All 24 'American Idol' winners ranked from least to most successful
· Business Insider
Eric McCandless/Disney/Getty Images
- "American Idol" concluded its 24th season on Monday.
- Some winners, such as new judge Carrie Underwood, have sold millions of records and won Grammys.
- We've ranked every winner's success, from Hannah Harper to Kelly Clarkson.
Thousands of people have tried out for "American Idol" over the past 24 years, with the hope of becoming America's next biggest pop star.
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But how many of the 24 winners have actually become American Idols?
Following the show's 24th season finale on Monday, we've ranked every winner of "American Idol" based on their amount of success since appearing in the competition.
Our ranking considered factors including how many albums or songs they've sold, chart placement, cultural impact, award nominations and wins, and how famous they are compared with other contestants on their season (we're looking at you, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert).
This list is not based on talent, because all of these musicians possess beautiful voices.
Here's how we think the "American Idol" winners stack up.
24. Hannah HarperEric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images
Since she's our most recent winner, we can't really fairly judge Harper's success. But the 25-year-old musician is off to a strong start. She's got a healthy 442,000 followers on Instagram, and her audition, which was to an original song she wrote called "String Cheese," went viral during the season, so she can count celebrities like Kristin Chenoweth among her fans.
We see big things for Harper ahead, and the runner-up, Jordan McCullough.
23. Just Sam (season 18)AMERICAN IDOL - "301 (Auditions)" - "American Idol" returns to ABC for season three on SUNDAY, FEB. 16 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), streaming and on demand, after dominating and claiming the position as Sunday's No. 1 most social show in 2019. Returning this season to discover the next singing sensation are music industry legends and all-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, as well as Emmy®-winning producer Ryan Seacrest as host. Famed multimedia personality Bobby Bones will return to his role as in-house mentorEric Liebowitz/ABC/Getty Images
The low placement of Just Sam, 27, the winner of season 18, is no fault of their own — their season was interrupted because of COVID-19, and they weren't able to tour or do any real press for years.
In 2023, they spoke openly with The Washington Post about how winning a reality show didn't automatically equate to success. After leaving Hollywood Records after two years with no released music, Sam was spotted busking on the New York City subway.
22. Lee DeWyze (season 9)LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 26: American Idol winner musician/singer Lee DeWyze poses in press room during the American Idol Finale 2010 at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 26, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images
Lee DeWyze was the season nine champion in 2010.
Both DeWyze, 40, and the runner-up, Crystal Bowersox, have essentially disappeared from pop culture since appearing on the show, especially compared with some of its other winners.
DeWyze had four songs chart on the Hot 100 from his first post-"Idol" album, "Live It Up," ranging from Nos. 24 to 88. "Live It Up" and his 2013 album, "Frames," made it to the Billboard 200, charting at Nos. 19 and 116. He released his seventh and eighth albums in 2018 and 2024, but both failed to chart.
DeWyze definitely had his moment, and while he continues to make music, he has faded into pop-music obscurity.
21. Abi Carter (season 22)Abi Carter after winning season 22 of "American Idol."Eric McCandless/Disney/Getty Images
Abi Carter won in 2024.
Since then, the 23-year-old has released her debut album, "Ghosts in the Backyard," which didn't chart. She's also yet to hit the one-million streams mark on any of her songs on Spotify, so we reserve the right to change this placement if she scores a hit soon.
20. Maddie Poppe (season 16)AMERICAN IDOL - "119 (Grand Finale)" - Following amazing performances by music superstars and legends, including our very own "American Idol" judges, the winner of Season 1 of "American Idol" on Walt Disney Television via Getty Images will finally be crowned, as the search for Americas next superstar comes to a close on its new home on Americas network, The Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Television Network, MONDAY, MAY 21 (9:00-11:00 p.m. EDT).Mitch Haaseth/Walt Disney Television/Getty Images
In 2018, Maddie Poppe was crowned the season 16 champion.
Poppe, 28, has failed to make much of an impact on mainstream music, though a few of her songs' streaming numbers are in the multimillions on Spotify.
Her songs have charted on the adult contemporary/adult airplay charts, but not particularly high. She does, however, have a People's Choice Award under her belt for "competition contestant of 2018."
Poppe also loses points because of Gabby Barrett's success; Barrett came in third place during season 16 but has become a country music star with her hit single "I Hope," which was nominated for single of the year at the 2020 CMA Awards and reached No. 3 on the Hot 100.
19. Laine Hardy (season 17)AMERICAN IDOL - "218 (Season Finale)" - Following a cross-country search for the next singing sensation, "American Idol" rounds out its second season on Walt Disney Television via Getty Images with an epic grand finale event, featuring "Idol"'s Top 3 contestants: Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg. For the first time in "Idol" history, America's live coast-to-coast vote will determine the winner of the iconic singing competition series, with all voting taking place during the show. The crowning moment will be preceded by special performances from music legends, including "Idol"'s very own superstar judges, the return of fan-favorite contestants from the current season and a special visit by last season's winner, Maddie Poppe. Poppe's debut album, "Whirlwind," drops on Friday, May 17. The jam-packed music event airs SUNDAY, MAY 19 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on The Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Television Network.Eric McCandless/Getty Images
Laine Hardy, 25, won season 17, the second of the "rebooted" series, in 2019.
Since then, he peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Emerging Artists chart and has released multiple singles.
Hardy's 2018 song "Hurricane" has been streamed over 14 million times on Spotify, and he had a song reach No. 19 on the Country Song Digital Sales chart.
18. Iam Tongi (season 21)Iam Tongi after winning season 21 of "American Idol."Stewart Cook/ABC/Getty Images
Season 21 champ Iam Tongi became the first Pacific Islander to win "American Idol" in 2023.
Tongi, 21, has released multiple singles and even earned a No. 1 song on the World Digital Song Sales chart with "Why Kiki?"
Most recently, he appeared on the soundtrack of the live-action "Lilo & Stitch" remake with a cover of "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride," which has 42 million streams on Spotify.
Tongi's debut album, "Good For My Soul," was released in March 2026.
17. Kris Allen (season 8)American Idol Winner Kris Allen (C) with finalist Adam Lambert (L) and host Ryan Seacrest onstage during the American Idol Season 8 Grand Finale held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 20, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.Kevin Winter/American Idol 2009/Getty Images for FOX
Kris Allen's season-eight victory in 2009 can best be summed up by his face upon winning.
Allen's win remains as confusing in 2026 as it was in 2009, when he inexplicably lost to Adam Lambert, one of the most talented musicians to ever grace the "Idol" stage — he's toured with Queen, for crying out loud.
Lambert also acts, has topped charts, has sold millions of records, was nominated for a Grammy in 2011, and starred in the Broadway revival of "Cabaret" from September 2024 to March 2025.
Another contestant from their season, Mickey Guyton, recently had a breakout moment and has been nominated for four Grammys. She's also the first Black female solo artist to earn a Grammy nomination in a country category, according to Wide Open Country.
Comparatively, Allen has fallen short. The 40-year-old had seven songs make it to the Hot 100 but never broke the top 10 — at the time, this was unheard of for "American Idol" contestants. His highest-charting album was 2009's "Kris Allen," which peaked at No. 11. He hasn't had an album chart since 2014.
16. Candice Glover (season 12)LOS ANGELES, CA- MAY 16: 'American Idol' Season 12 winner Candice Glover poses in the press room at FOX's 'American Idol' Grand Finale at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 16, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.(Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage/Getty Images
Candice Glover was crowned the 12th "American Idol" in 2013.
Unfortunately, season 12 of "American Idol" will be best known as the season with Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj's beef, overshadowing the highly talented Glover.
Since the show, she's released only one album, "Music Speaks," in 2014. It peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 and at No. 4 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. However, it's not streaming on Spotify anymore, making it hard to gauge her success.
Her coronation song, "I Am Beautiful," reached No. 93 on the Hot 100.
Glover, 36, remains the most famous person from her season, however, bumping her past a few competitors.
15. Trent Harmon (season 15)HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 6: Contestant Trent Harmon performs onstage at FOX's American Idol Season 15 on April 6, 2016 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CaliforniaFOX Image Collection/Getty Images
Trent Harmon won what was then the last season of "American Idol," season 15, in 2016.
In 2018, Harmon, now 35, released his debut album — and his only album, to date — "You Got 'Em All," which peaked at No. 34 on the Top Country Albums chart. A 2017 single, "There's a Girl," reached No. 27 on the Hot Country Songs chart, and it has been streamed over 56 million times on Spotify.
His album reached No. 2 on the Heatseekers Albums chart, but it didn't reach the Billboard 200.
Overall, he's a perfectly respectable late-season contestant. However, Harmon has lost points for beating La'Porsha Renae, who we believe deserved the win.
14. Noah Thompson (season 20)Noah Thompson during season 20 of "American Idol."Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty Images
Noah Thompson was the season nine champion in 2022.
The 24-year-old had success with his debut single, "One Day Tonight," which reached No. 48 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and has 42 million streams on Spotify.
However, Thompson loses some points since another contestant from his season, Cameron Whitcomb, is arguably more successful. He has two songs on Spotify with over 124 million streams and two charting singles on the US Rock charts ("Medusa" and "Hundred Mile High").
13. Caleb Johnson (season 13)LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 21: American Idol Winner Caleb Johnson performs onstage during Fox's "American Idol" XIII Finale at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 21, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Caleb Johnson was crowned the winner of season 13 in 2014 and has released only one solo album since.
Johnson, 35, one of the few "rock" winners of "American Idol," was beloved on the show. But since winning in 2014, he's released only one album as a solo artist, "Testify," in 2014. It peaked at No. 24 on the Billboard 200. He's failed to chart any songs on the Hot 100.
He released his second album with his band, Caleb Johnson & the Ramblin' Saints, in 2021, which seems to be more in line with what he's into stylistically, but streaming numbers are low.
However, in 2023, Johnson joined Meat Loaf's backing band, the Neverland Express, on a multi-city tour to rave reviews, per Chicago Concert Reviews. As Adam Lambert can attest, this is a lucrative gig.
12. Jamal RobertsJamal Roberts.Stewart Cook/Disney/Getty Images
In the year since Roberts won "American Idol," the 28-year-old has been busy — we should've known that after host Ryan Seacrest said he received a franchise-high 26 million votes during the finale. That's double the votes the previous year's winner, Abi Carter, received, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Roberts has a bright future ahead of him. He's already got an impressive 538,000 followers on Instagram, and he received his first Grammy nomination in 2025 for best gospel performance/song.
11. Taylor Hicks (season 5)"American Idol" Season 5 - Winner, Taylor Hicks, 29, from Birmingham, AlabamaJason Merritt/FilmMagic/Getty Images
When Hicks won "American Idol" in 2006, he was briefly one of the most famous people in the US. The Wrap reported his season was the most successful in two ways: It had the highest ratings to date, and each of the top 10 contestants secured a record deal — nine of them with major labels.
Hicks' coronation single, "Do I Make You Proud," debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 — an impressive feat — and his 2006 album peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. He also became the first "Idol" winner to secure a long-term Vegas residency before it was cool, per Forbes, and he starred in "Grease" on Broadway as the Teen Angel.
However, the 49-year-old hasn't charted since 2009, nor has he released an album since 2015, and he has been overshadowed by other contestants from his season, most notably Chris Daughtry and Katharine McPhee, but even other contestants like Mandisa, Kellie Pickler, Kevin Covais, and Elliott Yamin all achieved chart success.
10. Chayce Beckham (season 19)Chayce Beckham during season 19 of "American Idol."Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty Images
When Chayce Beckham won season 19 in 2021, he became the first-ever champ whose winner's single was written solely by the winner — and when it topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart, it became the first song since "Ours" by Taylor Swift in 2012 to be written by just the musician performing it.
It's got 383 million streams on Spotify and has been certified platinum.
Beckham, 29, hasn't replicated that success so far, though, preventing him from being higher on this list.
9. Nick Fradiani (season 14)HOLLYWOOD, CA - MAY 13: Winner Nick Fradiani performs onstage during "American Idol" XIV Grand Finale at Dolby Theatre on May 13, 2015 in Hollywood, California.Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Nick Fradiani won the 14th season of "American Idol" in 2015.
Fradiani, 40, already had a bit of fame before competing: He was part of a pop-rock band called Beach Avenue that competed on "America's Got Talent" in 2014, but the band didn't make it far. So Fradiani decided to try his luck as a solo act on "American Idol."
In August 2016, he released his sole album, "Hurricane," which peaked at No. 121 on the Billboard 200. He had only one song reach the Hot 100: his coronation song, "Beautiful Life," which peaked at No. 93.
He's since returned to Beach Avenue and also made his Broadway debut in 2022 in "A Beautiful Noise," the Neil Diamond musical. He is now leading the national tour as the younger version of Diamond.
8. David Cook (season 7)Finalist David Cook is announced as the winner of season 7 on stage at the American Idol Season 7 Grand Finale on May 21, 2008 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, CaliforniaM. Caulfield/WireImage/Getty Images
David Cook won the battle of the Davids during season seven in 2008.
Cook bested David Archuleta to become the seventh "American Idol" champ. The 43-year-old has released three albums and three EPs since "Idol," the most recent of which failed to chart upon release in 2021. His self-titled 2008 album also reached No. 2 on the Top Rock Albums chart.
Though his coronation song, "The Time of My Life," didn't top the charts, he's had more hits than say, Taylor Hicks, with 15 songs charting in the Hot 100. His last song to hit any chart was 10 years ago.
Besides singing, Cook was on Broadway for two 2018 stints in "Kinky Boots."
Archuleta's enduring fame works against Cook's placement on this list, as many millennials are still bumping "Crush" to this day.
7. Ruben Studdard (season 2)Ruben Studdard, Winner of American Idol 2003 during "American Idol" Season 2 Finale - Results Show at Universal Amphitheatre in Universial City, California, United StatesRay Mickshaw/WireImage/Getty Images
In 2003, Ruben Studdard became the second "American Idol."
Following Kelly Clarkson would've been a tough act for anyone, but Studdard held his own. His 2003 debut album, "Soulful," reached the top of the Billboard 200, and his next five albums all reached the top 200 as well.
He had two top-10 songs, "Flying Without Wings" and "Sorry 2004," and he has been nominated for multiple major awards, including at the American Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, the Teen Choice Awards, and the Grammys.
The 47-year-old has also found success in gospel and R&B, though he hasn't had a major hit in over a decade. However, he is still releasing music somewhat regularly, which is more than many of his fellow winners can say.
In the past decade, Studdard has appeared on "The Biggest Loser" and made his Broadway debut in 2018 with his runner-up, Clay Aiken.
It's Aiken, actually, who takes points away from Studdard. Aiken is more famous than Studdard is now, but their enduring friendship is sweet. In fact, Aiken and Studdard appeared on season 11 of "The Masked Singer" together as a pair of beets.
6. Phillip Phillips (season 11)LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 21: Musician Phillip Phillips performs onstage during Fox's "American Idol" XIII Finale at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 21, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Phillip Phillips, who won season 11 in 2012, had the bestselling coronation song in "American Idol" history.
"Home" is "Idol's" bestselling coronation song, per Billboard, which bumps Phillips way up this list. Phillips, 35, also opened for John Mayer on tour, is the only famous person from his season, and was nominated for various awards at the American Music Awards, the Teen Choice Awards, and the Billboard Music Awards.
Both "Home" and "Gone Gone Gone" have over 397 million streams on Spotify, and he has four songs that have reached the Hot 100. In 2024, he released "Phillip's Versions" of his two bestselling singles.
His first two albums, "The World From the Side of the Moon" and "Behind the Light," peaked at Nos. 4 and 7, though his 2023 album, "Drift Back," failed to chart. We'll see whether Phillips can make a comeback.
In 2026, he appeared on "The Masked Singer" and was ruled the runner-up.
5. Scotty McCreery (season 10)LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 25: (NO BOOK PUBLISHING) Singer Scotty McCreery is announced the American Idol for 2011 onstage performs onstage during Fox's "American Idol 2011" finale results show held at Nokia Theatre LA Live on May 25, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.Kevin Winter/American Idol 2011/Getty Images
Season 10's winner, Scotty McCreery, barely edged out Phillip Phillips of season 11 in our list.
McCreery, 32, has enjoyed success since his win in 2011, including three No. 1 country albums (and one No. 2) and a certified platinum debut album (which also hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200).
He's received multiple award nominations, including at the American Country Music Awards, the CMTs, the Teen Choice Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, and the BMI Country Awards, and has had multiple hit singles. "Five More Minutes," "See You Tonight," and "This Is It" all reached the top 10 in the country charts.
In 2024, McCreery received one of the highest honors in country music when he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. That same year, Rolling Stone ranked his album "Rise & Fall" as one of the best country albums of the year.
McCreery's season does have famous alumni (Lauren Alaina and Haley Reinhart), but neither has clearly surpassed McCreery, so he's earned his place in the top five.
4. Jordin Sparks (season 6)"American Idol" Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks, 17, from Glendale, AZ, and Ryan Seacrest, host (Lester Cohen/WireImage/Getty Images
Jordin Sparks, who won season six in 2007, is one of the most successful "American Idol" winners.
Sparks, who was just 17 when she won, has become one of the most famous and beloved "Idol" contestants. She's sold over 1 million albums and 10.2 million singles in the US alone. "No Air," the highest-selling single of any "Idol" contestant, peaked at No. 3 on the Hot 100.
Now 36, she has had two top-10 albums, a Grammy nomination (along with multiple other noms and wins), and eight Hot 100 singles. She has starred in two Broadway musicals ("In the Heights" and "Waitress") and even cowrote Ariana Grande's breakthrough single "The Way."
While she hasn't had a smash single in a few years, she began a comeback with appearances on "The Masked Dancer" in 2021 and "Dancing with the Stars" in 2022, and released her fourth album, "No Restrictions," in 2024.
3. Fantasia Barrino (season 3)HOLLYWOOD - MAY 26: Winner Fantasia Barrino performs on stage at the American Idol Season Three Grand Finale at the Kodak Theatre May 26, 2004 in Hollywood, California.Frank Micelotta/Getty Images
In 2004, Fantasia Barrino became the third "American Idol," so it's fitting that we ranked her at No. 3.
The singer, who goes by Fantasia professionally, has had quite a career. Her first single debuted at No. 1, and her debut album was certified platinum. Her next seven albums all made it to the Billboard 200, and she's had much success on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts, with a No. 2 in 2019 on the Adult R&B chart.
Fantasia, 41, was also inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, starred in "The Color Purple" and "After Midnight" on Broadway, was previously ranked 32nd on VH1's list of the 100 greatest women in music, performed at Aretha Franklin's funeral, and starred in her own Lifetime movie.
In 2023, she made her feature film debut in the movie adaptation of the musical "The Color Purple," for which she received Golden Globe, Critics' Choice, and SAG Award nominations.
Fantasia also has a Grammy win from 12 nominations.
The only thing working against Fantasia? That Jennifer Hudson, a future Oscar winner, was on her season. Hudson is easily one of the most famous "Idol" contestants of all time.
2. Carrie Underwood (season 4)HOLLYWOOD - MAY 25: Singer 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.Kevin Winter/Getty Images
What is there to say about Underwood, 43, that hasn't already been said?
She is the female artist with the most No. 1s on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, and she has eight Grammy wins (including best new artist), 12 Billboard Music Awards wins, 17 American Music Awards wins, a Guinness world record, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and more.
Billboard named her the top female country artist of the 2000s and the 2010s. Underwood has sold over 4.3 million concert tickets, per Pollstar, and was named one of Time's most influential people in 2014.
In total, she's sold 85 million records worldwide, according to her website. She has 28 No. 1 country songs. It's staggering.
Last year, she returned to the "American Idol" stage as a judge, the first former winner to do so.
No one else from her 2005 season, including Bo Bice or Constantine Maroulis, came close to her amount of success. In fact, there's only one "Idol" who could best her ...
1. Kelly Clarkson (season 1)American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson sings after winning the contest at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Ca., Sept. 4, 2002.Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Who else could be the most successful "American Idol" but Kelly Clarkson, the first-ever champ? She created an entire empire from her 2002 win.
While Underwood might have chart success in country music, Clarkson has crossover appeal. She's had three No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, is the first artist to top the pop, adult contemporary, adult pop, country, and dance charts, and has had 11 top-10 singles on the Hot 100 (with three No. 1s).
She's also recorded a modern-classic Christmas album, been a judge on "The Voice," has been nominated for 17 Grammys (winning three), and had one of the bestselling songs of 2002 with her coronation single, "A Moment Like This."
Clarkson, 44, has also secured a career outside music. Her delightful talk show, "The Kelly Clarkson Show," has won eight Daytime Emmys.
Only an Oscar and a Tony to go, Kelly!
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