Every American Idol Winner Since Season 1: How Many Can You Name?
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The search for the next American Idol begins Sunday, Feb. 18 (ABC, 8/7c), kicking off a journey with which we’re all too familiar, having already been through it 21 times.
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Let that number sink in for a minute, America. We’ve watched confetti fall on twenty-freaking-one Idol winners. And if you think you can recite all of those winners’ names by heart, please have a seat. Humble pie is about to be served.
Sure, everybody can name the enduring titans like Kelly Clarkson, first of her crown and usurper of Ellen DeGeneres’ daytime throne. Or Carrie Underwood, collector of Grammys and smasher of cheaters’ headlights. But as you move further down the line, the names and faces begin to blur. We wouldn’t even blame you for accusing us of making up several names on this list, but we promise we didn’t.
Read on for a breakdown of every American Idol winner and runner-up, along with video of Ryan Seacrest (and Brian Dunkleman one time) revealing those life-changing results live on the air. Once you’re done having your mind blown, drop a comment with your honest answer: How many of these 21 Idol winners did you actually remember? We promise not to judge. This is a safe space.
1. Kelly Clarkson (Season 1)
DATE OF VICTORY: Sept. 4, 2002
RUNNER-UP: Justin Guarini
2. Ruben Studdard (Season 2)
DATE OF VICTORY: May 21, 2003
RUNNER-UP: Clay Aiken
3. Fantasia Barrino (Season 3)
DATE OF VICTORY: May 26, 2004
RUNNER-UP: Diana DeGarmo
4. Carrie Underwood (Season 4)
DATE OF VICTORY: May 25, 2005
RUNNER-UP: Bo Bice
5. Taylor Hicks (Season 5)
DATE OF VICTORY: May 24, 2006
RUNNER-UP: Katherine McPhee
6. Jordin Sparks (Season 6)
DATE OF VICTORY: May 23, 2007
RUNNER-UP: Blake Lewis
7. David Cook (Season 7)
DATE OF VICTORY: May 21, 2008
RUNNER-UP: David Archuleta
8. Kris Allen (Season 8)
DATE OF VICTORY: May 20, 2009
RUNNER-UP: Adam Lambert
9. Lee DeWyze (Season 9)
DATE OF VICTORY: May 26, 2010
RUNNER-UP: Crystal Bowersox
10. Scotty McCreery (Season 10)
DATE OF VICTORY: May 25, 2011
RUNNER-UP: Lauren Alaina
11. Phillip Phillips (Season 11)
DATE OF VICTORY: May 23, 2012
RUNNER-UP: Jessica Sanchez
12. Candice Glover (Season 12)
VICTORY DATE: May 16, 2013
RUNNER-UP: Kree Harrison
13. Caleb Johnson (Season 13)
DATE OF VICTORY: May 21, 2014
RUNNER-UP: Jena Irene
14. Nick Fradiani (Season 14)
DATE OF VICTORY: May 13, 2015
RUNNER-UP: Clark Beckham
15. Trent Harmon (Season 15)
DATE OF VICTORY: April 7, 2016
RUNNER-UP: La’Porsha Renae
16. Maddie Poppe (Season 16)
DATE OF VICTORY: May 21, 2018
RUNNER-UP: Caleb Lee Hutchinson
17. Laine Hardy (Season 17)
DATE OF VICTORY: May 19, 2019
RUNNER-UP: Alejandro Aranda
18. Just Sam (Season 18)
DATE OF VICTORY: May 17, 2020
RUNNER-UP: Arthur Gunn
19. Chayce Beckham (Season 19)
DATE OF VICTORY: May 23, 2021
RUNNER-UP: Willie Spence
20. Noah Thompson (Season 20)
DATE OF VICTORY: May 22, 2022
RUNNER-UP: HunterGirl
21. Iam Tongi (Season 21)
DATE OF VICTORY: May 21, 2023
RUNNER-UP: Megan Danielle
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