On Monday, it was announced that Fox would be canceling ratings juggernaut American Idol after its next season, the shows fifteenth. While some may question the legitimacy of Idol‘s voting and others will forever call it a glorified karaoke competition, few can doubt the effect the show has had on the entertainment industry. Idol unleashed the beast known as Ryan Seacrest upon the world, inspired other singing competitions, and actually managed to expose us to legitimate musical talent.
Today, in honor of the soon-to-be-dearly-departed show, I’m counting off what I consider to be the five best contestants of American Idol‘s incredible run. These are just my choices and do not reflect a professional opinion at all. I would love to hear your opinions in the comments below.
Without further ado, I present for your entertainment…
Adam Lambert
One of the biggest upsets in the history of American Idol occurred when Adam Lambert finished in second place to Kris Allen during the eighth season of the show. Fortunately, Lambert has done just fine for himself since that “disappointment.”
His debut album, For Your Entertainment, debuted at #3 on the Billboard Hot 200 album charts and has been certified gold in the United States, along with reaching platinum status internationally. Multiple singles from album, specifically “Whataya Want From Me”, charted high in the Billboard singles charts. Lambert’s second album, Trespassing, debuted at #1 on the album charts, making this Idol the first openly gay artist to earn that distinction.
As if that wasn’t enough, Lambert has become the de facto frontman for one of the biggest rock bands in the world, Queen. Queen + Adam Lambert performed a string of sold out concerts throughout 2014 and were named the “band of the year” at the Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards.
In the meantime, Lambert has made guest acting appearances on shows such as Glee and Pretty Little Liars and is preparing to release another studio album. The first single off this latest album, “Ghost Town”, hit #1 on the iTunes Pop charts shortly after release. Who said second place is just the first loser?
Speaking of big Idol upsets…
Chris Daughtry
Practically anointed the winner of American Idol‘s fifth season early in the competition, viewers were stunned when Chris Daughtry was eliminated in fourth place, denying the rocker a podium position finish. However, in a season that saw many finalists (and even semi-finalists) receive record deals, Daughtry has risen above them all as the lead singer of a rock band that bears his name.
The band’s debut album, also called Daughtry, hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 200 and Rock album charts and was the top selling album of 2007. It has sold over five million copies and has been certified platinum multiple times. Daughtry spawned several successful singles, including “Feels Like Tonight” and “Home”, which served as the song played when a contestant was voted off during season six of Idol.
Not content with one #1 album, Daughtry’s second studio album, Leave This Town, also topped the Billboard Hot 200 and Rock charts, making the 4th place finisher the first Idol contestant to have back-to-back albums reach the top of the charts. Like Daughtry, Leave This Town also had its fair share of hit singles, including “No Surprise” and “September”, and was certified platinum.
While the band’s subsequent albums, Break the Spell and Baptized, have not met the commercial success of the first two, they nonetheless have also been top ten albums, cementing Chris Daughtry as one of the most successful contestants in Idol history.
Next, we move down the list for a contestant that didn’t even break the top five…
Jennifer Hudson
While her albums haven’t sold quite as well as Daughtry’s has and she doesn’t front a legendary rock band like Lambert, Jennifer Hudson has done quite well for herself despite being voted out seventh during season 3 of American Idol. Her self-titled debut album hit #2 on the Billboard 200 and R&B charts, has been certified gold, and earned her a Grammy for “Best R&B Album.” Hudson’s followup album, I Remember Me, would also reach #2 on bith the Billboard 200 and R&B chart before being certified gold. However, it is something other than her chart performances that she has become known for.
Hudson famously won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her take on Effie White in the film adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls, a role that she competed for against eventual Idol season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino. Hudson’s amazing vocal performance on “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” propelled her to the Oscar, making this Idol “also ran” one of only a very few to win such an award in their acting debut. Not only did Hudson nab the Oscar, she also brought home a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild award, and BAFTA as well.
Since Dreamgirls, Hudson has continued acting and has appeared in such films as Sex and the City, The Secret Life of Bees, and Winnie Mandela. In addition, she has made numerous television guest spots, most recently on the hit Fox drama Empire. She has also managed to release a third album, JHUD, which hit #10 on the top 200 charts list.
You probably won’t be “Blown Away” by who’s next on the list…
Carrie Underwood
Seven Grammys. Sixteen Billboard Music Awards. Eleven Academy of Country Music awards. Five Country Music Association awards. Eight American Music Awards. Golden Globe nominee. Four #1, platinum certified albums. A myriad of chart-topping singles. Grand Ole Opry member. The top earning American Idol contestant of all-time. Do you need another reason as to why Carrie Underwood is on this list? Just enjoy the second music video…
Now take a moment, catch your breath, and let’s talk about the top artist in American Idol history….
Kelly Clarkson
The original Idol winner is still the best the competition has had to offer. Kelly Clarkson has proven an incredibly popular crossover artist. While solidly a pop artist during the show, the original American Idol has managed to chart on both the Billboard pop and country charts, even reaching the top of the Hot 100 charts on multiple occasions. Clarkson has had the opportunity to perform with country heavyweights like Reba, Trisha Yearwood, Jason Aldean, and Martina McBride, all the while still maintaining her “mainstream cred.”
The versatile singer has released six studio albums, five of which have gone on to be certified multiple times platinum (and the sixth, released in February, may still do so). Clarkson has been so well received that even her Christmas album, Wrapped in Red, went platinum. Her impressive album sales, combined with her staggering singles sales, have made Clarkson the top selling artist in the show’s history.
Like Underwood, Clarkson has brought home plenty of shiny knick knacks. Her resume includes an impressive three Grammys, twelve Billboard Music Awards, four American Music Awards, two Academy of Country Music Awards, and a Country Music Association Award. Hopefully, she has a plenty of bookshelves.
Most impressively, Clarkson was never shown on Idol until “Hollywood Week,” her audition never making air. She did not have the same opportunity to make a connection with the viewing audience that other artists did, specifically judge’s darling Tamyra Gray. Clarkson’s victory is ultimately a testament to her voice and performance ability rather than the sort of anointing process other winners have undergone during their season.
So there’s my list! Do you agree? Disagree? Have any favorite American Idol memories to share? Be sure to leave them in the comments below.
I watched the show the season that kelly clarkson won and she was a superstar. I was rooting for her the entire season. So many great performers have come from this show.
I can agree on the three females. However, I disagree on the two males. I did like Adam in Glee, but I didn’t care for his style on Idol.
Which style would that be? He had so many.
Since the post was about Idol I thought people would realize I was referring to his Idol style. I did say I enjoyed his singing and acting on Glee.
Adam Lambert’s never before seen “style” on AI was so diversely unique, that every cover he did was better than the original version. How many contestants got standing ovations? Icons like Smokey Robinson gave him one. Let’s face the facts. Adam was and is the most talked about Contestant to be introduced to the World from AI. He lost the title, but he dared to dance in the path of greatness inspite of it all. Yes.
Since you commented on Adam’s style on Idol, I think slynnc’s question was which style on Idol? He didn’t have a set style. His greatest strength after his voice and stage presence is his versatility.
The 2009 result was an absolute joke and the first massive nail in the coffin of the show.
I really disliked the stereotypical caricature he played on Glee. I love him with Queen.
I have to say that usually the American Idol winners don’t do it for me. However, kelly Clarkson is amazing. it’s a true testament to her talent that she’s been around for so long since winning.
I think it’s just a case of having been the first. I don’t think she would have been anywhere near as successful if she had won any of the later seasons.
I am glad they are cancelling it. I think it’s run its course. I did not like adam lambert at all. He was way too dramatic for me. I loved Carrie. We pretty much quit watching the show after simon left.
I have never really been into this show, but I do love Carrie Underwood. So I am glad this show was able to launch her career but I can’t say that I will miss it.
At one time I was one of American Idol’s biggest fans, but over the past few years it’s just been So-So to me. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I love Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson. I don’t watch the show like I used to, but I’ll miss it. I have attachment issues. 🙂
I have never watched American Idol. I guess I missed out. I have heard a lot about it though.
I agree! If you look at my collection of music which contains a wide range of styles you will find these 5. The only other one I have is Jordan Sparks No Air. As soon as Chris started singing my friend called me to see if I was watching. She knew I would love him!. Kelly is my favorite and Adam is next.
I like your Top Five list! I remember I was really captivated by Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, Clay Aiken, and Adam Lambert. Although I have stopped watching the show for many years now. I like The Voice better.
I never watched American Idol but there have been so many great performers that came from this show. I think I love most of the people on this list!
I remember I bought Daughtry’s first songs pretty quickly after that season. I’ve been pretty impressed with Lambert’s music too.I didn’t actually know the show was being cancelled.
Adam Lambert all the way, never a contestant on that show was able to perform or sing like he could! Truly one of a kind and my favorite contestant on the show.
This is some fascinating stuff. You bring up some valid points about these artist.
I would have to agree on the choices of Carrie, Kelly, and Jennifer, wouldn’t everyone? They seem to be the Idol contestants who used their platform well enough as a starting point to launch their fabulous and well deserved careers. I actually ran into fellow Chicagoan Jennifer Hudson in the bathroom of a restaurant–and she was simply lovely.
I’m so sad to hear that this show won’t be on anymore. I use to watch it all the time. I know I’ve missed some seasons, but I’ll always remember some of the very first seasons. I loved a lot of the American Idol stars.
I have never really seen the show, but I have heard of all these people. I also remember Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard. That is the only season that I saw a few episodes.
I’ve never really watched American Idol. I’m not a fan. I’m surprised it has lasted as long as it has. That said, I love Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Jennifer Hudson is really talented too but i don’t hear much about her.
For me, the show before and after Adam Lambert was NEVER as exciting as the year he was on the show! And when Fantasia won, I thought there were two others BETTER, LaToya London AND Jennifer Hudson. Just my opinion! And that Pia Toscano girl should NEVER have been voted off! She had more talent in one finger than most of them had in a whole hand! Another formidable singer whom I expect to go far is Jessica Sanchez. Have enjoyed many singers on the show. Scotty McCrerey (sp?) was not one of them, sorry!
I thought that I had seen this show before but then when I saw the contestants it doesn’t seem familiar to me. Wish I would have watched it.
My choise is ADAM LAMBERT ad no ONE. He got the whole package.
Incredible voice, good looking, stage presents, a fantastisc preformer and so much power that he litterly hyptonized me to one of his concerts where I was at first row.
WOW WOW WOW
I liked Phillip Pillips and Scotty too, but no one reach Adams range.
Greetings from Denmark
Snug
Some fine performers made their entrances on Idol, but Lambert, for me, is the best. His run of performances on Idol was outstanding in their variety and vocals. Apparently many of the articles I’ve read on the end of Idol have emphasized that the show reached its peak with Lambert – agree with that very much.
I never really watched American Idol. I always liked the early shows that showed some of the train wrecks who thought they had talent. Made me laugh.
I love Adam Lambert! I think he is amazing, and is the most talented Idol contestant ever!
This is a great list of former Idol contestants. The only other person that I wish could make this List is Crystal Bowersox. Farmer’s Daughter is an amazing song.
I totally agree with you on your top 5. I love the episodes when Carrie and Kelly were declared winners and that was because I so loved their finale songs. 🙂
I would definitely say that those are the top 5 and you’ve listed them properly! I forgot all about Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson though 😛
Then again, I never watched the show. I remember the Daughtry season and did see him perform once on there, as my mother thinks he’s gorgeous lol
I used to love shows like this back in the day, always being entertained by the funny audition stages. I do think it’s right to call time on them now though, they’ve kind of lost their appeal really. Great talent was found through AI though! 🙂
Those are my favorite artists. I am a huge fan of Chris Daughtery and Kelly Clarckson. I love the others too. I like Adam Lambert shows
I feel like I’m the only one I the world not obsessed with American idol lol…. I don’t watch it but I can tell you everything about it since every person I know is obsessed and when a season is on…. That’s all they talk about lol
I didn’t know Adam Lambert came in second, I just assumed he won. I watched the season with Carrie Underwood and that was the last time I saw a whole season. Man, that was a long time ago! 🙂
I didn’t really watch American Idol but have kind of kept up with the big names. I had forgotten some of the performers that have gone on to be pretty big came from the show. I’ve seen Daughtry in concert a couple of times and think he’s a great performer.
While the music American Idol promotes has always been much to mellow for me, there’s no denying that some of the contestants have amazing voices, especially Clarkson and Underwood. Unbelievable pipes.
I totally agree with your line up and the order. Adam LAmbert is a true talent, I love his work!
I’m so happy they are cancelling this show. It hasn’t been good since Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia. There were a few good acts along the way but other than that. I’m over it.