Throughout the years, American Idol has had some extraordinary talent on the show. But has it always ended with the best singer winning? Let’s take a look back at the past nine seasons and see if America got it right… or wrong.
Season 1: In 2001, the new singing competition American Idol premiered. As the season went on, one hopeful proved every week that she deserved to be there… Kelly Clarkson. She showcased her amazing vocals every week, until it came right down to the wire in the finale against Justin Guarini. In the end, Kelly took the title as the first American Idol.
Where are they now?: Ten years and 4 albums later, Kelly is still on the scene. Her latest album All I Ever Wanted reached #1 on Billboard, with the chart topping single “My Life Would Suck Without You”. As for Justin, he’s released 2 albums, and since has hosted TV Guide’s American Idol finale red carpet show.
Did America get it right or wrong?: Right!
Season 2: Season 2 ended with it’s first of three guy vs. guy finales. Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken dueled it out all season long, and in the end, Ruben took the crown.
Where are they now?: Ruben has released 5 albums, been nominated for several awards, and sang the elimination song for Idol’s seventh season, “Celebrate Me Home”. Clay has released 6 albums, won 3 Billboard awards, and more recently was on Broadway in Spamalot.
Did America get it right or wrong?: Wrong!
Season 3: Season 3, arguably, wasn’t as popular as the past two. In the showdown against Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo, Fantasia won by nearly 2% of votes. But in my opinion, most people were still shocked over Jennifer Hudson’s elimination.
Where are they now?: Since, Fantasia has released 3 albums and starred as Celie in The Color Purple on Broadway. Diana released an album, and is currently taking on the role of Doralee Rhodes in the national tour of 9 to 5. And as for Jennifer? Her astounding voice aside, she’s released one album, and is set to release another. She also won a Grammy for her role in the movie Dreamgirls.
Did America get it right or wrong?: Wrong!
Season 4: Season 4 brought the show’s ratings back up to speed with amazing talent like Carrie Underwood, Bo Bice, Constantine Maroulis and Mikalah Gordon. As the season came to an end, it was Carrie against Bo, and Carrie took home the gold.
Where are they now?: Since Idol, Bo’s released 3 albums and had a hit single, “The Real Thing”. Carrie, on the other hand, has released 3 albums, has had numerous chart topping singles, sold out tours, and won several awards.
Did America get it right or wrong?: Right!
Season 5: Season 5 had many popular contestants with many fanatic fans. Taylor Hicks and his Soul Patrol, Katharine McPhee and her McPhans, Kellie Pickler and her Pickles, Chris Daughtry and his Crew, and Elliot Yamin and his Fiends, to name a few. As the season’s end drew near, there were many shocks. The elimination of Elliot, the even more shocking elimination of Chris in the Top 4, and Taylor’s victory over Katharine.
Where are they now?: Taylor’s released 2 albums and is currently on Broadway in Grease. Katharine has released 2 pop albums, along with a Christmas album. But Chris Daughtry, he’s released 2 albums with his band, and is currently at work on their third. Not to mention their numerous hit singles like “Over You”, “No Surprise”, and the season 6 elimination song “Home”.
Did America get it right or wrong?: Wrong!
Season 6: Season 6 was another high ranking season with serious talent. Jordin Sparks’ incredible voice, Blake Lewis’ beat-boxing, and who can forget Sanjaya’s major hair styling skills? When it came down to it, it was no surprise when Jordin won, leaving Blake as the runner up.
Where are they now?: Four years later, and Blake has released 2 albums. Jordin too, has released 2 albums. But the difference is, despite Blake’s awesome beat-box talent, Jordin, by far, was the best singer of the season, and since has had numerous chart topping singles, including a duet with Chris Brown. She also had an acting stint on Broadway in In the Heights.
Do America get it right or wrong?: Right!
Season 7: Season 7 was without a doubt the show’s best and most popular season. Even before the thrilling David vs. David finale, the show had the amazing talent of Jason Castro, Brooke White, Carly Smithson, Michael Johns and more. As everyone was sure David Archuleta would win, it came as shocker to all when David Cook claimed the title. It seemed like of half the nation was happy and the other half was completely shocked by Archuleta’s loss. In my opinion, the show really had two winners, as both Davids proved every week that they deserved to be there with their amazing talent.
Where are they now?: David Cook has released a self-titled album, toured the country, and is now currently hard at work on his second. David Archuleta, however, has released 3 studio albums, toured the country several times, guest starred on popular tv shows, and has even penned a memoir.
Did America get it right or wrong?: Wrong!
Season 8: Season 8 was the season of changes as Kara DioGuardi was added to the judges panel. The season’s most popular contestants were it’s Top 4: Allison Iraheta, Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen. As everyone thought Adam was going to win, in the end, Kris took the crown.
Where are they now?: All four have released studio albums. Adam has had several chart topping singles, while Kris is best known for his first single “Live Like We’re Dying”.
Did America get it right or wrong?: Either/Or!
Season 9: The only thing that kept the show’s ninth season’s ratings up was Ellen DeGenerous taking Paula’s spot on the judges panel. That, and it being Simon’s last season on the show. Though the season had it’s front runners, it was nothing compared to the past few seasons. In the end, it was down to Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox. People were torn as they weren’t entirely sure who would win. When it came down to it, Lee took the title as the ninth American Idol.
Where are they now?: Lee has since released his debut album with the single “Sweet Serendipity”, plus got to #24 on Billboard with his winner’s single “Beautiful Day”. Crystal has too released her debut album, Farmer’s Daughter.
Did America get it wrong or right?: (So far) Right!
So over the past nine seasons, America has gotten the winner right four times, wrong four times, and once was pretty much equal. So really, it’s been a tie! Though all of the Idols on the past seasons have had some amazing talent, it’s been obvious who’s been more successful than others, and who deserved to really be crowned the winner. Now let’s see what season 10 brings…
