From restaurateurs to pop stars who are "big" in Asia, here's a look at what every American Idol champ is up to these days.

 

Over the past decade, American Idol has become a TV and music institution, helping launch the careers of many household names. But while the show remains a ratings juggernaut, history proves that its winners weren't always the most viable choices. For every Kelly Clarkson there's a Ruben Studdard or Kris Allen. Many Idol winners have been dwarfed by other contestants in the years following their wins. So while we still see the Adam Lamberts of the world populate the charts (and gossip columns), we wondered what happened to all of the past winners. From restaurateurs to pop stars who are "big" in Asia, here's a look at what every American Idol champ is up to these days

 

As well as being the inaugural winner, Clarkson has become the Idol poster child in her nearly decade long career. After winning Idol, Clarkson went on to have success with such hits as "A Moment Like This," "Because of You," and "Since U Been Gone." She's won two Grammys, three MTV MVAs as well as being ranked the number 14 artist of the 2000s by Billboard magazine. She recently released her fifth studio album, Stronger, and, in a somewhat controversial move, is set to appear on the second season of Idol rival The Voice, mentoring Blake Shelton's contestants.

 

Season 4 winner Underwood went from a fresh-faced country singer to national icon, recently surpassing Kelly Clarkson as Idol's biggest earner. Though she hasn't released an album since 2009's Play On she continues to make headlines along with her husband, NHL hockey player Mike Fisher. Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood went from a fresh-faced country singer to national icon, recently surpassing Kelly Clarkson as Idol's biggest earner. Though she hasn't released an album since 2009's Play On she continues to make headlines along with her husband, NHL hockey player Mike Fisher.

 

Cook's Season 7 victory started the parade of male winners that continues to this day. Following his platinum-selling debut, Cool, he released his second major label album, This Loud Morning, in June of 2011.

 

Season 9 winner Lee DeWyze has the honour of being the last Idol winner to be on RCA Records as, in October of last year, RCA CEO Peter Edge confirmed that the singer was no longer on the label, thereby dissolving the nine-year partnership between the show and the record company. After much delay, DeWyze released his album in November of last year and does much of his touring in Asia.

 

Rejuvenated with a new label partnership and two superstar judges, the revamped American Idol produced Season 10 winner and current country star Scotty McCreery. With his album, Clear as Day, McCreery became the first country act to enter the Billboard charts at No. 1 with a debut. It also made the Idol winner the youngest male to debut at the top. Not too shabby.

 

 

 

source: https://www.dose.ca