When the competitive singing show American Idol premiered in 2002, no one could foresee the lasting impact it would have on pop culture and reality television. The show has produced countless chart-topping artists, many of whom now have highly awarded music careers, and has also influenced other singing competitions globally.
23 vocalists have been named the “American Idol” so far, but not all have remained in the spotlight. Read on to learn about where each former Idol winner is now!
Season 1: Kelly Clarkson
The inaugural winner of American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, set an impressively high bar for success after the show. During her music career, she has sold over 25 million albums and 45 million singles worldwide.
In addition to being a powerhouse vocalist, Kelly has become a television personality, hosting her own award-winning talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and appearing as a coach on NBC’s The Voice. Her list of accolades is ever-growing and includes three MTV Video Music Awards, three Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, two Academy of Country Music Awards, eight Daytime Emmy Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
She was married to Brandon Blackstock from 2013 to 2021, and the pair shares a daughter, River, and a son, Remington. Kelly took a step back from the spotlight to be there for her kids when Blackstock passed away from cancer in 2025, but has returned to regular public appearances and performances.
Season 2: Ruben Studdard
R&B singer Ruben Studdard developed close bonds with his fellow contestants during his time on Idol. He previously toured with his runner-up Clay Aiken to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their season. The pair also competed on The Masked Singer as The Beets.
Recently, he wrapped up the 2025 Home for the Holidays tour. Ruben is married to Kristin Moore, and the pair have welcomed a son, Oliver, and a daughter, Henri.
Season 3: Fantasia Barrino
In 2004, Fantasia Barrino became the youngest contestant to win American Idol at just 19 years old. In the years following, she released six studio albums and eventually became a Broadway star, performing in the musical The Color Purple. Her portrayal of Celie Johnson earned her an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture, as well as Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations.
As of 2024, Fantasia is heading Rock Soul Productions, an entertainment company that she describes as “the manifestation of my evolution as an artist, a creative, and a businesswoman.” Recently, she returned to the Idol stage to perform at the Season 23 finale.
Season 4: Carrie Underwood
So far in her career, country superstar Carrie Underwood has released nine studio albums, one greatest hits album, and 29 singles. As of 2025, she has 95 million certified units sold and has won eight Grammys, 16 ACM Awards, nine CMA Awards, and 26 CMT Music Awards, making her one of the most successful American Idol winners in the show’s history.
She married Mike Fisher in 2010 and has since welcomed two sons, Isaiah and Jacob. Carrie still tours the country performing her music and last year completed her residency in Las Vegas.
In a full-circle moment for her career, Carrie joined season 23 of American Idol to take a seat at the judge’s table. She will return for the 24th season.
Season 5: Taylor Hicks
After winning American Idol in 2006, soulful singer Taylor Hicks released a self-titled album and then joined a traveling production of the musical Grease. As time went on, Hicks proved himself to be a multi-talented businessman. He started his own record label, Modern Whomp, hosted a reality food and travel television show called State Plate, and published an autobiography titled Heart Full of Soul.
Taylor has graced the Grand Ole Opry stage on multiple occasions and travels around the world to perform. Additionally, he owns a restaurant in Birmingham, AL called Saw’s Juke Joint.
Season 6: Jordan Sparks
Since her time on Idol, Jordan Sparks has released five studio albums and earned various awards, including the NAACP Image Award, a BET Award, an American Music Award, a People’s Choice Award, and two Teen Choice Awards. Her song “No Air” remains the third highest-selling song by an American Idol contestant, with three million digital copies sold in the United States alone.
Jordin followed in the footsteps of some of her fellow Idol champions and did a stint on Broadway, playing Nina Rosario in the musical In The Heights. In 2012, she made her feature film debut in the movie Sparkle. In 2025, she starred in the Roku original movie Merry Little Mystery.
The singer married fitness model Dana Isaiah in 2017 and welcomed a son the following year.
Season 7: David Cook
David Cook has released four studio albums and four EPs since being crowned the “American Idol” in 2008. Since parting ways with his record label, RCA, the rocker continues to work as an independent artist and produce original music.
David married his longtime girlfriend, Racheal Stump, in a private ceremony in Nashville in June 2015. He regularly advocates for organizations such as the National Brain Tumor Society after losing his brother to a tumor in 2009.
In 2025, David announced that he would release multiple new EPs. The first of which, The Hero, dropped in September and included the single “Dead Weight”, plus two new songs: “Rendezvous” and “Disappear.”
Season 8: Kris Allen
After his surprising win on Idol, Kris Allen moved to Los Angeles with his wife Katy and has since welcomed two sons and a daughter. Kris has released six total studio albums since his time on the show, the second of which contained his hit song “Live Like We’re Dying.”
While he continued to pursue music, his focus shifted more toward his family at home. Now a father of three, he told Arkansas Online:
“My son claims he doesn’t want to do music, but I hear him sing all the time and he does have some sort of musical ability. If I’m going to show anyone a song first, it’s going to be him.”
In 2021, Kris toured with fellow Idol alum David Cook. Most recently, he wrapped up the Jon McLaughlin & Friends: Home for the Holidays tour in 2025.
Season 9: Lee DeWyze
Lee DeWyze was crowned American Idol in 2010, beating out runner-up Crystal Bowersox. Shortly after, he won the Teen Choice Award for Male Reality/Variety Star. In the decade that followed, Lee released seven studio albums with various labels, in addition to the two he released before his time on the show. His most recent album, Gone for Days, was released in August 2024.
Lee married actress Jonna Walsh in 2012, and the pair has a pet golden retriever named Remy. He is currently working with multiple dates scheduled for early 2026.
Season 10: Scotty McCreery
Scotty McCreery has found success in the country music industry following his Idol win when he was just 17 years old. His debut album, Clear as Day, was certified platinum in the United States. In 2017, Scotty McCreery made country music history when his single “Five More Minutes” went no. 1. He became the only country music artist in Country Aircheck/Media Base history to chart a song without the backing of a record label.
In 2024, the singer became a member of the famed Grand Ole Opry and was inducted by his musical idol, Josh Turner.
The country crooner married Gabi Dugal in 2018, and he has leaned into dad life since welcoming his first son, Avery, in 2022 and his second son, Oliver, in 2025.
Season 11: Phillip Phillips
Phillip Phillips caught the attention of music fans with his energetic performance style and memorable name. His first single following his Idol win, “Home,” became the best-selling coronation song of any victor, debuting at no. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and going on to sell more than 5 million copies.
Streams of Phillip’s songs on digital platforms have now exceeded 1 billion. He made his Opry debut in 2023 and released his most recent album, Drift Back, that same year.
Phillip has been married to his wife, Hannah Blackwell, since 2015, and the couple welcomed a son in 2019 and a daughter in 2025.
Season 12: Candice Glover
Candice Glover was the first winner to have auditioned for American Idol three times before being cast for the live shows. She released one album since her 2013 victory, Music Speaks, which debuted at number 14 on the Billboard 200 chart but did not rise further.
Candice graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2022 and sang at the commencement ceremony.
In 2023, the soulful singer released a Christmas album with a musical group called “The CandiBand.”
Season 13: Caleb Johnson
During Caleb Johnson’s season of American Idol, he was the only finalist to never land in the bottom three before reaching the finale. Following his win, he released a solo album, but when the reception was mild, he left his record label and formed the group Caleb Johnson and the Ramblin’ Saints.
In 2018, Caleb joined the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and sang “Three Kings & I” during their winter tour. Later, he joined Neverland Express, the backing band for singer Meat Loaf. Together, they released one album and toured the United Kingdom in 2023.
Season 14: Nick Fradiani
Nick Fradiani was no stranger to singing competitions, as he won the Battle of the Bands at Mohegan Sun in 2011 with his band, Beach Avenue. He also competed on America’s Got Talent the year prior to tasting victory on American Idol in 2015.
After releasing his debut album, Hurricane, with Big Machine Label Group, Nick returned to his roots and created an EP with his Beach Avenue bandmate, Nick Abraham. Most recently, the 34-year-old portrayed Neil Diamond in the traveling tour of the musical A Beautiful Noise.
Season 15: Trent Harmon
Trent Harmon also tried his hand at multiple singing competitions, having auditioned for NBC’s The Voice in 2014. He later reflected on how that rejection prepared him for American Idol.
After winning the show in 2016, Trent released his single “Falling,” co-written by country music superstar and then-Idol judge Keith Urban. Personal struggles and challenges with his record label delayed Trent’s debut album, which was eventually released in May 2018.
In 2019, Trent and his long-time girlfriend Kathleen tied the knot during an intimate elopement. They welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Dolly Jean, in 2023. Most recently, Trent released a Christian music EP titled Scars & Sins in 2025.
Season 16: Maddie Poppe
Multi-instrumentalist Maddie Poppe released her first studio album, Whirlwind, in May 2019, almost exactly one year after winning American Idol. That year proved to be a big one for Maddie, as she had two singles land on the US Adult Top 40 chart and later joined indie pop artist Ingrid Michaelson on her US tour.
Since then, Maddie has released a Christmas EP and four more non-album singles. She still tours regularly and has opened for artists such as Joshua Radin and Nick Carter. Maddie has been dating Nashville-based musician and producer Gabe Burdulis since 2023, and the couple regularly shares photos together.
Season 17: Laine Hardy
Louisiana native Laine Hardy embarked on a headlining tour following his Idol win, visiting 13 cities across the US. He released a handful of singles, including “Memorize You” and “Tiny Town,” before his debut album dropped in September 2021. Laine released his most recent song, “Back of My Mind,” in January 2025.
In February 2025, the Louisiana native welcomed his first child, Hollis James Hardy, with his fiancée Jordan Gautreau. The couple married during an intimate ceremony in June of that year.
Season 18: Just Sam
Samantha Diaz, known publicly as Just Sam, had an unusual end to their American Idol journey, having been announced as the winner virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Afterward, Just Sam struggled under their record label, Hollywood Records, in a financially draining process.
Over the next couple of years, the artist released a few independent singles, including “Africando” and “Change.” By 2023, Just Sam had returned to busking in New York City, saying it was necessary to pay rent and bills.
However, by the end of 2023, Just Sam had signed a new management deal with CrowdMGMT.
Season 19: Chayce Beckham
Chayce Beckham quickly scored his first No. 1 hit after gaining exposure on American Idol. His original song “23” reached the top of the US Country Airplay Chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA. The song went on to earn a nomination at the CMT Music Awards for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year.
To this day, Chayce is the only Idol winner to have done so by singing his own songs. The 28-year-old released his debut album, Bad For Me, in April 2024, which embraces a “timeless country-rock sound defined by fiddles, steel guitar, and plenty of against-the-grain attitude.”
2025 was a big year for Chayce. He married Ashley Britt, was an Opry NextStage artist, and toured around the United States and Canada.
Season 20: Noah Thompson
The whirlwind that followed his American Idol victory caught Noah Thompson by surprise. He admitted:
“I came off the show freaking out – I had no idea what was happening, what to do with my life. I knew I wanted to play music, but in a million years, I never thought I would end up winning ‘American Idol,’ being on the road, playing shows, and writing music. It took me a minute to figure that out.”
His debut single, “One Day Tonight,” reached #1 on both the iTunes country chart and the iTunes all-genre chart less than one week after he was crowned champion. Later in 2022, he hit the road with the runner-up from his season, HunterGirl, for a co-headlining tour.
Noah has been writing many new songs, including “Front Door Famous,” which appeared on Luke Combs’ album Fathers and Sons. He made his Opry debut in 2025 and spent the latter half of the year touring around the U.S.
Season 21: Iam Tongi
Iam Tongi is the only Pacific Islander to have been crowned American Idol. Iam quickly earned the praise of viewers by sharing his big heart and raw emotions. After the show concluded, Iam went on tour with fellow contestant and good friend Oliver Steele.
In 2023, when wildfires devastated the Hawaiian island of Maui, Iam used his platform to raise support, sharing social media videos encouraging his followers to donate to the response efforts. Iam has released four singles so far, the most successful of which was “I’ll Be Seeing You,” which reached #1 on the US Rock Digital chart.
At the end of 2025, Iam announced his engagement to his girlfriend, Leah.
Season 22: Abi Carter
California native Abi Carter was crowned American Idol champion in May 2024, becoming the first woman in four years to win the competition. She released her debut album, ghosts in the backyard, in November 2024 and five months later, shared a deluxe version with two new songs.
She held her first full concert on July 27, 2024, in her hometown area in California before embarking on her first headlining tour from February to March 2025. Unlike many Idol winners, Abi is not signed to a major record label and has been releasing music independently.
Season 23: Jamal Roberts
The most recent winner of American Idol, Jamal Roberts, topped Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs and Gospel Digital Song Sales charts with his rendition of “Heal,” which was released shortly after the show concluded. His first original single, “Mississippi,” was released in July 2025.
In the fall of 2025, the Mississippi native served as a supporting act on Brandy & Monica’s The Boy Is Mine Tour, performing 24 shows across the nation. Jamal is nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song for “Still,” his collaboration with Jonathan McReynolds.
Additionally, Jamal focuses on family life, as his third daughter was born just days before his Idol win.
Watch Jamal Robert’s American Idol crowning moment in the video below!
