‘American Idol’ Winners – Where Are They Now?

Season 20 of American Idol premiered on February 27th, and we could not be more excited to see all the new talent this season will bring. Let’s take a look back at some of the past American Idol winners and where their journey has taken them.

Carrie Underwood

It’s no secret that Carrie Underwood has become a global sensation. Underwood won American Idol in 2005, and then went on to win seven Grammys and is married with one son.

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Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson was the first ever American Idol in 2003. She has gone on to win three Grammys and is a mom of two. Clarkson is now one of the judges on The Voice and has her own talk show.

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Jordin Sparks

Jordin Sparks won American Idol in 2007 and released two hit singles that year, “Tattoo” and “No Air”. Sparks has gone on to star in Broadway musicals and movies. She is married with one son.

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David Cook

David Cook won American Idol in 2008 and released his hit called “Time of My Life”. He is now released music independently and was married in 2015.

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Kris Allen

Kris Allen and Adam Lambert were two favorites in season 8 of American Idol. Allen ultimately went on to win the season in 2009. After his time on American Idol, he faced many challenges after a car accident left him having to re-learn how to play guitar. Allen married in 2008 and now has three children.

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Scotty McCreery

Scotty McCreery won American Idol in 2011 at the age of 17. McCreery has gone on to release music and collaborate with some well known names in the country music business such as Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts. He married in 2018.

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Phillip Phillips

Phillip Phillips won American Idol in 2012 and has captured the hearts of many with his song, “Home”. He married in 2015 and is currently still releasing music.

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Candice Glover

Candice Glover won American Idol in 2013 and immediately released an album. After taking a break from releasing music, she put out an album in 2017 and also starred in a Broadway musical the same year.

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Nick Fradiani

Nick Fradiani won American Idol in 2015 and went on to release a debut album. He ultimately split from his label and took a different direction touring the nation for the Broadway play, A Bronx Tale.

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Just Sam

Just Sam was the first virtual winner of American Idol in 2020. She has returned to her roots playing music in New York. She is still releasing music and fans can’t wait to hear more from her.

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We can’t wait to see all the talent that this season brings and who the next American Idol will be.

About the Author

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Tori Murphy

Tori Murphy is a junior at Penn State University studying Public Relations with a minor in Sports Studies.