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A Real Ranking Of All The Past 'American Idol' Winners

A ranking of the winners based on success and popularity.

malloryshaevsky

Mar 12, 2019

University of Michigan

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A Real Ranking Of All The Past 'American Idol' Winners

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Before the new season of "American Idol" airs, here is my rankings of all the past winners. I have been an avid "Idol" watcher since season one, so here are my rankings of the 16 winners. This list leaves off people like Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, and others who became famous from "American Idol," but did not win. If you are like me, maybe this list will jog your memory of some people who won that you just absolutely forgot about.

16. Candice Glover

Okay, honestly, I don't know who this is. And yes, I watched this show every year. No memory. According to the internet she has released an album and a few singles.

15. Caleb Johnson

Johnson's album was released very quickly after his "Idol" win and flopped big time. He is the second-worst selling "Idol" winner. He then parted ways with his label and has not released another album.

14. Trent Harmon

Trent has released some singles since his "Idol" win, but fans (If there are any) are still waiting on a debut album. Haven't heard anything from or about him since his win.

13. Nick Fradiani

Okay, so his album only sold 5,000 copies worldwide. He's hot, okay!!! Tell me you don't see the striking resemblance to G-Eazy.

12. Lee Dewyze

Lee actually still has a singing career, although not well known. He sings background on TV shows like "The Walking Dead," "Shameless," and "Nashville."

11. Maddie Poppe

Maddie was the first winner of the new "American Idol" on ABC instead of FOX. I haven't heard much about Maddie since her win, but I thought she had a beautiful voice. You might remember on her finale it was revealed that she was in a relationship with her runner-up, Caleb. According to any news I can find, they are still together.

10. Kris Allen

Kris Allen really only had one song that hit the charts, with "Live Like We're Dying." Allen's win was a shock to all fans, as it seemed that Adam Lambert was the fan favorite. Bonus points for being a cutie, though.

9. Taylor Hicks

I swear I thought this man was like 40 when he was on American Idol, but he wasn't, he just had really gray hair. Surprisingly, Taylor actually had a Las Vegas residency for a little while, and he also appeared on Broadway. He is no longer signed to a record label and owns a restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama.

8. Ruben Studdard

After "Idol," Ruben made his mark in both R&B and gospel genres. He was nominated for a Grammy back in 2003 for Male R&B artist. Ruben has also appeared on the show "The Biggest Loser."

7. Fantasia Barrino

Fantasia has released a total of 5 studio albums since winning "Idol." She has also had guest appearances on both TV and on Broadway. She even had her own reality show for a short time on VH1.

6. David Cook

After "Idol", David Cook released a self-titled album that had a few hits you may remember like "The Time of Your Life" or "Light On." Compared to most other "Idols," he did have a good amount of mainstream success and you could hear him on the radio quite a bit. He then starred on Broadway in "Kinky Boots."

5. Scotty McCreery

Scotty McCreery was still in high school when he won "Idol." His debut album went platinum and then he also released a Christmas album. He now is an author and published his first book in 2016 about his life. He just released his latest album last year.

4. Jordin Sparks

Jordin was only 17 back when she won "American Idol." Se had hits with stars like Chris Brown and Jason Derulo (Whom she dated). She also has pursued an acting career starring in Broadway and movies. And who can forget that guest appearance in "Big Time Rush."

3. Phillip Phillips

Okay, how beautiful and how talented is he! His hit songs "Home" and "Gone Gone Gone" bring me to tears every time I hear them. Phillip's career began to slow after a 3-year lawsuit with the "American Idol" production company, but after the settlement is he back to making music.

2. Carrie Underwood

Let's be real-Carrie Underwood is the only country artist that I can really get down to. Carrie is the top-earning "Idol" alum, per Forbes. She has won 7 Grammy's and 14 CMA awards! The only reason I have her at number 2 and not 1 is because country is more of a niche genre than pop.

1. Kelly Clarkson

Kelly was the first, and best, American Idol ever. She has gone on to win 3 Grammy's, 3 VMAs, 4 AMAs, 2 ACMs, and 1 CMA award. She is now currently a judge on "The Voice." "Since You Been Gone" will always slap, we love you, Kelly.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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A Real Ranking Of All The Past 'American Idol' Winners

A ranking of the winners based on success and popularity.

16. Candice Glover

15. Caleb Johnson

14. Trent Harmon

13. Nick Fradiani

12. Lee Dewyze

11. Maddie Poppe

10. Kris Allen

9. Taylor Hicks

8. Ruben Studdard

7. Fantasia Barrino

6. David Cook

5. Scotty McCreery

4. Jordin Sparks

3. Phillip Phillips

2. Carrie Underwood

1. Kelly Clarkson

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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