Last night American Idol crowned Candice Glover as the 12th American Idol. Glover has the best opportunity in years to break out of the pack and become a major star. It has been a long time since we have seen such an incredible diva and fine, fine singer on the aging show.
Of course, the winners of American Idol are littered with people who have not been able to turn their winning moment into the big time. How many of you even remember last year's winner - Phillip Phillips? Taylor Hicks became a Republican and has been dropped by his label. Can anyone tell me the where we can find winner Lee DeWyze (photograph above)?
How about some of the runner-up's? Do the names Blake Lewis, Justin Guarini, Diana DeGarmo, Bo Bice or Lauren Alaina ring a bell.
The jury is still out (but not looking good) on the long term careers of Jordan Sparks, Scotty McCreery, Chris Allen and David Cook.
Here are the top five contestants who have managed to go from American Idol to being major stars.
1. Carrie Underwood:
The first country-western singer on American Idol has become one of the nations major country-western stars. Her albums and singles shoot to the top of not only country charts but also pop. She has won 6 Grammy's, 16 Billboard Music Awards, 7 American Music Awards and 10 Country Music Awards. In addition, she has won a Golden Globe award for "Best Song". She has sold 30 million singles and over 15 million albums. She was named "Country Music Artist of the Decade" by Billboard.
2. Jennifer Hudson:
Without question Jennifer Hudson has score become a super star. She has starred in film, stage and concert stage. Hudson has won an Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA Award, Actor Guild's Award and NAACP Image Award. On film, she starred in Dreamgirls. Hudson was nominated for 4 Grammy's and won 1. She is highly respected in the entertainment industry.
3. Kelly Clarkson:
She is one of America's favorite pop singers. She also has won 3 Grammy's out of 9 nominations. She sang for the President at last year's Inauguration which is always an honored position for major stars. Clarkson has sold over 25 million albums and 40 million singles. She has had 11 singles that have sold over a million copies.
4. Daughty:
Chris Daughty has taken his loss on American Idol and created a major rock band called Daughty. Their first album sold 4 million records. All three of his albums have sold over a million copies. He has had 5 number one hit singles. His digital tracks have sold over12 million copies! They have been nominated for 4 Grammy Awards.
5. Adam Lambert:
A man who can sing almost anything emerged as the first 'glam rocker' in the best tradition of David Bowie from American Idol. Also Lambert became the 'first out gay man' to find success from show. His first album sold two million copies and his singles have sold five million around the world. Lambert has been nominated for 7 Billboard Music Awards, 1 Grammy Award and numerous others. While he has not sold as many records as the others he is a major star.
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