See What Your Favorite 'American Idol' Stars Are Doing Now
American Idol has been changing lives and launching the careers of some of music's biggest stars for two decades — and the hit show doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. With such a long-running show, it's only right that we remember the winners, runner-ups, and everyone in-between that have competed on the show over the years. Some of them are still performing and some we'd guess haven't been on a stage in quite some time. For a nostalgic trip down American Idol lane, take a look back at these singers and find out what they're up to now.
Remember this fresh face? At just 20 years old, she (and her chunky blonde highlights) went on to win the first season of American Idol.
Since her success on Idol, Kelly has released more than nine studio albums and embarked on many headlining tours. She also hosts The Kelly Clarkson Show on NBC and is a coach on The Voice.
American Idol's first-ever runner-up performed so well during the competition, even notoriously harsh judge Simon Cowell praised the 23-year-old singer, telling him, "Justin, you know, occasionally you're very privileged when you do a competition like this to hear somebody undiscovered who has a voice like yours."
Though he's chopped his signature hair, Justin still has the same great big smile. While his career didn't take off quite like Kelly Clarkson's, the singer has performed for large audiences on Broadway in theatrical roles in Rent, Romeo and Juliet, Chicago, and more.
Nicknamed the "Velvet Teddy Bear," the season two winner impressed judges and audiences alike with his beautiful renditions of songs like John Lennon's "Imagine" and Diane Warren's "Music of My Heart."
After dropping an impressive 119 pounds on season fifteen of The Biggest Loser, the singer has continued to release albums and perform for crowds nationwide.
Back in 2003, the 24-year-old left the American Idol judges speechless with his incredible voice, earning him the runner-up spot on season two.
Swapping a career onstage for one at the podium, Clay is now in politics. In 2014, he ran as the Democratic Party's candidate for North Carolina's 2nd congressional district, but lost. In 2022, he announced his plan to run again for congress.
The 23-year-old's untimely exit as the seventh runner-up on Idol's third season shocked audiences back in 2004.
Now, Jennifer's one of Idol's most successful contestants ever, having won an Oscar and Golden Globe for her 2006 performance in Dreamgirls. She's also inspired millions as the spokeswoman for Weight Watchers and was a coach on The Voice on seasons thirteen and fifteen.
Rocking big curls and funky dresses, the 22-year-old won the fourth season of Idol.
Carrie has since racked up countless Grammys, Billboard Music Awards, and American Music Awards. She's currently preparing for her upcoming Las Vegas residency.
Coming in fourth place, the singer achieved acclaim for his hard rock performances throughout the show's fifth season.
The rocker's band, Daughtry, was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Song in 2008, and he's continued to tour and release new music ever since. He also made his acting debut on the 100th episode of CSI: New York in 2008.
Season five's runner-up, Katharine McPhee, endeared audiences with her cute outfits and big voice.
Pursuing a passion for acting and music, Katharine has gone on to appear in movies like The House Bunny and shows like Smash. She's also starred on Broadway in Waitress.
At just 17, American Idol's youngest winner ever rocked cute babydoll dresses, while belting out powerful performances.
The singer has adopted a more mature style to go with her many accomplishments, which include winning an American Music Award in 2008 and being nominated for a Grammy in 2009. She's also taken up acting in recent years, appearing in A Christmas Treasure in 2021.
Appearing on the eighth season of American Idol, Adam wowed audiences with his skilled tenor voice and huge vocal range.
Adam has been touring with legendary rock band Queen since 2014. In addition to his many sold out shows, Adam was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Male Vocal Performance in 2011 and received an Honorary GLAAD Media Award in 2013.
Even though 19-year-old Kellie Pickler finished season five in sixth place, audiences fell in love with her sweet country voice.
Kellie's 2006 debut album, Small Town Girl, was certified gold and she's since won several CMT Awards. In recent years, you might have seen her on Dancing with the Stars, Pickler & Ben, and in Hallmark movies, like Christmas at Graceland.
At just 16 years old, David Archuleta was the runner-up of season seven. His 2008 debut single, "Crush," stole the hearts of tweens everywhere.
David has released eight studio albums and had several tours since the show. In 2021, he publicly came out on Instagram as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, saying it "was important to share because I know so many other people from religious upbringings feel the same way."
Judge Kara DioGuardi told 16-year-old Katie Stevens at her 2009 audition, "You have something that just is either there or not." The singer finished season nine in eighth place.
Katie's since moved her focus to acting. She's landed several lead roles on hit shows, like Faking It and The Bold Type.
His rocker voice and cool style made him the bad boy of season four, where he made it all the way to sixth place.
Constantine Maroulis's hair is still going strong, and so is his career. The performer has since booked roles on huge Broadway shows, like Rock of Ages and Jekyll & Hyde, as well as TV.
With her beautiful voice and amazing '00s style, it's no wonder why America made Fantasia the winner of season three.
Fantasia's since lent her voice to a variety of projects, most notably Broadway's The Color Purple and After Midnight. In 2011, she won her first Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
At 29, he became the oldest contestant to win American Idol when he placed first in season five.
Taylor Hicks has taken on a range of jobs since, including opening a restaurant in Alabama and landing a role in Broadway's Grease. In 2012, he scored another American Idol first: a Las Vegas residency.
Lauren Alaina shot to superstardom when she was voted the runner-up of season ten at just 16 years old.
After three studio albums, Lauren's popularity only continues to grow. In 2021, she was invited by her hero, Trisha Yearwood, to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
As the winner of season eight, Kris Allen made a big splash in the music industry.
Kris's very first album debuted at number 11 on the U.S. Billboard 200. The singer still releases music, and even started a band called The Dames in 2017.
Candice Glover auditioned three times before finally scoring her ticket to Hollywood. It's a good thing she kept trying, because she ended up winning season 12.
Following her big win, Candice's debut album, Music Speaks, reached number 3 on the U.S. R&B chart. She made her Broadway debut in 2017 in Home For The Holidays.
David Cook won over the judges in 2008 with his rocker voice, and became the champion of season seven.
After releasing four studio albums, David landed the role of a lifetime in Broadway's Kinky Boots in 2018.
See What Your Favorite 'American Idol' Stars Are Doing Now
American Idol has been changing lives and launching the careers of some of music's biggest stars for two decades — and the hit show doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. With such a long-running show, it's only right that we remember the winners, runner-ups, and everyone in-between that have competed on the show over the years. Some of them are still performing and some we'd guess haven't been on a stage in quite some time. For a nostalgic trip down American Idol lane, take a look back at these singers and find out what they're up to now.
As you say goodbye to American Idol, come see what your old favorites are up to now.
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