American Idol begins it’s farewell journey this evening and to honor the television show responsible for bringing some of music’s biggest acts to their dreams, and giving fans of music new artists to look up to, we wanted to take a look at 5 of the most successful American Idol contestants.
5. Jordin Sparks
Jordin Sparks was the season 6 winner of American Idol and remains the youngest winner in the show’s history. Sparks was just 17 when she won the season and rose to stardom with her self titled album released in 2007 that went platinum and sold over 2 million copies worldwide! One of her most popular songs was a track called No Air with Chris Brown that we still know all the words to! Sparks didn’t just stick with music after her Idol win as she went on to act and perform on broadway as well before returning to music with her third album in 2015.
4. Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson didn’t win her season of Idol, she actually didn’t make it to top 3 but her career took off and didn’t slow down once she was brought to the spotlight because of the series. Hudson has had multiple hit songs, starred in films, and maybe somehow more importantly than that went through a life transformation in front of the world while keeping her career in tact. Some of Hudson’s story breaks the heart of anyone who knows it but she’s only shown her strength, faith, and passion more during every turn of darkness – she’s truly an inspiration. If you look at Hudson’s long list of achievements you’d be surprised that she didn’t take away the win on Idol’s third season – but we think she’s gone above and beyond what she expected of herself and that is the most important piece of her story.
3. Phillip Phillips
Phillip Phillips won the eleventh season of American Idol and it was a very well deserved victory. Phillips’ voice is rugged and has a very southern drawl without being country – something he uses to highlight the passion and depth in his songs. One of the most beautiful songs he’s done has got to be Volcano which highlights his intense vocals – the song is beautiful. Phillips has had an incredible career since his Idol win and in 2013 he opened up for John Mayer across his Born and Raised Tour which introduced him to a new group of people who would become large fans. Next month Phillips will join Train for Sail Across The Sun from Miami to Jamaica! We can’t wait to see what else he’s up to in 2016.
2. Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert was season eight’s runner up but his rise to stardom was absolutely incredible. The same year he was runner up he released his debut album For Your Entertainment which brought Lambert more than one hit single. In 2012 Lambert released Trespassing which debuted at number one making Lambert the first openly gay musician to top the charts. Lambert has also been on television (Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Glee, and Pretty Little Liars) in addition to his music and has also toured with May and Taylor of Queen which is an incredible part of Lambert’s journey.
1. Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood was season four of American Idol’s winner and since 2005 she’s made incredible strides in country music. Underwood’s career has been possibly the most long lasting, seemingly without a break, in Idol winner history and she’s not showing any signs of slowing down. Underwood has broken many records in her career thus far and has even been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. Underwood has put out five albums and the success of her fifth album made her the only country music star to have their first five albums debut at number one or two on the Billboard 200 Chart! What an incredible career she’s had so far.
There are obviously many other talented winners of American Idol and we assume the winner of this season will rise to stardom as well; so tune in to see who will be crowned the winner of the last season of American Idol and while you’re waiting for the season to get underway, check out some past winners too!