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Summary
Throughout the preceding 21 seasons , American Idolhas featured some sinful finalists who ’ve test that contestant do n’t have to win the show in gild to be extremely successful . American Idoldebuted on June 11 , 2002 on FOX , where it aired for 15 seasons until its series finale on April 7 , 2016 . After a two - year hiatus , ABC revived the show on March 11 , 2018 . Although the evaluator have change over the years , Ryan Seacrest has hosted for all 21 seasons . The current judging panel consists of Lionel Richie , Katy Perry , and Luke Bryan .
AlthoughwinningAmerican Idolis an outstanding achievementfor Isaac Merrit Singer , sometimes just being a finalist on the show can catapult a protester to superstardom . In fact , some of the finalists who did n’t win have surpassed the actual winners in disc sales agreement , film , video , and Broadway appearances , and more . Here ’s a list of the most successfulAmerican Idollosers of all - time , in no particular order .
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1Jennifer Hudson
American Idol Season 3 - 7th Place
Jennifer Hudson ’s voiding duringAmerican Idolseason 3 in 2004 was one of the most shocking in the show ’s history . A power plant vocalist with unbelievable stage presence , Jennifer was a frontrunner to pull ahead . Since the show , she ’s had an impressive career . In 2022,Jennifer became the untried woman and 2nd pitch-black mortal to achieve EGOT condition , meaning that she has won an Emmy , Grammy , Oscar , and Tony Award .
Jennifer ’s first award in the quartet come up whenshe win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2007 for her role of Effie White in the film , Dreamgirls . She has also won two Grammy Awards , one in 2009 for Best R&B Album for her self - titled album and the other in 2017 for Best Musical Theater Album forThe Color Purple . In increase , Jennifer won the 2021 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program Award forBaba Yaga , which she executive produced . She also voice the fictitious character of the enchanted Forest .
Since competing onAmerican Idol , Jenniferhas let go of three albums , Jennifer Hudson(2008),I Remember Me(2011 ) , andJHUD(2014 ) . In addition toDreamgirls , she ’s appeared in several films , includingSex and the City(2008),The Secret Life of Bees(2008),Sing(2016),Cats(2019 ) andRespect(2021 ) . She has also done boob tube work , including guest starring in the seriesSmash , Empire , and star inHairspray Live!Jennifer has served as a judge onThe Voice UK(seasons 6 - 8) andThe Voice US(seasons 13 and 15).Jennifer became the host of her own talk show , The Jennifer Hudson Showin 2022 . She also acted on the Broadway stage inHair , The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas , andThe Color Purple .
In 2013 , Jennifer received a sensation on the Hollywood Walk of Fame . She was also chosen as one ofTime’s100 Most Influential People in 2020 . Jennifer has become one of the most successful finalist ever to appear onAmerican Idol .
2Chris Daughtry
American Idol Season 5 - 4th Place
In 2006 , Chris Daughtry sway theAmerican Idolseason 5 leg with his awesome carrying into action , and his ability to turn any song into a rock Sung . However , his elimination rocked the challenger when the frontrunner unexpectedly was voted off the show , place 4th . Chris then became the lead singer of his band , Daughtry .
Their first record album , Daughtry(2006 ) , was the fastest marketing debut rock record album in Nielson SoundScan chronicle . It sold more than one million copies within five week of its release , and reached number one on theBillboard200 chart . Daughtry also released several more album , includingLeave This Town(2009),Break the Spell(2011),Baptized(2013),It ’s Not Over … The Hits So Far(2016),Cage to Rattle(2018 ) , andDearly Beloved(2021 ) .
Some of the contestants on The Masked Singer also competed on American Idol . Here is a inclination of the talented Singer who shake both display .
3Adam Lambert
American Idol Season 8 - Runner-Up
Adam Lambert was one of the most unequaled contestants inAmerican Idolhistory . He transformed the show with his prowess and theatricality . He placed second to Kris Allen duringAmerican Idolseason 8 in 2009.A Grammy nominee for his unmarried " Whataya Want From Me,“Adam has released several album , includingFor Your Entertainment(2009),Trespassing(2012),The Original High(2015),Velvet(2020 ) , andHigh Drama(2023 ) . He ’s sell million of album and singles worldwide . Adam has also appeared on TV in shows such asGleeand as a judge onClash of the Cover Bands .
One of Adam ’s most successful post - American Idolventuresishis stint as the leading singer of Queen + Adam Lambert . Their first album , Live Around the World , debut at number one on the UK Albums Chart . With his unfearing performances and over-the-top vocals , Adam will forever be a buff favourite .
4Katharine McPhee
American Idol Season 5 - Runner-Up
Katharine McPhee became America ’s ravisher in 2006 when she placed secondly to Taylor Hicks onAmerican Idolseason 5.Katharine has had one of the most enduring post - American Idolcareers in entertainment , feel success in the music diligence , in film and television , and on the Broadway leg . She has release several albums , includingKatharine McPhee(2007),Unbroken(2010),Christmas Is the Time to Say I sleep with You(2010),Hysteria(2015),I Fall in Love Too Easily(2017 ) , andChristmas Songs(2022 , with husband David Foster ) .
Katharine has also had many starring roles in film and television , includingThe House Bunny , Smash , Scorpion , and Country Comfort . In 2021 , Katharine and David competed as Banana Split onThe Masked Singerseason 6 , placing third . Katharine also find critical acclaim for her Broadway debut as Jenna inWaitress . She also diddle the use in the West remnant production in London . With her bubbly personality and stellar vocals , Katharine has made sure that her fansnever shook their cases of the " McPheever . " She extend to be a tremendous achiever afterAmerican Idol .
There are rumors that Katy Perry might leave American Idol , either by her own free will or because she ’ll be replaced . Here ’s why the show needs her .
5Lauren Alaina
American Idol Season 10 - Runner-Up
In 2011 , Lauren Alaina was theAmerican Idolseason 10 moon-curser - up to Scotty McCreery . Since then , Lauren has established herself as a very successful country creative person . She has free three albums , includingWildflower(2011),Road Less Traveled(2017 ) , andSitting Pretty on Top of the World(2021 ) . Lauren ’s first single , " Like My Mother Does , " sold 121,000 copies in its first week . Wildflowerwas the well - betray digital album by a debuting female commonwealth artist .
In 2012 , Lauren won the New Artist of the Year Award at the American Country Awards . She won the CMT Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year in 2017 , for " Road Less Traveled . " The song , which Lauren co - wrote , also reached number one on country radio . On February 12 , 2022,Trisha Yearwood inducted Lauren into the Grand Ole Opry .
Lauren has also made several television appearances , including starring in two pic , CMT’sThe Road Less Traveledand Hallmark’sRoadhouse Romance . She post fourthly onDancing With The Starsseason 28 with her professional saltation married person , Gleb Savchenko . She also appear on the reality television showsBeyond the EdgeandChasing the Dream . Lauren proceed to be an breathing in since her days onAmerican Idol , and she is sealed to have continued success in the future .
6Clay Aiken
American Idol Season 2 - Runner-Up
In 2003 , Clay Aiken debuted onAmerican Idolseason 2 . He shocked audience with his powerful , soaring voice . Clay placed second to Ruben Studdard , and went on to have a successful career in music , dramaturgy , and political relation . mud has released several record album , includingMeasure of a Man(2003),Merry Christmas with Love(2004),AThousand Different Ways(2006),On My room Here(2008),Tried and True(2010 ) , andSteadfast(2012 ) .
Clay has also appeared as a node on many television show . One of his most notable appearances was when he wasThe Celebrity Apprenticeseason 5 stolon - up . Clay has also star on Broadway inMonty Python ’s Spamalot , andRuben & Clay ’s First Annual Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Christmas Show , alongside Ruben Studdard .
Lucius DuBignon Clay has also ventured into politics . In the 2014 midterm elections , he was the Democrats ' candidate for North Carolina ’s 2d congressional territory . He won the primary , but lost the universal election . In 2022 , he ran again , in North Carolina ’s fourth congressional district , but he lost the primary . With his howling personality and sinful vocal talent , Clay can do anything he want in the futurity .
Original American Idol judge Simon Cowell ’s jabs at the contestants were sometimes risible to watch , but there were a few times he crossed the billet .
7Gabby Barrett
American Idol Season 16 - 3rd Place
Gabby Barrett placed third in 2018 onAmerican Idolseason 16 , the first time of year after ABC vivify the show . In 2019 , Gabby independently release the song , " I Hope , " which view the attention of music labels . After performing the Sung onAmerican Idolseason 17 , she announced that she had sign with Warner Music Nashville , which then officially release it as a exclusive . The song topped many res publica chart , and Gabby finally recorded a reading of it with Charlie Puth . Gabby released her debut record album , Goldmine , in 2020.The album had 15.98 million on - demand streams in its opening workweek , which broke the platter for the largest streaming week for a debut state album by a female artist .
Gabby has invite many laurels since herAmerican Idoldebut . In 2020 , Gabby won the Breakthrough Video of the Year Award for " I Hope " at the CMT Music Awards . In 2021 , she was the New Female Artist of the Year at the ACM Awards and earned three Billboard Music Awards , include Top Collaboration and Top Country Song for " I desire , " along with Top Female Country Artist . In 2021 , she won the CMT Music Award for Female Video of the Year and the American Music Award for Favorite Country Album and Favorite Country Song . Gabby has established herself as a strong country artist , and is the most successful contestant to issue from the ABC epoch ofAmerican Idol .
8Kellie Pickler
American Idol Season 5 - 6th Place
Kellie Pickler became a popular commonwealth artistafter placing 6th onAmerican Idolseason 5 in 2006 . She relinquish several albums , includingSmall Town Girl(2006),Kellie Picker(2008),100 Proof(2012 ) , andThe Woman I Am(2013 ) . Kellie wonDancing With The Starsseason 16 with her professional saltation partner , Derek Hough .
Kellie also made many tv set coming into court afterAmerican Idol . She star on the reality television seriesI Love Kellie Pickerwith her late hubby Kyle Jacobs , as well as the talk show , Pickler & Ben , with medium personality Ben Aaron . Kellie has also starred in several Hallmark movies , includingChristmas at Graceland , Wedding at Graceland , andThe Mistletoe Secret . With her perfumed personality and distinct state style , Kellie has make herself as one of the most beloved contestant to never winAmerican Idol .
American Idol has dedicated theme dark to some iconic artists over the twelvemonth . Here are five more who deserve a night to celebrate their catalog .
9Justin Guarini
American Idol Season 1 - Runner-Up
Justin Guarini skyrocketed to famewhen he lay second to Kelly Clarkson onAmerican Idolseason 1.After the show , Justin released two albums , Justin Guarini(2003 ) andStranger Things Have Happened(2005 ) , and an acoustical EP titledRevolve(2008 ) . Justin has had a few film and video office , include his 2003 moving-picture show with Kelly , From Justin to Kelly , his 2023 voice actor office as Cat Burglar on the animated series , SuperKitties , and an appearance onBelow deck of cards : Sailing Yacht . Justin also work the office of Lil ' Sweet , the Dr. Pepper mascot , in commercials for the sal soda .
However , it ’s Justin ’s Broadway career that ’s made him such a huge successafterAmerican Idol . He ’s starred in six shows , includingWomen on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown , American Idiot , Romeo and Juliet , Wicked , In Transit , andOnce Upon a One More Time . With his liquid vocal music and magnetic stage presence , Justin has assert his career for over twenty year .
10David Archuleta
American Idol Season 7 - Runner-Up
David Archuleta placed secondly to David Cook duringAmerican Idolseason 7 in 2008 . Since then , he has released several albums , includingDavid Archuleta(2008),Christmas from the Heart(2009),The Other Side of Down(2010),Forevermore(2012),Begin(2012),Postcards in the Sky(2017),Winter in the Air(2018 ) , andTherapy Sessions(2020 ) . In 2008 , his first individual , " Crush , " debut at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 . David most recently appeared onThe Masked Singerseason 9 as Macaw , during which he placed second .
These tenAmerican Idolcontestants may not have won the whole show , but they ’ve rise that singers do n’t have to win to be successful . From platinum albums to honor - winning movies , Broadway debuts to political careers , they ’ve done it all . American Idolis the salutary reality singing competition on television set , and has give the world the natural endowment of these shining stars .
American Idolseason 22 premiere February 18 , 2024 on ABC .
Sources : Daughtry / YouTube , Adam Lambert / YouTube , ClayAikenVEVO / YouTube , Gabby Barrett / YouTube , kelliepickler / YouTube , David Archuleta / YouTube
