With ABC now airing the landmark first American Idol winners were trailblazers for hundreds of aspiring contestants for 20 seasons to come. With a 20th winner being crowned in 2022, this feels like the perfect time to look back at the history of the series.
From the first 15 seasons on Fox to the more recent five seasons on ABC, American Idol has been a huge hit among up-and-coming musicians and reality TV viewers. While other singing competitions have come along and placed a much larger focus on the celebrities in the judging , Idol has always been about finding the next American superstar who will take the music industry by storm. Over the years, many stars have come out of American Idol, making it one of the most successful reality competitions on television.
Kelly Clarkson (Season 1)
The first-ever American Idol winner was the incomparable Kelly Clarkson. On the show, Kelly introduced herself as a 19-year-old aspiring singer from Burleson, Texas. It was clear from the very start that Kelly would become America's sweetheart. Without a doubt, Kelly was the one to beat over the course of the entire American Idol season 1.
Rubben Studdard (Season 2)
From Birmingham, Alabama, Rubben Studdard was only 24 years old when he auditioned for American Idol season 2. After going head-to-head against Clay Aiken at the grand finale, Rubben was crowned the winner and Clay finished as the runner-up. At the finale, Rubben performed "A House Is Not a Home" by Dionne Warwick, "Imagine" by John Lennon, and an original song called "Flying Without Wings".
Fantasia Barrino (Season 3)
One of the most successful American Idol winners ever was Fantasia Barrino. She was 19 years old on the show and came from High Point, North Carolina. Fantasia's finale performances were "All My Life" by K-Ci & JoJo, "Summertime" by Abbie Mitchell, and her original song "I Believe". Ultimately, Fantasia won season 3, and fellow finalist Diana DeGarmo finished as the runner-up.
Carrie Underwood (Season 4)
The competition on American Idol season 4 came down to finalists Carrie Underwood and Bo Bice. She auditioned as a 21-year-old singer from Checotah, Oklahoma. Her winning performances at the finale were "Independence Day" by Martina McBride, "Angels Brought Me Here" by Guy Sebastian, and her brand-new original song "Inside Your Heaven".
Taylor Hicks (Season 5)
Just like Rubben Studdard, Taylor Hicks also went on to win American Idol as someone from Birmingham, Alabama. Taylor was older than the average Idol winner, being 29 years old when he competed. The runner-up of American Idol season 5, Katherine Mhee, has also enjoyed a highly successful career after her stint on the show.
Jordin Sparks (Season 6)
Jordin Sparks is another incredibly influential and successful winner. Shockingly, Jordin went into American Idol season 6 as a 16-year-old from Glendale, Arizona. Her finale performances included "Fighter" by Christina Aguilera and "A Broken Wing" by Martina McBride. In the end, Jordin won season 6 and Blake Lewis finished as the runner-up.
David Cook (Season 7)
25-year-old David Cook from Tulsa, Oklahoma won American Idol season 7 after a strong run in the competition. However, his finale was incredibly controversial due to the fact that many fans wanted runner-up David Archuleta to win instead. Nonetheless, David Cook received more votes from the public, won the show, and had a successful career as a result.
Kris Allen (Season 8)
The very talented Kris Allen won American Idol season 8 as a 23-year-old singer from Conway, Arkansas. Kris performed "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers, "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye, and his original song "No Boundaries" at the finale. This was yet another moment that divided the fanbase given that many viewers wanted season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert to win instead.
Lee DeWyze (Season 9)
Lee DeWyze introduced himself on American Idol season 9 as a 23-year-old singer from Mount Prospect, Illinois. The finale came down to him and Crystal Bowersox, but Lee's finale performances of "The Boxer" by Simon & Garfunkel, "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M., and "Beautiful Day" by U2 took him over the edge.
Scotty McCreery (Season 10)
Many longtime Idol fans how strong of a frontrunner Scotty McCreery was from the very beginning on American Idol season 10. Similar to Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, and Carrie Underwood, it felt like he was always meant to win that season. On his audition, Scotty revealed that he was just 16 years old and came from Garner, North Carolina. His performances at the grand finale included "Gone" by Montgomery Gentry and "Check Yes Or No" by George Strait.
