American Idol launched on the Fox network in 2002, offering thousands of homegrown musicians a shot at fame. Since its inception, 22 singers have walked away with a win, with another hopeful successor soon increasing this number once Season 23 wraps. These winners then went to work, increasing their standings in the entertainment industry following their appearances on American Idol. However, not all have traversed this path as well as others, as their current net worths and career gains have proven.
When we look at their albums sold and awards gained, alongside their overall impacts on the music and entertainment industries, several past winners are making more bank than others. So, we are now ranking them based on their stats and cultural influences on our lives.
But first, let us give props to these talented finalists who have also fared incredibly well. This list includes artists like Adam Lambert, Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Clay Aiken, Kellie Pickler, Mandisa, and Fantasia.
5. Ruben Studdard
Ruben Studdard has a capital of $1.5 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Ruben stole the show in Season 2 of American Idol, taking the lead over finalist Clay Aiken. His 2003 debut album, Soulful, reached the top of the Billboard 200 charts. Accordingly, his following five albums all reached the top 200 as well.
Ruben is best known for his hit song, Sorry, which dropped in 2004. Following his win on American Idol, Ruben has received nominations for multiple awards, including the American Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, the Teen Choice Awards, and the Grammys.
He has also appeared on The Biggest Loser, Broadway, and The Masked Singer, and yes, the latter two also featured his former rival-turned-friend, Clay. Ruben and Clay were a pair of beets on Season 11 of The Masked Singer, which we loved.
We see you, Ruben. And we appreciate your soulful vibes in the Gospel industry.
4. Scotty McCreery
According to Celebrity Net Worth, musician Scotty McCreery has an estimated net worth of $4 million. Scotty took the win during Season 10 of American Idol. Ever since his win arrived, his star has been on the rise.
Scotty released his debut album, Clear as Day, in 2011. This album went certified platinum, encouraging Scotty to release four additional albums. His most recent album, Same Truck, includes the hit single called You Time, which topped the U.S. Country Airplay chart and is now stuck on a loop in my brain. So, YAY.
Following his American Idol win, Scotty has won an Academy of Country Music Award, a CMT Music Award, two American Country Awards, and three BMI Country Awards. In 2023, Scotty’s induction into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame happened, further impressing us, as his career began at the ripe young age of only 17.
3. Jordin Sparks
Meanwhile, Celebrity Net Worth places Jordin Sparks with $8 million to her name. Jordin appeared in Season 6 of American Idol, which aired in 2007. She placed first this season, making her the youngest winner yet at age 17. Following her stint on this series, her career blew up.
In 2007, Jordin released her Grammy-nominated debut album, selling over three million copies worldwide. She then released three additional albums, including a mixtape and four EPs. Jordin has also toured with well-known artists like Britney Spears, Alicia Keys, the Jonas Brothers, and the Backstreet Boys, making her one of the most culturally relevant winners on Idol, only bested by the remaining two winners on this list.
Additionally, Jordin has eight Hot 100 singles to her name. She has also starred in two Broadway musicals and helped write a hit single for Ariana Grande via The Way. Consider us seated for whatever Jordin decides to do next.
2. Carrie Underwood
Celebrity Net Worth places Carrie Underwood at the top of this list, revealing an estimated $120 million attached to her name. Her ranking as a successful winner of American Idol from seasons past is hard to call. Overall, Carrie and our number-one winner on this list are tied. Both women act as glass-ceiling-breakers for women in the entertainment industry, so both deserve a winning spot in our hearts.
Carrie stole the show in Season 4 of American Idol. Following her win, Carrie released nine albums, earning her eight Grammy Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, and 17 American Music Awards. Additionally, Carrie made history as the highest-certified female country artist of all time, selling over 70 million records worldwide. Showing her star power knows no genre or limits, TIME Magazine labeled Carrie as an influential person in 2014.
These days, Carrie has returned to her roots. She is now a judge on the series that first made her famous, American Idol.
1. Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson has an estimated $50 million to her name, according to Celebrity Net Worth. However, her impact on the entertainment world is far-reaching and seemingly never-ending. Kelly was also the first winner of this series, helping to spark an interest in music for thousands of little girls across our lands. These facts are why we are now placing Kelly in our number one spot on this list.
Following her win on Season 1 of American Idol, Kelly released ten albums, selling over 25 million copies worldwide. She became the first-ever artist to top multiple Billboard charts, including pop, adult contemporary, adult pop, country, and dance chart genres. Likewise, Kelly has also nabbed five Daytime Emmy Awards, four American Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, and two Academy of Country Music Awards.
Now, Kelly is the proud host of The Kelly Clarkson Show, an Emmy award-winning talk show, making Kelly our top-ranked American Idol winner thus far.
American Idol is streaming on Hulu.
TELL US – HOW WOULD YOU RANK THESE TOP CONTESTANTS?
