Who Acquired the Most Success After American Idol? (It's Not Just the Winners!)
Have you ever caught yourself wondering, Whatever happened to all those American Idol contestants? Same here. Some of them disappeared, while others became megastars. Since the show first aired in 2002, American Idol has had 22 seasons (as of 2024), and over the years, it has produced a mix of one-hit wonders, quiet careers, and a few absolute powerhouses.
So I got curious and decided to dig into it—not just who won, but who actually made it big after the show. And I'm talking real-world success: money, record sales, awards, tours, TV deals, the whole thing. Some names will be prominent (hello, Carrie), and a couple might surprise you. Spoiler alert: you don't have to win to win big.
Here's my rundown of the top 5 highest-earning American Idol contestants of all time.
1. Carrie Underwood (Season 4 – Winner)
Carrie is basically the gold standard of American Idol success. She won Season 4 back in 2005, beating Bo Bice, and then she just took off.
With over 70 million records sold worldwide, she has had hit after hit in country music, as well as numerous crossover successes. She's racked up 8 Grammy Awards, 16 ACM Awards, and more than I can count.
She also has a fitness clothing line, a book, and that epic Sunday Night Football theme song she's been doing for years.
Estimated net worth: $140 million+
Not bad for someone who started out singing in church choirs, right?
Here's my favorite Carrie Underwood song, "See You Again." I dedicate this to my parents, whom I miss beyond this world, as I'm sure some of you understand only too well. Do you have a favorite Carrie Underwood song?
2. Kelly Clarkson (Season 1 – Winner)
Kelly was the original Idol—literally. She won the very first season in 2002, beating Justin Guarini, and has stayed in the spotlight ever since. She has sold over 25 million albums, won three Grammy Awards, and now hosts The Kelly Clarkson Show, which has earned her multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. She has also been a coach on The Voice and has released several hit albums along the way.
Estimated net worth: $50–60 million
She's a powerhouse and honestly feels like a friend you've known for a long time. And she's still going strong.
Here's my favorite Kelly Clarkson performance of all time. She performed this on Idol, and watching it live, I remember the tears pouring down my face. She was expecting at the time. I know her life has taken another direction since then with her spouse. However, there's no denying the power of this performance.
Do you have a favorite Kelly Clarkson song?
3. Jennifer Hudson (Season 3 – 7th Place!)
Jennifer didn't even make the top five in her season—she came in seventh. That was the same year Fantasia won the award. But talk about making a comeback!
Jennifer starred in Dreamgirls and won an Oscar, which is already a considerable achievement, but she didn't stop there.
She has also won a Grammy, a Tony, and an Emmy, making her an EGOT winner (a distinction held by very few people on the planet). She's now hosting The Jennifer Hudson Show and continues to act, sing, and perform.
Estimated net worth: $30–40 million
Proof that you don't have to win the show to win in the end.
This is my favorite, off-the-cuff performance by Jennifer Hudson!
She's often a Judge on The Voice UK, and the Judges are known to spontaneously perform. Ms. Hudson DELIVERS on this one!
Additionally, this song holds a special meaning for me personally. Back in the day, I was a figure skater, and this was one of the songs I skated to for my solo performance in the local ice show. It made my dad cry, in a good way.
4. Adam Lambert (Season 8 – Runner-Up)
Adam was the runner-up in Season 8 (Kris Allen won that year), but he's one of the biggest breakout stars in Idol history.
He launched a solo career right away and then became the lead singer for Queen (yes, that Queen), touring the world with them as "Queen + Adam Lambert."
He has sold over 5 million albums and 45 million singles, and his stage presence is truly next level.
Estimated net worth: $35 million+
He brought glam rock back and gave Queen a whole new chapter.
Adam Lambert is my favorite.
This performance at the Queen's Jubilee Party in 2022 is fun!
5. Chris Daughtry (Season 5 – 4th Place)
Chris came in fourth during Season 5 (Taylor Hicks won, and Katharine McPhee was runner-up), but that didn't slow him down at all. He launched his band Daughtry right after and released a debut album that became one of the fastest-selling rock albums in history, with over 7 million copies sold. His gritty voice and rock style stood out at the time, and they still do.
Estimated net worth: $10 million+
He's stayed true to his sound and continues to tour and release music.
I don't have a favorite Chris Daughtry song, but this one shows his incredible voice.
So—Who's Your Favorite?
That's my roundup! Whether they won, placed, or got eliminated early, these five made the most of their time on Idol. I'm always amazed at how different their paths turned out to be.
Do you have a favorite American Idol contestant or winner from over the years? Did someone surprise you on this list? I'd love to know who you think should've made it—or maybe who you wish had.
I just want to add that, in no way, do I believe that money "defines" a person. I'm very curious to know who benefited the most from their time on Idol, whether they won or not.
I was not a regular viewer of American Idol, but the times I did watch I always enjoyed the performances. Fun to learn what happened to winners (and even non-winners) after appearing on the show. Amazing to learn of these successes.
ReplyDeleteBTW, it's also amazing to learn that you once performed as a figure skater. You have a seemingly unlimited number of talents, girl! :>)