Are you looking for the complete list of American Idol winners? Don’t worry; we got you covered. Today in this post, we will mention the complete American Idol winners list from 2002 to 2023. American Idol is an incredible singing competition featuring one of the best new talented singers ever.
This show has given new singers a platform to showcase their abilities and become the next sensation in the industry. The singing competition show features a panel of judges that analyze the contestant’s performances and, with discussions, select the best performer.
Over the years, the show has seen multiple performances that captured the hearts of star-studded judges and audiences. If you have been looking for the American Idols winners list, here’s every single of them.
Each winner left an impression on the show with their impressive performance and emotional moments. Let’s celebrate the winners of American Idol today. They have turned from normal audition givers to international stardom.
American Idol Winners List (2002-2023):
The winners of American Idol continue to inspire the upcoming singers. The reality show American Idol is one of the most successful ones in the history of American television. According to reports, American Idol has produced 345 Billboard chart-topping hits. Let’s take a look at the American Idol winners list.
1. Kelly Clarkson – Season 1:
Kelly Clarkson makes an appearance in the initial season. She rose to prominence after auditioning for the first season of American Idol in 2002. She’s quite popular and is considered one of the iconic singers in the industry. Kelly’s journey took a skyrocketing turn when she was crowned as the first-ever winner of American Idol.
She then released a bunch of amazing albums. Her breakthrough single, ‘A Moment Like This,’ became a smash hit immediately, rocketing to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Her other famous singles include Since U Been Gone, Breakaway, and Stronger [What Doesn’t Kill You].
Besides her success in the music industry, Kelly Clarkson also has a talk show called ‘Kelly Clarkson Show’. She offers heartwarming stories and stellar performances in her talk show. Because of her beautiful voice and creative singles Kelly won multiple accolades.
2. Ruben Studdard – Season 2:
Ruben Studdard is the second winner of American Idol. He rose to prominence after his spectacular win. American Idol gave him a platform to show his real talent. During the season’s finale, Ruben has a head-to-head competition with fellow finalist Clay Aiken. Then the moment came that changed his life forever.
Following his win on American Idol, this amazing personality released his solo album ‘Soulful’. His debut album gained a lot of attraction and became number one on the Billboard 200 chart. He has released around seven studio albums.
During the finale, Ruben performed ‘A House Is Not a Home’ by Dionne Warwick. Including ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon and ‘Flying Without Wings’ by Westlife.
3. Fantasia Barrino – Season 3:
Throughout her time at American Idol, Fantasia Barrino proved to be extraordinary. Her soulful performance made her the winner of American Idol season 3. She captivated the attention of the judges and audience with electrifying performances. Fantasia and fellow finalist Diana DeGarmo has a tough competition during the finale.
But Fantasia delivered a show-stopping performance resulting in her winning the season. The moment brought tears of Joy to her eyes. She then released her debut single ‘I Believe’, which rose to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the finale, she performed ‘All My Life’, ‘Summertime’, and ‘I Believe’, which surprised the audience.
4. Carrie Underwood – Season 4:
Carrie Underwood is a country music superstar that rose to prominence after her debut on season 4 of American Idol. From the moment she performed on American Idol, spectators liked her. There was a surprising competition between Carrie and her fellow finalist Bo Bice in the finale.
But Carrie’s ‘Inside Your Heaven’ performance charmed everyone, making her the American Idol season 4 winner. And that moment became the beginning of Carrie Underwood’s exciting career. After that, she released her debut single ‘Some Hearts’ which became a success among listeners. This debut single also became the best-selling country album of 2006 and won multiple Grammy Awards.
Underwood’s works also become the best-selling solo female debut album in country music history. Her ‘Inside Your Heaven’ performance already made her the winner before the announcement in the eyes of the audience. During her performances, Judge Simon Cowell praised Carrie’s performance and said to her that she would become one of the favourites.
Later, Cowell appreciated her more and said she would win the competition and drop a great impact. During her time at the show, she gained a fan base called ‘Carrie’s Care Bears’. Finally, she won the crown of season 4!
5. Taylor Hicks – Season 5:
Taylor Hicks did less-known performances before auditioning for American Idol season 5. His energetic performance earned him the ‘American Idol season 5 winner’ title. During his audition, a lot of judges supported him except Simon Cowell. Simon also said that Taylor wouldn’t make it till the finals.
But the tables turned, and he won the season with an electrifying performance. But after his first performance during the voting public, Simon corrected his previous statement and said he was probably wrong. The top three finalists included Taylor Hicks, Katharine McPhee and Elliott Yamin. Hicks is also known as the oldest contestant to win American Idol.
He won with around 63.4 million votes cast. His final performance includes ‘Living for the City’, ‘Levon’, and ‘Do I Make You Proud’. Following his win at American Idol, Hicks’s debut single ‘Do I Make You Proud’ earned the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
6. Jordin Sparks – Season 6:
Jordin Sparks is an amazing singer and American Idol season 6 winner. During her time on American Idol, Jordin was only 17 years old. She’s also the youngest winner in the history of American Idol. Sparks auditioned twice for American Idol. She failed her first round in Los Angeles.
But then, during her second performance, he earned a ‘golden ticket’, finally making it to the show. One of the judges of American Idol guesses that Jordin Sparks will probably be the winner of season 6. Randy Jackson’s prediction came true, and she took the trophy home. Sparks also gained a sweet, loyal fan base on the show called ‘Sparkplugs’. Judge Simon Cowell remarked that Sparks’s progress throughout the show is impressive.
She wasn’t the best initially but ultimately improved and became the winner. She performed ‘Fighter’, ‘A Broken Wing’, and ‘This Is My Now’ in the finale round. After American Idol, her real journey started. She released her debut single ‘Tattoo’, earning the eighth spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, she has released multiple singles earning her fame.
7. David Cook – Season 7:
David Cook is a rock singer-songwriter who made his name through American Idol. He was crowned as the winner in season 7 of the show. David’s journey on American Idol is quite different. He didn’t plan to audition for the show. He went to the auditions to support his younger brother but was then recognized by a show producer.
His family encouraged him to give American Idol a chance. During his audition, he performed ‘[Everything I Do] I Do It for You” by Bryan Adams. In the finale, he performed ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’, ‘Dream Big’, and The World I Know’, making him a winner. After winning American Idol, David released his debut single, ‘The Time of My Life’.
David’s single entered the Billboard Hot 100 charts at number three through amazing performance. With at number two on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100. He broke multiple billboard records, including one that Miley Cyrus had.
8. Kris Allen – Season 8:
Kris Allen is a known singer and songwriter. Allen auditioned for American Idol with his brother but didn’t pass the rounds. Kris Allen was one of the finalists that didn’t receive much screen time. But during his performances during the season, he was widely appreciated for folk-inspired interpretations of modern pop songs.
His performance of ‘To Make You Feel My Love’ made Judge Simon Cowell believe that Allen might have a real chance at winning this season. In the final round, Allen performed ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’, ‘What’s Going On’, and ‘No Boundaries’. His final performance got him praise from the judges saying this was his ‘best performance so far.’
Kris Allen became the first married contestant to win the title during the winning time. His work also made it to Billboard Hot 100 post-American Idol. Along with his music career, Allen also volunteers in multiple charitable organizations.
9. Lee DeWyze – Season 9:
Lee DeWyze is known for his appearance and win in American Idol season 9. He is currently a singer-songwriter. Lee auditioned for American Idol season 9, and his friends were auditioning too. DeWyze auditioned with the song ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ which surprised the judges. He made it to another round and finally to season 9.
The judges praised him for his shy personality and for doing everything for the win. His final performance songs are ‘The Boxer’, ‘Everybody Hurts’, and ‘Beautiful Day’. Post American Idol; he won ‘Choice TV: Male Reality/Variety Star’ at the Teen Choice Awards. He released a few debut albums that the listeners widely applauded.
10. Scotty McCreery – Season 10:
Scotty McCreery is a country singer and winner of American Idol season 10. At sixteen, he auditioned with the song ‘Your Man’ by Josh Turner and ‘Put Some Drive in Your Country’ by Travis Tritt. He faced hurdles to make it to the show. First, they had a group conflict but made it to another round.
Later for his solo performance Scotty forgot lyrics onstage. After the incident, he said it wouldn’t be right for him to go forward because he didn’t deserve it. But the judges gave him another chance. He stood strong and performed impressively till the finale.
His final performance includes ‘Gone’, ‘Check Yes or No’, and ‘I Love You This Big’. After American Idol and releasing his singles, Scotty won multiple accolades.
11. Phillip Phillips – Season 11:
Phillip Phillips is a singer-songwriter and musician. He’s the winner of American Idol season 11. One of the executive producers of the show Megan Michaels-Wolflick said when Philip gave his audition, she knew he would win the season. During his time on the show, he went through a medical crisis.
Due to kidney stones, Philip had around 8 procedures but still cleared rounds till the finale. And in the finale, he won the crown against Jessica Sanchez. Philips’s coronation song ‘Home’, which he sang and released after the show, became the best-selling song in American Idol history. He also talked about his time on American Idol and said he never considered it a competition. He wanted to have a good time.
He also sang ‘Stand By Me’ and ‘Movin’ Out [Anthony’s Song]’ in the finale round. For three years, Philips has also been ranked as the ‘Highest Earning American Idol’ in Forbes rundown. His journey post-American Idol has been amazing, with multiple nominations for accolades.
12. Candice Glover – Season 12:
Candice Glover is both an actress and R&B singer. She won season 12 of American Idol for her stellar performance. You would be surprised to know that Candice auditioned around 3 times to make it to season 12. She auditioned for seasons 9 and 11.
In season 9, during the audition, Simon Cowell said that he couldn’t witness Candice as anything more than a lounge singer. In season 11, she forgot the lyrics during the audition, eliminating her. Finally, in season 12, she received a standing ovation from the audience for singing ‘Syrup & Honey’ by Duffy.
The judges appreciated her audition performance and said, ‘The best singing we have heard thus far.’ In the finale, her coronation songs include ‘Chasing Pavements’, ‘I Am Beautiful’, and ‘I [Who Have Nothing]’.
13. Caleb Johnson – Season 13:
Before making it to American Idol, Caleb was the frontman for a band called Elijah Hooker. Later, he auditioned for the show around 3 times to make it to American Idol. He auditioned for seasons 10, 11, and then 13. During his performance on the show, he received positive feedback from the audience and judges.
His coronation songs include ‘Dream On’ by Aerosmith, ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’ by Paul McCartney, and ‘As Long as You Love Me’ is his song. Post American Idol, he started working on his debut album and collaborated with musicians like Brian Howes, Howard Benson, and more.
14. Nick Fradiani – Season 14:
Nick Fradiani is a singer that got attention in the region when his Beach Avenue won the Battle of the Bands at Mohegan Sun in 2011. After that, he tried American Idol and became a national sensation.
First, he competed in season 9 but was then eliminated in the Judgment Week. Later, he came solo in season 14. Nick had a close competition with runner-up Clark Beckham. His coronation song is ‘Back Home’, and ‘Honey, I’m Good’.
15. Trent Harmon – Season 15:
Trenton Harmon is a country music singer and American Idol season 15 winner. Before making it to American Idol, Trend tried out ‘The Voice’ in New Orleans. This show prepared him for American Idol.
The judges of American Idol were surprised by Trent’s performance in the audition. Later that round he was in a health crisis and performed the group round ‘solo’. His winning song is ‘Falling’.
16. Maddie Poppe – Season 16:
Maddie Poppe is a singer-songwriter and a musician. She is quite talented too. Maddie is also a multi-instrumentalist that plays the piano, guitar, and ukulele. Maddie received positive feedback from the judges and has been complimented on having a ‘storytelling voice’.
Katty Perry also complimented her and said she had a ‘distinctive quality in her voice’. During the finale, she performed her songs ‘Going Going Gone’, and ‘Don’t Ever Let Your Children Grow Up’ with ‘Landslide’ by Fleetwood Mac.
17. Laine Hardy – Season 17:
Laine Hardy auditioned in season 16 of American Idol but couldn’t reach the top. He then later accompanied one of his friends in season 17 but was encouraged by the judges to audition again. Judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie supported him.
He finally won the season with coronation songs ‘Home’, ‘Jambalaya [On the Bayou]’, and ‘Bring It On Home to Me’. But in 2022, he got arrested for planting a bug in his ex-girlfriend’s dorm.
18. Just Sam – Season 18:
Samantha Diaz is a singer-songwriter that won American Idol season 18. She had the most votes compared to other contenders. Her winning song was ‘Stronger [What Doesn’t Kill You]’ by Kelly Clarkson the winner of season 1. And ‘Rise’ by Andra Day.
Post American Idol, she signed with Hollywood Records, but the arrangement was short-lived. She then released her first single ‘Africando’.
19. Chayce Beckham – Season 19:
Chayce Beckham was involved in a car crash before auditioning for American Idol season 19. He received the most votes compared to other contestants, winning the season. His coronation song includes ‘Blackbird’ by The Beatles, ‘Fire Away’ by Chris Stapleton, and ‘Afterglow’ by Ed Sheeran. One of his songs, ‘23’ reached number one on the iTunes chart.
20. Noah Thompson – Season 20:
Noah Thompson won season 20 of American Idol. Before Noah arrived at American Idol, he worked as a construction worker. Noah never considered trying out for American Idol, but one of his friends signed him up for an audition.
He has also been nominated for People’s Choice Awards. After winning in the finale, he also received around $250,000 prize and a record deal with Hollywood Records.
21. Iam Tongi – Season 21:
The latest winner of American Idol is Iam Tongi. He auditioned for American Idol in 2022 but couldn’t pass the screening round. But in 2023, his mother secretly signed him up and by his amazing performance, he made it to the show. His audition brought the judges to tears. He performed ‘Monsters’ and dedicated it to his father.
Tongi’s audition video went viral on social media and is American Idol’s most-watched audition video on the show’s official YouTube channel. There were controversies surrounding his win, but runner-up Megan Danielle supported Tongi and said he deserved it. Now we can’t wait to see his post-American Idol experience in the music industry.
Conclusion:
We all could agree that the winners of American Idol have a lasting influence on the listeners. They didn’t only win the season but the hearts of the audience. The winners performed with their hearts and stood among others.
There will be more new talents making their way in the upcoming season. This industry will see the rise of fresh singers in the future. You can share your favourite finale moment in the comments section below.
While sipping coffee, you can find Ayman writing about various topics like movie recommendations, gaming, and tech. She has always loved writing and is now following her passion. Ayman is constantly pushing herself to achieve new heights of success and is always ready to take on new challenges and explore new opportunities.
