Past American Idol Winners

Saturday, August 27 by Mallorie Greene

<a href='' class='linkify' target='_blank'>American idol</a> winner kelly” src=”” /></p>
	Many past "American Idol" winners credit their success for the start of their careers. When "American Idol" debut, no one was quite sure how the show’s success measure compared to other music TV show like "Star Search". Once the show succeeded, each of the winners prove they’re talented in their own way that made them all a true star.</p>
	<strong>Kelly Clarkson.</strong> This bubbly small town country girl instantly was a favorite on "American Idol". Clarkson's powerful voice captivating viewers each week, it is not a surprise she is a past "American Idol" winner. After the show, Clarkson starred in, "From Justin to Kelly", and her debut album "Thankful" came out in 2003. One of the biggest selling recording artist from "Idol" she has numerous music <a href='' class='linkify' target='_blank'>awards</a> under her belt.</p>
<p style= Ruben Studdard American Idol Winner

Rueben Studdard. A southern star like Clarkson, Ruben Studdard has an incredible voice, thanks to his gospel background. Rivaling against Clay Aiken, Studdard took the crown in season 2. Despite the out lash of Aiken's loss, Studdard release his first platinum album, "Soulful" with hits, "Flying without Wings” and "Superstar". He will always be the “Velvet Teddy Bear” with a smile and heart that glows.

fantasia barrino american idol winner

Fantasia Barrino. Although her speaking voice is soft, her singing voice is combined as emotional and powerful. Barrino came from a humble background and despite hardships; she lived her dream as the "American Idol" winner. Since then, she found success not only in her music and on Broadway's "The Color Purple" as the character, Celie.

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	<strong>Carrie Underwood.</strong> Something must be in the water in the South, as <a href='' class='linkify' target='_blank'>Carrie</a> Underwood became the fourth "American Idol" winner. Underwood was one of the best <a href='' class='linkify' target='_blank'>contestants</a> in season 4 receiving praise for her beautiful voice and demeanor. It paid off greatly as she is currently one of the best country superstars in the country ranking with heavyweights, Dolly Patron, Faith Hill, and Martina McBride.</p>
<p style= taylor hicks american idol winner

Taylor Hicks. At the age of 29, with his head covered with gray hair, Hicks raise suspicious of his age. In spite of his grey hair, Hicks had one of the best stage presences on "Idol" displaying humorous dance moves, soulful voice, and mad skills as a harmonica player. After “Idol”, receiving moderate success, but Hicks kept moving forward, creating his own record label, "Modern Whomp Record" in 2009, and release the single, "What's Right, Is Right".

jordin sparks american idol winner

Jordin Sparks. The youngest "American Idol” winner at 17, Sparks developed singing voice instantly made her a star. Sparks had the whole package on “Idol” and found success as a pop artist. She released her first single, "Tattoo" from her self-titled album in 2007 and later, "No Air" with Chris Brown. Sparks is involved in charitable work and one of the singers who contributed to Haiti’s charity song, "We Are the World” in 2010.

david cook american idol winner

David Cook. Laid back rocker, David Cook became the next "American Idol" winner in 2008. Before his victory, he became a fan favorite, for his rendition of Lionel Ritchie's "Hello" on “Idol”. With his guitar skills and voice, his first self-titled album became an instant success on the Billboard 200. Despite the tragedy of losing his eldest brother to brain cancer, Cook continue to stay strong and motivated, releasing his second post "Idol" album, "The Last Goodbye" in April 2011.

Past American Idol Winners Kris Allen

Kris Allen. The most underrated “American Idol” winner, Allen lit up, after getting eclipsed by Adam Lambert in season 8. He is known for rearranging songs to fit his musical style in on “Idol”, and in 2009 Allen debut his first self-titled mainstream album, with less critical success. Outside his musical career, in 2010, the singer contributes to helping Haiti after the tragedy killing more than 300,000 people.

lee dewyze american idol winner

Lee DeWyze. A Chicago native, Lee DeWyze became the ninth 'American Idol" winner in 2010. DeWyze was one of the two contestants never to land in the bottom three; with his smooth and quiet demeanor, his display confidence on stage. After his "Idol" win, he released the first single, "Sweet Serenity" from his album "Live It Up" on October 2010. DeWyze also made appearances in 2010, NBA finals, singing the National Anthem and in 2011, performing the halftime show for the Chicago Bears and GreenBbay Packers.