The show has been a hit since its debut in 2002, but since its revival in 2018, it's taken it to a whole new level. Part of this resurgence in popularity can be attributed to the team of judges we love so much. .
One of these judges, the legendary Lionel Richie, has just celebrated his 73rd birthday! Thinking back to all the great memories we made with Richie at the judging table got us thinking... Who is the most successful American Idol winner of all time?
While there have been several contestants who have had hugely successful careers of their own, let's take a look at the top seven American Idol winners in the show's history. As you browse the list, be sure to pay attention to Audacy TV's Top Talent Show, where we feature music from American Idol alumni and other notable reality TV contestants.
Phillip Phillips
Phillips won over Season 11 viewers early on, as his renditions of Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" and Michael Jackson's "Thriller" made him an instant favorite. His Top 3 version of Damien Rice's "Volcano" is considered one of the greatest performances in the show's history. Following his victory, he released his coronation song, "Home", which holds the title of the best-selling song by any of the show's alumni, selling over 5 million copies in the United States. United. He released three studio albums during his career.
David Cook
Cook hadn't originally planned to audition for the show, but luckily he did. During his opening audition, he wowed the crowd with a rendition of Bon Jovi's "Livin' On a Prayer." He took the show by storm from there, delivering many memorable performances that still give us goosebumps. Following her Season 7 win, Cook broke several Billboard records, including an incredible Hot 100 debut with 11 songs on her record-breaking release. Since then, Cook has released three studio albums and been on several headlining tours.
Fantasia Barrino
Fantasia's first performance of "Summertime" is considered one of the greatest performances in the series' history. Simon Cowell quickly became a crowd pleaser, declaring that she was the top contender to compete nationally and globally. After winning the season three crown, Fantasia became the first artist to have her debut single, "I Believe," number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Fantasia released seven studio albums during her career and translated her success on American Idol in various television and Broadway roles.
Jordin Sparks
Sparks, the youngest 'American Idol' winner, was just 17 when she was declared the season 6 winner. As her momentum continued, she gained a loyal legion of known fans. under the name "Sparkplugs". Her improvement could be seen episode after episode as she became a superstar in her own right as she was crowned the winner. Since her victory, Sparks has released several studio albums, all of which have had singles.
Scotty McCreery
McCreery mostly stuck to country songs during his time on American Idol, but in doing so he showed he was a country star in the making. Interestingly, she entered the final alongside Lauren Alaina, who had a successful country career. Three of McCreery's four studio albums during his career reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country charts. Additionally, McCreery won an ACM Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2013.
Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson has a strong case for being at the top of this list. After all, he has two ACM Awards, four American Music Awards, a CMA Award, three GRAMMY Awards, three MTV VMA Awards, eight studio albums that sold tens of millions, a Super Bowl appearance, numerous movie roles and on television. . , and his own talk show. Oh yes, she was also the first winner of American Idol and helped propel the show to the success it enjoys to this day.
Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood has been an international superstar since winning season four of American Idol. With over 70 million records sold worldwide, she is the sixth highest ranked female artist of all time and the highest ranked female country artist of all time. Underwood has 15 number one singles on the prestigious Billboard Country Airplay charts, seven GRAMMY Awards, 11 Billboard Music Awards, 15 American Music Awards, 15 ACM Awards and 9 CMA Awards.
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