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WeirdFrom Broadway to Bummersville: Here’s Where Every ‘American Idol’ Winner Is Now
By Kayla Cobb
@kaylcobb
Published
May 1, 2018, 10:00 a.m. ET
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Here's what's happened to America's winner.
Photos: ABC ; Illustration: Dillen Phelps
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Season 15
Winner: Trent Harmon
From: Amory, Mississippi
Though he was named the winner of Fox's last season of Idol in 2016, Harmon has yet to produce an album. His debut, You Got 'Em All, is set to be released this spring.
He's released three singles so far, one of which is the titular track on his upcoming album. After a rocky 2017, this year is looking better for the singer.
Winner: Trent Harmon
From: Amory, Mississippi
Though he was named the winner of Fox's last season of Idol in 2016, Harmon has yet to produce an album. His debut, You Got 'Em All, is set to be released this spring.
He's released three singles so far, one of which is the titular track on his upcoming album. After a rocky 2017, this year is looking better for the singer.
Photo: Everett Collection
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Season 14
Winner: Nick Fradiani
From: Guilford, Connecticut
Before winning Idol, Fradiani had history with another singing reality show, America's Got Talent. He and his band competed on the ninth season of the show before getting kicked off, which is when Fradiani moved to Fox to try his luck at a solo career. He has so far released one album, Hurricane. It was the lowest-selling debut album in Idol history.
The singer released song singles and EPs in 2017 and has been touring with The Alternate Routes.
Winner: Nick Fradiani
From: Guilford, Connecticut
Before winning Idol, Fradiani had history with another singing reality show, America's Got Talent. He and his band competed on the ninth season of the show before getting kicked off, which is when Fradiani moved to Fox to try his luck at a solo career. He has so far released one album, Hurricane. It was the lowest-selling debut album in Idol history.
The singer released song singles and EPs in 2017 and has been touring with The Alternate Routes.
Photo: Everett Collection
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Season 13
Winner: Caleb Johnson
From: Asheville, North Carolina
Johnson is another repeart Idol-er. The singer auditioned for the show three times in four years, making it to Hollywood Week in Season 10 and the Top 42 in Season 11. So far, Johnson has only released a collaboration album and a single solo album, Testify. Unfortunately, the album didn't perform very well.
The last time Johnson released new music was in 2016.
Winner: Caleb Johnson
From: Asheville, North Carolina
Johnson is another repeart Idol-er. The singer auditioned for the show three times in four years, making it to Hollywood Week in Season 10 and the Top 42 in Season 11. So far, Johnson has only released a collaboration album and a single solo album, Testify. Unfortunately, the album didn't perform very well.
The last time Johnson released new music was in 2016.
Photo: Everett Collection
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Season 12
Winner: Candice Glover
From: St. Helena Island, South Carolina
Glover is nothing if not persistent. She's the first winner who auditioned for American Idol three times before being cast on the live show, winning spots in Seasons 9, 11, and 12. So far, Glover has only released one album, Music Speaks, but she's also released three singles.
This singer is another winner who tried their luck on Broadway. In 2017, Glover starred in Home For the Holidays, Live on Broadway. She also released her latest single, "My Mistake," last year.
Winner: Candice Glover
From: St. Helena Island, South Carolina
Glover is nothing if not persistent. She's the first winner who auditioned for American Idol three times before being cast on the live show, winning spots in Seasons 9, 11, and 12. So far, Glover has only released one album, Music Speaks, but she's also released three singles.
This singer is another winner who tried their luck on Broadway. In 2017, Glover starred in Home For the Holidays, Live on Broadway. She also released her latest single, "My Mistake," last year.
Photo: Everett Collection
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Season 11
Winner: Phillip Phillips
From: Leesburg, Georgia
Phillip-squared is responsible for one of the most impressive records in Idol history. His coronation song, "Home," became the all-time best-selling single in the history of the show. So far the singer has released three albums, has been involved with nine tours with names like John Mayer, the Goo Goo Dolls, and Matchbox Twenty, and he's been nominated for Billboard Music Awards and Teen Choice Awards.
Phillips' third album Collateral was released earlier this year, and 2018 also saw his first acting role. The performer had a guest spot in Hawaii Five-0. Phillip Phillips is currently on tour.
Winner: Phillip Phillips
From: Leesburg, Georgia
Phillip-squared is responsible for one of the most impressive records in Idol history. His coronation song, "Home," became the all-time best-selling single in the history of the show. So far the singer has released three albums, has been involved with nine tours with names like John Mayer, the Goo Goo Dolls, and Matchbox Twenty, and he's been nominated for Billboard Music Awards and Teen Choice Awards.
Phillips' third album Collateral was released earlier this year, and 2018 also saw his first acting role. The performer had a guest spot in Hawaii Five-0. Phillip Phillips is currently on tour.
Photo: Everett Collection
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Season 10
Winner: Scotty McCreery
From: Carner, North Carolina
McCreery has found a home for himself in the country music scene. After releasing his third album, "See You Tonight" became the artist's first song to reach the Top 10 on Billboard's Country charts. To date, he's released four albums, been on five tours, and has won two American Country Awards, one CMT Music Award, and has been nominated for several Teen Choice Awards.
The singer released a new album, Seasons Change, this past year. He also recently got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, and they plan on getting married later this year.
Winner: Scotty McCreery
From: Carner, North Carolina
McCreery has found a home for himself in the country music scene. After releasing his third album, "See You Tonight" became the artist's first song to reach the Top 10 on Billboard's Country charts. To date, he's released four albums, been on five tours, and has won two American Country Awards, one CMT Music Award, and has been nominated for several Teen Choice Awards.
The singer released a new album, Seasons Change, this past year. He also recently got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, and they plan on getting married later this year.
Photo: Everett Collection
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Season 9
Winner: Lee DeWyze
From: Mount Prospect, Illinois
Prior to Idol, DeWyze had released two albums on his own and had formed the Lee DeWyze Band. Since then winner, the singer has released five albums and won a Teen Choice Award.
DeWyze's latest album, Paranoia, was released in February of this year. The singer hit a new wave of popularity relatively recently when "Blackbird Song" was used on The Walking Dead. He's recently switched to the publishing company SONGS, the same company used by The Weeknd, Diplo, and Lorde.
Winner: Lee DeWyze
From: Mount Prospect, Illinois
Prior to Idol, DeWyze had released two albums on his own and had formed the Lee DeWyze Band. Since then winner, the singer has released five albums and won a Teen Choice Award.
DeWyze's latest album, Paranoia, was released in February of this year. The singer hit a new wave of popularity relatively recently when "Blackbird Song" was used on The Walking Dead. He's recently switched to the publishing company SONGS, the same company used by The Weeknd, Diplo, and Lorde.
Photo: Everett Collection
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Season 8
Winner: Kris Allen
From: Conway, Arkansas
Allen also had a strong start after Idol. Both "No Boundaries" and the singer's version of "Heartless" charted in the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. The singer has released five albums to date, one of which is a Christmas album, and he's been nominated for a People's Choice Award, a Billboard Music Award, and Teen Choice Awards.
In 2017, Allen announced that he would be joining a new band called The Dames. The group plans on releasing more singles in the future.
Winner: Kris Allen
From: Conway, Arkansas
Allen also had a strong start after Idol. Both "No Boundaries" and the singer's version of "Heartless" charted in the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. The singer has released five albums to date, one of which is a Christmas album, and he's been nominated for a People's Choice Award, a Billboard Music Award, and Teen Choice Awards.
In 2017, Allen announced that he would be joining a new band called The Dames. The group plans on releasing more singles in the future.
Photo: Everett Collection
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Season 7
Winner: David Cook
From: Blue Springs, Missouri
The rock singer has released four albums since winning American Idol. He's also won one and been nominated for three Teen Choice Awards and has been involved in five different tours.
Right now Cook is embracing Broadway. This spring he's starring as Charlie Price in Kinky Boots. Cook also released an EP, Chromance, last year.
Winner: David Cook
From: Blue Springs, Missouri
The rock singer has released four albums since winning American Idol. He's also won one and been nominated for three Teen Choice Awards and has been involved in five different tours.
Right now Cook is embracing Broadway. This spring he's starring as Charlie Price in Kinky Boots. Cook also released an EP, Chromance, last year.
Photo: Everett Collection
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Season 6
Winner: Jordin Sparks
From: Glendale, Arizona
Sparks holds the record as the youngest winner in Idol history, winning the competition at only 17. He collaboration with Chris Brown, "No Air," became the third highest-selling single by any contestant, and Sparks is the only winner to have her first five singles reach the top 20 in the United States. So far the artist has released three albums and three mixtapes. She's also won a BET Award, an American Music Award, a People's Choice Award and two Teen Choice Awards.
Sparks seems to still be doing well. In 2017, the singer hosted the annual Jordin Sparks Experience, and she will be hosting Miss America 2018 later this year. Sparks also has some big news on a personal front. Her first child is expected to be born in spring of 2018.
Winner: Jordin Sparks
From: Glendale, Arizona
Sparks holds the record as the youngest winner in Idol history, winning the competition at only 17. He collaboration with Chris Brown, "No Air," became the third highest-selling single by any contestant, and Sparks is the only winner to have her first five singles reach the top 20 in the United States. So far the artist has released three albums and three mixtapes. She's also won a BET Award, an American Music Award, a People's Choice Award and two Teen Choice Awards.
Sparks seems to still be doing well. In 2017, the singer hosted the annual Jordin Sparks Experience, and she will be hosting Miss America 2018 later this year. Sparks also has some big news on a personal front. Her first child is expected to be born in spring of 2018.
Photo: Everett Collection
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Season 5
Winner: Taylor Hicks
From: Birmingham, Alabama
Hicks has so far released three albums and has been the first male Idol winner to win a Grammy. He won the award for "Friday" on Jimmy Fallon's Blow Your Pants Off. Hicks also has a Broadway history. In 2008, he starred in Grease as Teen Angel, and in 2009 he played the role while on a national tour.
But Hick's real accomplishments have to do with Vegas. In 2012, Hicks became the first Idol winner to secure a long-time residency in the city, originally starting at Bally's before moving to Paris Las Vegas in 2013. Last year the singer released the single "Six Strings and Diamond Rings," his first musical release in eight years.
Winner: Taylor Hicks
From: Birmingham, Alabama
Hicks has so far released three albums and has been the first male Idol winner to win a Grammy. He won the award for "Friday" on Jimmy Fallon's Blow Your Pants Off. Hicks also has a Broadway history. In 2008, he starred in Grease as Teen Angel, and in 2009 he played the role while on a national tour.
But Hick's real accomplishments have to do with Vegas. In 2012, Hicks became the first Idol winner to secure a long-time residency in the city, originally starting at Bally's before moving to Paris Las Vegas in 2013. Last year the singer released the single "Six Strings and Diamond Rings," his first musical release in eight years.
Photo: Everett Collection
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Season 4
Winner: Carrie Underwood
From: Checotah, Oklahoma
After Idol, Underwood hit the ground running. Her debut album Some Hearts became the best-selling solo female debut album in country music history. She has since released five albums, headlined several tours, and won seven Grammy Awards, 10 Billboard Music Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 12 American Music Awards. Underwood has also some television roles and has starred in everything from The Sound of Music Live! to Blue Bloods.
Underwood has a new album planned for 2018, Cry Pretty, and she was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame that same year. Overall, she's one of Idol's most successful winners.
Winner: Carrie Underwood
From: Checotah, Oklahoma
After Idol, Underwood hit the ground running. Her debut album Some Hearts became the best-selling solo female debut album in country music history. She has since released five albums, headlined several tours, and won seven Grammy Awards, 10 Billboard Music Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 12 American Music Awards. Underwood has also some television roles and has starred in everything from The Sound of Music Live! to Blue Bloods.
Underwood has a new album planned for 2018, Cry Pretty, and she was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame that same year. Overall, she's one of Idol's most successful winners.
Photo: Everett Collection
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Season 3
Winner: Fantasia Barrino
From: High Point, North Carolina
After Fantasia became an Idol winner, "I Believe" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The performer has released six albums so far, and her work has won her a Billboard Music Award and a Grammy. Fantasia has altogether been nominated for 12 Grammys. In 2007 Fantasia took it to Broadway, playing Celie in The Color Purple, a role which won her a Theatre World Award.
After parting ways with her longtime label RCA Records, Fantasia released Christmas After Midnight in 2017. The singer struggled with mental health problems in 2010, but she has since gotten better and has opened up about that part of her life.
Winner: Fantasia Barrino
From: High Point, North Carolina
After Fantasia became an Idol winner, "I Believe" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The performer has released six albums so far, and her work has won her a Billboard Music Award and a Grammy. Fantasia has altogether been nominated for 12 Grammys. In 2007 Fantasia took it to Broadway, playing Celie in The Color Purple, a role which won her a Theatre World Award.
After parting ways with her longtime label RCA Records, Fantasia released Christmas After Midnight in 2017. The singer struggled with mental health problems in 2010, but she has since gotten better and has opened up about that part of her life.
Photo: Everett Collection
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Season 2
Winner: Ruben Studdard
From: Birmingham, Alabama
After winning against Clay Aiken in one of the show's fiercest mash-ups, Studdard is doing pretty well for himself. So far the singer has released six albums, and his work has won him three Billboard Music Awards. He's also been nominated for a Grammy, BET Awards, and American Music Awards.
Studdard's latest high-profile project happened in 2014 when he released a new album and was a contestant on The Biggest Loser. Currently, the singer is on tour with a concert dedicated to covering the work of Luther Vandross. He's also recapping this latest season of American Idol at least once.
Winner: Ruben Studdard
From: Birmingham, Alabama
After winning against Clay Aiken in one of the show's fiercest mash-ups, Studdard is doing pretty well for himself. So far the singer has released six albums, and his work has won him three Billboard Music Awards. He's also been nominated for a Grammy, BET Awards, and American Music Awards.
Studdard's latest high-profile project happened in 2014 when he released a new album and was a contestant on The Biggest Loser. Currently, the singer is on tour with a concert dedicated to covering the work of Luther Vandross. He's also recapping this latest season of American Idol at least once.
Photo: Everett Collection
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Season 1
Winner: Kelly Clarkson
From: Burleston, Texas
Clarkson is unsurprisingly one of the most successful Idol winners. When the singer released "A Moment Like This" in 2002, it became the country's best-selling single of 2002. So far Clarkson has released eight albums, won three Grammy Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, and four American Music Awards, and has sold over 25 million albums and 45 million singles.
Her latest album, Meaning of Life came out in 2017, and this year, she's working as a coach of the 14th season of The Voice. Talk about a crossover event.
Winner: Kelly Clarkson
From: Burleston, Texas
Clarkson is unsurprisingly one of the most successful Idol winners. When the singer released "A Moment Like This" in 2002, it became the country's best-selling single of 2002. So far Clarkson has released eight albums, won three Grammy Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, and four American Music Awards, and has sold over 25 million albums and 45 million singles.
Her latest album, Meaning of Life came out in 2017, and this year, she's working as a coach of the 14th season of The Voice. Talk about a crossover event.
Photo: Everett Collection
