Here's What The "American Idol" Winners Looked Like Then Vs. Now
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1.Kelly Clarkson, Season 1:
In 2002: She sang "At Last" for her audition.
Kelly Clarkson now:
Since American Idol: Not like you don't already know this, but Kelly Clarkson is EVERYWHERE. Twenty years after she first won, she's released nine albums, won three Grammys (nominated for 15), appeared on TV shows and in movies, coached on The Voice, written children's books, and now she currently hosts The Kelly Clarkson Show. So, yeah, she's done pretty well post-American Idol.
Side-by-side:
2.Ruben Studdard, Season 2:
In 2003: He sang "Ribbon in the Sky" for his audition.
Ruben Studdard, now:
Since American Idol: Studdard has released six studio albums and 15 singles, appeared in nine movies, and created The Ruben Studdard Foundation for the Advancement of Children in the Music Arts.
Side-by-side:
3.Fantasia Barrino, Season 3:
In 2004: She sang "Killing Me Softly" for her audition.
Fantasia Barrino now:
Since American Idol: Fantasia's won one Grammy (and has been nominated for many others), released seven albums, and has starred in two Broadway shows (The Color Purple and After Midnight).
Side-by-side:
4.Carrie Underwood, Season 4:
In 2005: She sang "I Can't Make You Love Me" for her audition.
Carrie Underwood now:
Since American Idol: Carrie's released nine albums, headlined six tours, appeared as herself on more than 20 TV shows, published a book, and won eight Grammys.
Side-by-side:
5.Taylor Hicks, Season 5:
In 2006: He sang "Change is Gonna Come" for his audition.
Taylor Hicks now:
Since American Idol: Taylor released two albums, was featured on a Grammy-winning comedy album, and starred in the musical Shenandoah in Atlanta.
Side-by-side:
6.Jordin Sparks, Season 6:
In 2007: She sang "Because You Loved Me" for her audition.
Jordin Sparks now:
Since American Idol: Since winning the show at age 17, Jordin received a nomination for a Grammy for her song "No Air," released four studio albums, headlined one tour, and was either an opening act or a headliner on joint tours for six other tours. She's also appeared in upwards of twenty TV shows and movies, and starred in two Broadway shows: In the Heights and Waitress.
Side-by-side:
7.David Cook, Season 7:
In 2008: He sang "Living On A Prayer" for his audition.
David Cook now:
Since American Idol: He's released a total of four albums and headlined a whopping 13 tours. He also starred in Broadway's Kinky Boots as Charlie Price in 2018.
Side-by-side:
8.Kris Allen, Season 8:
In 2009: He sang "A Song For You" for his audition.
Kris Allen now:
Side-by-side:
9.Lee DeWyze, Season 9:
In 2010: He sang "Ain't No Sunshine" for his audition.
Lee DeWyze now:
Side-by-side:
10.Scotty McCreery, Season 10:
In 2011: He sang "You're Man" and "Put Some Drive In Your Country" for his audition.
Scotty McCreery now:
Since American Idol: He's released five albums and headlined five tours. In 2012 he won Best New Artist at the Academy of Country Music Awards and Breakthrough Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards.
Side-by-side:
11.Phillip Phillips, Season 11:
In 2012: He sang "Superstition" for his audition.
Phillip Phillips now:
Since American Idol: He's released three albums, appeared in two TV shows (Pure Genius and Hawaii Five-0), and performed with 12 tours. Also, you probably remember his original song "Home" because it was the song of the 2012 Olympics.
Side-by-side:
12.Candice Glover, Season 12:
In 2013: She sang "Syrup and Honey" for her audition.
Candice Glover now:
Side-by-side:
13.Caleb Johnson, Season 13:
In 2014: He sang an original song called "Into the Void" for his audition.
Caleb Johnson now:
Since American Idol: He's released one album as well as a handful of singles.
Side-by-side:
14.Nick Fradiani, Season 14:
In 2015: He sang "In Your Eyes" for his audition.
Nick Fradiani now:
Side-by-side:
15.Trent Harmon, Season 15:
In 2016: He sang "Unaware" for his audition.
Trent Harmon now:
Since American Idol: In 2018, he released his album "You Got 'Em All."
Side-by-side:
16.Maddie Poppe, Season 16:
In 2018: She sang "Rainbow Connection" for her audition.
Maddie Poppe now:
Side-by-side:
17.Laine Hardy, Season 17:
In 2019: He sang "The Weight" for his audition.
Laine Hardy now:
Since American Idol: In 2021, he released his album "In the Bayou." He's also released eight singles.
Side-by-side:
18.And finally, though not enough time has passed for a then-and-now, here's a look at the two most recent winners, Just Sam from Season 18 and Chayce Beckham from Season 19:
In 2020: Just Sam sang "Rise Up" for her audition.
And in 2021: Chayce Beckham sang "What Brings Life Also Kills" for his audition.
UPDATE
May. 06, 2022, at 05:06 AM
