shifting to theater. He's now starring as Neil Diamond in Broadway's A Beautiful Noise—a role that's revitalized his career. Nick Fradiani performs during the Q100 Moon Shine Grind at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park on October 27, 2016, in Alpharetta, Georgia. Nick Fradiani performs during the Q100 Moon Shine Grind at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park on October 27, 2016, in Alpharetta, Georgia. Robb Cohen/Invision/AP Trent Harmon (Season 15, 2016) The last winner before Idol's original Fox run ended, Trent Harmon leaned into country-pop with his album You Got 'Em All. He continues writing and performing music, with a focus on authenticity and storytelling. Maddie Poppe (Season 16, 2018) After a year hiatus, American Idol returned, but this time on ABC. Maddie Poppe charmed audiences with her folk-pop sound. Since her win, she's toured with artists like Ingrid Michaelson and dropped new singles, steadily building her discography and fanbase. Maddie Poppe poses during 2019 Live in the Vineyard at Peju winery on November 2, 2019, in Napa, California. Maddie Poppe poses during 2019 Live in the Vineyard at Peju winery on November 2, 2019, in Napa, California. ImageSPACE/MediaPunch /IPX Laine Hardy (Season 17, 2019) Laine Hardy found success with his country debut Here's to Anyone and maintains a strong online following. Legal troubles have occasionally made headlines, but he continues to pursue music. Just Sam (Season 18, 2020) Crowned during the COVID-19 pandemic, Just Sam faced a difficult post-win journey marked by financial struggles and mental health challenges. They've since returned to independent music and are reconnecting with fans while rebuilding their career. Chayce Beckham (Season 19, 2021) With a raw country-rock voice, Chayce Beckham scored big with his single "23." He continues to gain traction in the country scene, performing live and working on new material. Noah Thompson (Season 20, 2022) The Kentucky native won hearts with his small-town charm. His first single, "One Day Tonight," climbed the charts, and he continues to release music and tour. Noah Thompson arrives at the 20th anniversary celebration of "American Idol" on April 18, 2022, at Desert 5 Spot in Los Angeles. Noah Thompson arrives at the 20th anniversary celebration of "American Idol" on April 18, 2022, at Desert 5 Spot in Los Angeles. Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP Iam Tongi (Season 21, 2023) Iam Tongi made history as Idol's first Pacific Islander winner. With his emotional performances and powerful backstory, he became an overnight sensation. He released his debut EP in 2024 and is now performing across the U.S. and abroad. Iam Tongi performs at Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku, Hawaii, on May 16, 2023. Iam Tongi performs at Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku, Hawaii, on May 16, 2023. Erik Kabik/MediaPunch /IPX Abi Carter (Season 22, 2024) Still fresh from her win, Abi Carter is already making waves with her original music and poised media presence. She released her debut album, Ghosts in the Backyard, in November 2024. She embarked on her first headlining tour, the "Ghosts in the Backyard Tour," starting in February, with performances in several U.S. cities. Additionally, she performed at the Stagecoach Festival in April.
Buzz Feed
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Lukas Gage, Sophie Thatcher, And The "Companion" Cast Gave Us Their Ultimate Valentine's Day Playlist, And It's Pretty Perfect If You Ask Me
Valentine's Day is coming up, which means it's time to GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER and make a playlist for your crush/lover/parter/life companion. It's literally the most romantic thing you can do in this silly little day and age of ours! I don't make the rules! (Hoping to GOD my girlfriend is reading this.) After all, who can say "I love you" better than musicians and songwriters — the great poets of our time??? From Whitney Houston's rendition of "I Will Always Love You" to "My Chick Bad" by Ludacris (the most romantic song of all time), nothing screams butterflies quite like a good mix. If you need help getting started (what, you don't like my Ludacris pick?), no fear! Luckily, the cast of Companion is here to give us their fave love songs of all time. Here are 5 super romantic tunes they recommend for your Valentine's Day Playlist: 1. Lukas Gage: "A Moment Like This" by Kelly Clarkson 'My first love song I can remember as a little boy.' 2. Sophie Thatcher: "Go" by Daniel Johnston "It really tears at you. Even just thinking about it makes me wanna cry! It's really beautiful and reminds me of my boyfriend." 3. Jack Quaid: "You and I" by WILCO Frazer Harrison / Getty Images, Taylor Hill / Getty Images 'I think this was the first time I was really into a song, because it made me feel romantic feelings. I was like 13, and it was my first time having a major crush on someone. It's a middle school relationship song, but it's still so romantic." 4. Also from Jack Quaid: "Atlantis" by Donovan Emma Mcintyre / Getty Images, David Redfern / Redferns "Me and my partner share music almost constantly — it's kind of the foundation of our flirting. Basically, it's the same refrain over and over again, but we both love it because it's very romantic…and it's in an episode of Futurama." 5. Harvey Guillén: "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes Phillip Faraone / WireImage, Paul Naylor / Redferns "I think I like all the classic [love] songs — anything by The Ronettes or the Shangri-Las!" We think these five are a very good start — and you can check out more in our interview below! @buzzfeedcanada
