Season 23 of American Idol is about to start with a new set of judges and all new contestants.
But of the singers who have taken the stage in the reality competition, who has parlayed that into the most lucrative career? Here are the top ten contestants who have gone on to have successful careers that net big bucks.
10. Kellie Pickler: Net Worth $4 Million
Kellie Pickler placed sixth on season five of Idol. After her American Idol run, Pickler has had a successful country music career.
Additionally, while she didn’t the top spot on Idol, she did take the trophy on season 16 of Dancing With the Stars. She’s also starred in Hallmark Channel movies, as well as hosting a talk show Pickler & Ben.
8. (Tie) Lauren Daigle: Net Worth $6 Million
The Christian singer was tenacious, but never made it very far on American Idol. Lauren Daigle auditioned for season 9 in 2010 but was eliminated before the top 24. She tried out again in 2011 but didn’t make it to Hollywood. And the third time was not the charm in 2012, when she made it to Hollywood for season 11 but was eliminated in the first Las Vegas round.
She’s more than made up for those disappointments since then, charting a course for huge success as a contemporary Christian singer-songwriter. Her How Can It Be and Look Up Child albums have gone platinum, with the latter ranking as one of the highest-charting Christian albums in history.
In January, she sang America The Beautiful at Super Bowl LIX.
And the Christian singer has no hard feelings for Idol. She returned to the show to sing with then-contestant Megan Danielle in 2023.
8. (Tie) Elliot Yamin: Net Worth $6 Million
Elliot Yamin placed third on season five of American Idol in 2002. But his 2007 self-titled debut album went gold. And his single Wait for You was certified Platinum and reached #5 on the “Billboard” Pop 100 chart, #4 on the “Billboard” Adult Contemporary chart, and #3 on the “Billboard” Japan Hot 100 chart.
6. (Tie) Jordan Sparks: Net Worth $8 Million
Jordin Sparks was just 17 when she won season six of American Idol in 2007. She remains the youngest winner in Idol history to this day. Since then, she has released a number of successful albums, inked an endorsement deal with Avon and acted on television and on Broadway.
In 2011, Sparks acted alongside Whitney Houston, filming the movie Sparkle, which was released six months after Houston’s death in 2012.
Lately, in addition to her music, she’s served as the host of the Max roller skating competition Roller Jam.
6. (Tie) Chris Daughtry: Net Worth $8 Million
Chris Daughtry made it all the way to the final four in season five of Idol. He then released a self-titled solo album before forming the band Daughtry. He’s sold more albums than all but two other Idol contestants- Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. The 2006 release of the band Daughtry’s self-titled album remains the fastest-selling rock album of all time. It produced top ten hits It’s Not Over and Home.
5. Katharine McPhee: Net Worth $14 Million
One of four Idol contestants from season five to make this top ten list, Katharine McPhee came in second that season, losing the title to Taylor Hicks. Since then, McPhee has released five studio albums and gone on to a successful acting career. She starred as Karen Cartwright on NBC’s Smash (2012–2013) and Paige Dineen on CBS’s Scorpion (2014–2018) before turning her talents to Broadway. McPhee has been married to iconic music producer David Foster since 2019. Foster, age 75, is 35-years older than McPhee.
4. Jennifer Hudson: Net Worth $30 Million
Jennifer Hudson may have placed seventh on season three of American Idol, but she’s gone on to amazing success.
She is one of only 19 people who have won an EGOT, which stands for Emmy-Grammy-Oscar-Tony. The multi-talented performer has been hosting her own successful talk show, The Jennifer Hudson Show, since 2022. That show just got renewed for season four.
3. Adam Lambert: Net Worth $45 Million
Adam Lambert may have lost the season eight American Idol title to Kris Allen, but he’s been winning ever since. In addition to a successful solo career, Lambert has stepped in as the lead singer for the iconic rock band Queen, touring with them since 2012. The flamboyant singer also has a successful acting career. He has appeared in several television shows, including Glee and Pretty Little Liars and is in the film Bohemian Rhapsody, which tells the story of Queen.
2. Kelly Clarkson: Net Worth $50 Million
The very first American Idol comes in second by a wide margin, thanks in part to a costly divorce from ex-husband Brandon Blackstock in 2022.
In addition to her successful singing career, Clarkson has added to her wealth as a coach on The Voice for nine seasons. Since 2019, she has hosted her own highly successful talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show. In court documents for her divorce, her earnings from The Voice and her talk show broke down to about $1.9 million a month.
1. Carrie Underwood: Net Worth $120 Million
Carrie Underwood won the American Idol title in season four. And that was just the beginning.
Since then, she has become one of the best-selling country artists of all time. The Grammy-winner has also found success as an actress, CMA awards show host, author and fashion designer for her athletic-wear brand Calia.
She is wrapping up the final performances of her Las Vegas residency Carrie Underwood: Reflection with final performances this April 9, 11 and 12. The residency, which started in December of 2021 is estimated to have added millions to the superstar’s bottom line. Fans who never got to attend a Las Vegas show can watch Carrie Underwood Reflection streaming now on Hulu.
And coming full-circle, Underwood will return to American Idol this season as a judge, replacing Katy Perry.
She joins returning judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
Underwood is the first contestant in the show’s history to return as a judge. American Idol season 23 debuts on March 9 on ABC and streaming on Hulu.
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Which American Idol is the Richest?