While we patiently wait forKaty Perry,Luke Bryanand Lionel Richie to take on their new roles asAmerican Idoljudges, we’re looking back at where it all began for the biggest stars to come out of the show’s first 15 seasons.
Carrie Underwood
Underwoodclaimed theIdolcrown in season 4. When we first made her acquaintance, she was an Oklahoma farm girl who had never even been on a plane, but her rendition of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” proved she was destined for bigger things. For instance, winning the 2007 Grammy for best new artist.
Kelly Clarkson
The winner of the smash hit inaugural season had the judges charmed right from the start. Then 20 years old,Clarkson‘s performances of “Express Yourself” and“At Last”blew them away, and she even took overRandy Jackson‘s place behind the table. The singer now has seven albums and threeGrammy awardsto her name.
Clay Aiken
On the second season ofIdol,Aikencame in second behind winnerRuben Studdard. During his audition, the confident 23-year-old impressed with a rendition of “Always and Forever,” despiteSimon Cowelltelling him, “You don’t look like a pop star.”
Jennifer Hudson
After a stint on a Disney cruise,Hudsonmade a grandAmerican Idoldebut with a powerful cover of Aretha Franklin’s “Share Your Love with Me.” She came in seventh place on season 3, but has since more than proved she’s a true star, with a best R&B album Grammy win and an Oscar-earning role inDreamgirls.
Katharine McPhee
Armed with lots of encouragement from her voice teacher mother,McPheetook the audition stage in the fifth season. She ultimately came in second place afterTaylor Hicks. In addition to releasing albums, the singer has kept busy with acting gigs, including roles onScorpionandSmash.
Fantasia Barrino
The third seasonwinnerwas only 19 when she first took her chances in front of theIdoljudges. She sang “Killing Me Softly” and “Rolling” for her audition, getting yeses from all three Hollywood gatekeepers.
Adam Lambert
Eventual runner-upLambertperformed “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Rock with You” for his season 8 audition. Fittingly, the singer now tours alongside Queen as their lead vocalist.
Jordin Sparks
At 16,Sparkswon the judges over with a performance of “Because You Love Me.” She went on to win season 6 and has since released four studio albums. In 2010, she joined the cast of Broadway’sIn the Heights.
Phillip Phillips
Phillipswent from pawn shop worker to global star after winning season 11. While his mom flirted with hostRyan Seacrest, he belted out “Superstition” for the judges. His debut single, “Home,” became thebest-sellingof all theIdolcoronation songs.
Kellie Pickler
Picklershared her emotional life story withAmerican Idolviewers in season 5. She chose Clarkson’s “Since You Been Gone” for her audition song. Although she came in sixth in the singing competition, she ended up winning it all on season 16 ofDancing with the Stars.
source: people.com
