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American Idol has spent more than two decades turning everyday singers into household names. From Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood to Fantasia Barrino and Adam Lambert, the long-running singing competition has launched some of the music industry’s biggest stars. On May 11, 2026, the show crowned Hannah Harper as its latest champion during the season 24 finale, continuing the series’ legacy of discovering new talent.
Now airing on ABC with judges Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie alongside longtime host Ryan Seacrest, American Idol remains one of television’s biggest reality competition shows. While some past winners went on to massive success in music and entertainment, others stepped away from the spotlight or pursued very different careers after their victories.
Take a look back at all the previous American Idol winners and see where they are today.
Kelly Clarkson
American Idol became an instant phenomenon when it premiered in 2002, and Kelly Clarkson quickly emerged as the show’s first breakout superstar after winning the inaugural season. She went on to build one of the most successful careers of any Idol contestant, releasing chart-topping hits like “Since U Been Gone,” “Because of You,” and “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).”
Over the years, Kelly has released multiple successful albums, won three Grammy Awards, and earned numerous Emmy wins for The Kelly Clarkson Show, which has become one of daytime television’s biggest talk shows. She also previously served as a coach on The Voice, where she mentored several winning contestants.
In recent years, Kelly has continued balancing music, television, and touring while remaining closely associated with the legacy of American Idol, often reflecting on how the show changed her life and career forever.
Carrie Underwood
If Kelly Clarkson is one of the defining success stories of American Idol, Carrie Underwood is undoubtedly another. Since winning season 4 in 2005, Carrie has become one of the biggest stars in country music, building a massively successful career with hit songs like “Before He Cheats,” “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” and “Cowboy Casanova.”
Over the years, Carrie has released multiple chart-topping albums, won eight Grammy Awards, and earned countless honors from the CMA Awards and ACM Awards. She was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2008 and continues to be regarded as one of country music’s most influential modern artists.
In 2025, Carrie came full circle with American Idol when she officially joined the series as a judge alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, replacing longtime panelist Katy Perry. Her return to the franchise became one of the biggest headlines surrounding the show’s recent seasons, especially as she helped crown season 24 winner Hannah Harper in May 2026.
