Left: ‘American Idol’ winner Kelly Clarkson sings after winning the contest at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Ca., Sept. 4, 2002. Right: ‘American Idol’ winner Iam Tongi on the season 21 finale.Photo:Kevin Winter/Getty ; Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty
Kevin Winter/Getty ; Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty
WhenAmerican Idolfirst aired in 2002, hostRyan Seacrestwasn’t even sure that the show would get picked up for a second season.
“After that first season we were just crossing our fingers,” he recalled during a 2023 appearance onGood Morning America.
Of course, the popular singing competition show did get that second season — and decades later, season 22 started airing in February 2024. Over the years, the panel of famous judges has evolved fromPaula Abdul,Simon CowellandRandy JacksontoKaty Perry,Luke BryanandLionel Richie.
The 21Idolwinners have experienced varying levels of post-finale success. While some have taken homeGrammy Awardsand become household names — such asKelly ClarksonandCarrie Underwood— others, like Samantha “Just Sam” Diaz, have found themselves almost back at square one.
All of the winners have released music since their time on the show, and many have toured, taken their talents to the big screen or Broadway and started families.
So, where are each of theAmerican Idolwinners today? Here are all the updates on the popular reality show’s champions.
Kelly Clarkson, Season 1
Left: Kelly Clarkson at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California. Right: Kelly Clarkson visits SiriusXM at SiriusXM Studios on June 21, 2023 in New York City.Steve Granitz/WireImage ; Theo Wargo/Getty
Steve Granitz/WireImage ; Theo Wargo/Getty
In 2002, Clarkson became the very first winner ofAmerican Idol.Since her victory, she’s released 10 studio albums and won three Grammys from 17 nominations.
Clarkson joinedThe Voiceas a judge in 2018 and appeared on nine seasons of the show. Her eponymous talk show,The Kelly Clarkson Show, debuted in September 2019 and has won several Daytime Emmy Awards.
As for her personal life, Clarkson married music managerBrandon Blackstockin 2013. They welcomed their daughter, River Rose, in June 2014 and their son, Remington Alexander, in April 2016. However, Clarksonfiled for divorcein June 2020 and latermoved to New York Citywith her kids in the fall of 2023.
The singer released herdivorce-inspiredalbum,Chemistry, on June 23, 2023. HerLas Vegas residencyof the same name included songs from the album and ran from July to August that year.
Although she was the first winner, Clarkson hasn’t necessarily kept up withAmerican Idol. During a June 2023 appearance onWatch What Happens Live, hostAndy Cohenchallenged Clarkson to name a winner of the reality show from the last five years, and she wasunable to do it.
Ruben Studdard, Season 2
Left: Ruben Studdard during the ‘American Idol’ Season 2 Finale. Right: Ruben Studdard.Ray Mickshaw/WireImage ; Stewart Cook/ABC/Getty
Ray Mickshaw/WireImage ; Stewart Cook/ABC/Getty
He’s released eight studio albums in total and competed onThe Biggest Loserin 2013.
Studdard was married to Surata Zuri McCants from 2008 to 2012. He is now married to Kristin Moore Studdard, with whom he shares a son,Olivier. In the spring of 2023, he and Aikentoured togetherto celebrate the 20th anniversary of their time on the show.
Fantasia Barrino, Season 3
Left: Fantasia Barrino performs on stage at the American Idol Season Three Grand Finale at the Kodak Theatre May 26, 2004 in Hollywood, California. Right: Fantasia Barrino attends the State of the Industry and Warner Bros. Pictures Presentation at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace during CinemaCon, the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners, on April 25, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada.Frank Micelotta/Getty ; Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
Frank Micelotta/Getty ; Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
Season 3 winnerFantasia Barrinohas seven studio albums, 12 Grammy nominations and one Grammy Award for best female R&B vocal performance. The North Carolina-born singer has also appeared on Broadway and, in 2005, released aNew York Timesbest-selling memoir,Life Is Not a Fairy Tale,which was adapted into a Lifetime movie. She starred in her own VH1 reality series,Fantasia for Real,in 2010.
Five years later, Barrinomarried businessman Kendall Taylor, and they share a daughter,Keziah. She also has two children, Zion Quari and Dallas Xavier, from past relationships.
Barrino also starred inThe Color Purplemovie musical in 2023, earning a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
Carrie Underwood, Season 4
Left: Carrie Underwood performs after being named the next American Idol during the American Idol Finale: Results Show held at the Kodak Theatre on May 25, 2005 in Hollywood, California. Right: Carrie Underwood attends the 2023 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 02, 2023 in Austin, Texas.Kevin Winter/Getty ; Emma McIntyre/Getty
Kevin Winter/Getty ; Emma McIntyre/Getty
American Idolwas just the beginning for country superstar Carrie Underwood. In 2005, she won the competition and released her debut album,Some Hearts, which featured her hits “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats.”
With eight Grammy Awards and 16 nominations, Underwood has the most wins and nominations of any winner from the show, according to theRecording Academy. She’s also received a star on theHollywood Walk of Fameand was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
Underwood married hockey player Mike Fisher in 2010, and they havetwo sons: Isaiah Michael and Jacob Bryan. They alsoadded a puppyto their family in February 2023.
In May 2022, Underwoodserved as a guest mentoronAmerican Idolseason 20.During an interview on the show, she reflected on her own experience. “I think back and that’s a decision that changed my entire life — I have no idea where I’d be,” she said. “And to see contestants get every opportunity they’ve ever wanted is just magical.”
Like her fellow winner Clarkson, Underwood also had aLas Vegas residency. Hers, called REFLECTION,started in December 2021 and has shows going through August 2024.
Taylor Hicks, Season 5
Left: Season 5 - Top 2 Finalist, Taylor Hicks, 29, from Birmingham, Alabama. Right: Taylor Hicks attends opening night of “May We All: A New Country Musical” at Tennessee Performing Arts Center on June 15, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee.Ray Mickshaw/WireImage ; Erika Goldring/Getty
Ray Mickshaw/WireImage ; Erika Goldring/Getty
In 2006,Taylor Hicksbecame the secondIdolwinner from Alabama. He’s since released two studio albums and performed inGreaseon Broadway.
“I was very fortunate to be on that show at that time,” Hicks told PEOPLE of his season ofAmerican Idol.
After taking a few years off from music, Hicks returned with his single “Teach Me to Dance” in June 2023 and made his Grand Ole Opry debut the next day.
Jordin Sparks, Season 6
Left: Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks, 17, from Glendale, AZ performing “This Is My Now” Right: Jordin Sparks attends MusiCares Persons of the Year Honoring Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson at Los Angeles Convention Center on February 3, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.Lester Cohen/WireImage ; Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage
Lester Cohen/WireImage ; Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage
Shortly after becoming the youngest-ever winner ofIdolin 2007,Jordin Sparksreleased her platinum self-titled album that featured her hits “No Air” withChris Brownand “Tattoo.” The Arizona-born singer earned aGrammy nominationfor best pop collaboration with vocals for the former and has since released three studio albums.
In addition to music, Sparks has also pursued acting and dance. In 2010, she starred in Broadway’sIn the Heightsand returned in 2019 to take the stage inWaitress. Sparks also acted alongsideWhitney Houstonin the filmSparkle(2012)andcompeted onDancing with the Starsin 2022.
The singer dated fellow musicianJason Derulofrom 2011 to 2014 and married fitness model Dana Isaiah in 2017. They welcomed their son,Dana Isaiah Thomas Jr., in May 2018.
Sparks returned toIdolin March 2023 to mentor season 21 contestants. “I remember being just a kid and coming in so bright-eyed,” she recalled toABC 7. “And then really being like, ‘Oh I really have to do this now. It’s an actual competition. Here we go!’ ”
In March 2023, Sparks told PEOPLE that she was preparing torelease a new albumwith 17 songs. Less than a year later she said, “This new music is all about stepping into the woman I am now, stepping into my power, my confidence."
David Cook, Season 7
R Mickshaw/American Idol 2008/Getty ; Christopher Willard/ABC/Getty
Texas-bornDavid Cookfamously beatDavid Archuletain season 7 ofAmerican Idol. Cook found success after his win with his self-titled album and its lead single, “Light On.” He has since released two full-length albums. He married Rachael Stump in 2015, periHeartRadio.
Speaking with PEOPLE in 2018, Cook called theIdolcommunity a “fraternity” and “such a cool family.”
In June 2020, the singer opened up to PEOPLE about his time after winning the reality competition and how it inspired his song “Reds Turn Blue.”
“A couple years afterIdol, I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, and have spent the last almost decade really going through the process of navigating that and picking up new tools and processes along the way to deal with it,” he said. “This song became a therapeutic process for me.”
Kris Allen, Season 8
Left: Kris Allen celebrates the VH1 Save the Music Foundation at the Conseco Fieldhouse on May 6, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Right: In celebration of the milestone 20th season, ‘American Idol’ great Kris Allen, and additional surprise guests will reunite on the Idol stage for a night of unforgettable performances.Michael Hickey/WireImage ; Christopher Willard/ABC/Getty
Michael Hickey/WireImage ; Christopher Willard/ABC/Getty
In 2009, Kris Allen unexpectedly beatAdam Lambertto claim the title ofAmerican Idolwinner.
The Arkansas-born singer found success after the show with his song “No Boundaries” and his rendition ofKanye West’s “Heartless.” SinceIdol, Allen has released five studio albums.
The performer sharesthree childrenwith his wife, Katy O’Connell, whom he married in 2008.
Lee DeWyze, Season 9
Left: ‘American Idol’ season 9 winner singer Lee Dewyze performs on ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’ at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park on July 9, 2010 in New York City. Right: Singer Lee DeWyze visits the SiriusXM Studios on February 20, 2018 in New York City.Stephen Lovekin/Getty ; Cindy Ord/Getty
Stephen Lovekin/Getty ; Cindy Ord/Getty
Lee DeWyze, originally from Illinois, wonAmerican Idolin 2010.
That same year, the singer also won a Teen Choice Award for male reality/variety star. He’s since released four studio albums.
DeWyze married his wife, model and actress Jonna Walsh, in 2012.
Scotty McCreery, Season 10
Left: ‘American Idol’ finalist Scotty McCreery performs at an outdoor concert for local fans at his homecoming celebration at Buffaloe Park on May 14, 2011 in Garner, North Carolina. Right: In celebration of the milestone 20th season, ‘American Idol’ great Scotty McCreery, and additional surprise guests will reunite on the Idol stage for a night of unforgettable performances.Steve Exum/Getty ; Christopher Willard/ABC/Getty
Steve Exum/Getty ; Christopher Willard/ABC/Getty
Scotty McCreeryexperienced several career ups and downs following his 2011American Idolwin. The North Carolina-born singer opened forBrad PaisleyandThe Band Perryin 2012, and his debut studio album,Clear as Day, was certified platinum. In 2016, he wasdropped from his record label, but he released his first No. 1 hit, “Five More Minutes,” just two years later.
McCreery married Gabi Dugal in 2018, and they welcomed their son,Merrick Avery, in October 2022. “Never known a love like this,” the singer wrote in anInstagram captionannouncing the birth of his son.
During a May 2023 episode of the docuseriesCMT Stages, McCreery reflected onAmerican Idoland the trials and tribulations of his career. He called being on the show a “pipe dream” for his younger self. “It was ridiculous,” he said. “My top five days of my life would be my hometown visit.”
In April 2023, McCreery posted on his Instagram Story that his fifth studio album was on the way.
In December of that year,Garth BrooksinvitedMcCreery to join the Grand Ole Opry. “I didn’t think that dream would become a reality,” he said at the time.
Phillip Phillips, Season 11
Left: Contestant Phillip Phillips performs onstage at FOX’s ‘American Idol’ Season 11 Top 12 Guys Live Performance Show on February 28, 2012 in Hollywood, California. Right: Phillip Phillips visits SiriusXM Studios on May 24, 2023 in New York City.FOX/Getty ; Jason Mendez/Getty
FOX/Getty ; Jason Mendez/Getty
Georgia-bornPhillip Phillipstook home the season 11Idolvictory in 2012. His first album,The World from the Side of the Moon, was certified platinum and featured the massive hits “Home” and “Gone, Gone, Gone.” Phillips has since toured withJohn Mayer, theGoo Goo DollsandGavin DeGrawand has released three additional studio albums —Behind the Light,CollateralandDrift Back.
Phillips and his wife,Hannah Blackwell, married in 2015 andwelcomed their son, Patch Shepherd, in 2019. The year that he and Blackwell tied the knot, Phillips filed a lawsuit againstIdol’s then-production company 19 Entertainment alleging that they were “manipulating” him into taking unpaid work and illegally procuring appearances without consulting his agent, perTheHollywood Reporter.
The performer and 19 Entertainment reached a settlement in June 2017. Phillips later told PEOPLE thatBlackwell got him throughthat “scary” period.
The performer released his fourth album,Drift Back, in June 2023 and told PEOPLE a few months earlier, “These songs really represent everything I’ve been through.” He kicked off hisDrift Backtour in 2023.
Candice Glover, Season 12
Left: Contestant Candice Glover performs onstage at FOX’s ‘American Idol’ Season 12 Top 5 Live Performance Show on April 17, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Right: Candice Glover attends the Broadway Opening Night after party for ‘Home for the Holidays - The Broadway Concert Celebration’ at the Copacabana in New York City.FOX Image Collection/Getty ; Walter McBride/Getty
FOX Image Collection/Getty ; Walter McBride/Getty
Candice Glover auditioned forAmerican Idolthree times before winning in 2013.
The South Carolina-born singer released her debut album,Music Speaks, in 2014 and followed the project with several singles.
In June 2022, Glover announced onInstagramthat she had graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Caleb Johnson, Season 13
Left: Contestant Caleb Johnson performs onstage at FOX’s “American Idol XIII” Top 10 Live Performance Show on March 19, 2014 in Hollywood, California. Right: Caleb Johnson.FOX Image Collection/Getty ; Caleb Johnson Instagram
FOX Image Collection/Getty ; Caleb Johnson Instagram
North Carolina-bornCaleb Johnsonreleased his debut solo album,Testify, two months after winning season 13 ofIdolin 2014.
He has since formed a group, Caleb Johnson and the Ramblin’ Saints, and they released their first album,Born from Southern Ground, in 2019.
He released his second solo project,Mountain Mojo, Vol. 1, in 2021.
Nick Fradiani, Season 14
Left: Top 12 contestant Nick Fradiani performs onstage at FOX’s ‘American Idol XIV’ Top 12 Revealed on March 11, 2015 in Hollywood, California. Right: Nick Fradiani poses backstage on the opening night of the new Neil Diamond musical “A Beautiful Noise” on Broadway at The Broadhurst Theater on December 4, 2022 in New York City.FOX Image Collection/Getty ; Bruce Glikas/WireImage
FOX Image Collection/Getty ; Bruce Glikas/WireImage
Since his 2015American Idolvictory,Nick Fradianihas released two studio albums,HurricaneandPast My Past.
The Connecticut-born musician also made his Broadway debut in November 2022, starring as a youngNeil DiamondinA Beautiful Noise.
Fradiani is in a relationship with actress Lauren Celentano, according to hisInstagram.
Trent Harmon, Season 15
Left: Top 10 contestant Trent Harmon performs onstage at FOX’s ‘American Idol’ Season 15 on February 25, 2016 in Hollywood, California. Right: Trent Harmon.Ray Mickshaw/FOX Image Collection/Getty ; Trent Harmon Instagram
Ray Mickshaw/FOX Image Collection/Getty ; Trent Harmon Instagram
Trent Harmon was the lastIdolwinner before the show’s two-year hiatus. The Mississippi-born singer released his debut album,You Got ‘Em All, in 2018.
He and his wife, Kathleen Harmon,got marriedin September 2019. Roughly four years later, the couple welcomed a daughter,Dolly Jean.
Maddie Poppe, Season 16
Left: Maddie Poppe on ‘American Idol’ Right: Maddie Poppe.Eric McCandless/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty ; Maddie Poppe Instagram
Eric McCandless/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty ; Maddie Poppe Instagram
In 2018,Maddie Poppewon season 16 ofAmerican Idol— the first season after its hiatus. The singer and multi-instrumentalist, originally from Iowa, released her debut album,Whirlwind, in 2019 andhit the roadwithIngrid Michaelsonthat same year.
In the fall of 2023, Poppe toured with Joshua Radin. The musicians also collaborated on the song “Neverland."
Laine Hardy, Season 17
Left: Laine Hardy on ‘American Idol’ Right: Laine Hardy attends Hangover Fest 22 Las Vegas at the House of Blues Las Vegas on March 6, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.Eric McCandless /Getty ; Bryan Steffy/Getty
Eric McCandless /Getty ; Bryan Steffy/Getty
Louisiana-born singerLaine Hardywascrowned theIdolwinnerin 2019. After the show, he embarked on his first headlining tour. Hardy released his debut album,Here’s to Anyone, in 2021.
The following year,Hardy was arrestedafter allegedly placing a recording device in his ex-girlfriend’s dorm room. In a statement, the singer asked for privacy and said: “I have the utmost respect for the law and will assist in their investigation as needed moving forward.” One year later, Louisiana’sThe Advocatereported that Hardy would avoid jail time, avoid being formally charged and could petition the court to expunge his arrest record if he completed a pretrial diversion program for nonviolent offenders.
In June 2023, Hardyshared a photoof himself working on new music.
Samantha “Just Sam” Diaz, Season 18
Left: Just Sam on ‘American Idol’ Right: Just Sam Diaz.Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty ; Samantha Diaz Instagram
Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty ; Samantha Diaz Instagram
Samantha “Just Sam” Diaz, who uses they/them pronouns, wonAmerican Idolduring the show’s first remote finale amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the Harlem-born singer has released a few singles since then, in 2023, they shared that they had begunsinging in New York subway stationsagain to make a living.
“I’m grateful for them. They changed my life forever,” Diaz toldThe Washington Postof the team behindIdol. “Even though it’s not in the way I expected,” they added, referencing the difficulties of the pandemic.
The artist also appeared onTMZ Livein June 2023 to dispel any myths thatIdolwinners automatically become successful after the show. “I thought the same thing. I was like, ‘That’s it. Me and my grandmother will never see the same or experience the same struggles again,’ ” Diaz said, adding that the publicity surrounding their subway busking had kick-started some possible collaborations.
“Lil Durk reached out to me just to show love, I was recently on Timbaland’s Live on TikTok … I have opportunities that my team and I are working on,” they said.
Diaz shared more withThe Washington Postin December 2023,“This is not the end of the story. That’s what I want people to know. I especially want younger people to know that my life changed and I didn’t know that it was going to. I just kept working … Keep on fighting, keep on working hard, and it will pay off.”
Chayce Beckham, Season 19
Left: Chayce Beckham on ‘American Idol’ Right: Chayce Beckham.Eric McCandless/Getty ; Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty
Eric McCandless/Getty ; Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty
California-born winnerChayce Beckhamperformed his original song “23” on the show and released it as a single in 2021. His debut EP,Doin’ It Right, dropped in April 2022.
In September 2023, Beckham joined Luke Bryan’s annual Farm Tour and announced in February 2024 that he wouldhit the road with the country star againthat summer.
Noah Thompson, Season 20
Left: Noah Thompson on ‘American Idol’ Right: Noah Thompson.Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty
Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty
“I wanted to do this for him,” the West Virginia-born singer toldEntertainment Tonightafter the finale. “I ended up looking up to my dad that way, so maybe I think that’s the best part of all of this whole process. I think that’s what’s cool about it.”
In June 2023, Thompson released his debut EP,Middle of God Knows Where.
Iam Tongi, Season 21
Left: Iam Tongi on ‘American Idol’ Right: Iam Tongi.Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty ; Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty
Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty ; Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty
In May 2023,Iam Tongibecame the first Hawaiian to winAmerican Idol. Speaking to PEOPLE after the finale, he said, “It’s crazy, all my Polynesian people out there just …they’re always supporting, and when they come, they show out.”
The next month,Tongi announceda tour with dates in the United States and Auckland, New Zealand.
source: people.com
