American idol losers

Starting with the approximately a hundred thousand people who went to audition for every season of American Idol, bringing the total of participants in the Idol early stages to a staggering million, the seven winners render all the other people to losers. But is it that bad to lose? After season one winner Kelly Clarkson went on to become a very successful singer with a prolific career. All of the other singers went on and started careers, but none could compete with Kelly.

Season two wound up to be very different. The winner, Ruben Studdard did have some success, but currently he is without a record deal, working on his forthcoming career coached by 19 Entertainment Management, who did not drop him. Clay Aiken who was second surpassed Ruben in popularity and had his first record reach multiple platinum sales. Josh Gracin who was fourth is still successful, his debut album brought him three top five country hits and a gold record. His next album is in the works.

In season three, Fantasia Barrino, who won the contest, sold a million records and earned four Grammy nominations. Her life story became a cable TV movie. Jennifer Hudson, who was seventh, has a successful acting career, got an Oscar for “Dreamgirls”. William Hung who got booted in the audition part of the show is earning millions with his debut release.

Season four returned to the planned outcome, because the winner, Carrie Underwood, became a country music superstar, selling more than four million copies of her first album. Her second album is destined to sell at least as well, currently holding at three million plus. It is now evident that Carrie is the most successful artist to win the American Idol.

Season five again brought forth many talented artists who currently have flourishing careers; commercially most successful was Chris Daughtry, now lead singer of the band Daughtry. Their debut album sold staggering 5 million copies. Winner Taylor Hicks started off with strong sales, but later lackluster sales lead to him being dropped by major record label Arista. His next album will be released on his own record label, to be distributed by Vanguard. Katharine McPhee, who finished second and sixth place Kellie Pickler, both achieved good sales in the country music market; Elliott Yamin, who was third and Bucky Covington who got the eighth place, both had pretty strong sales as well.

Season six went on to be the weakest season yet, with good sales for the winner Jordin Sparks only and very low sales for second Blake Lewis, who already got dropped by his label.

Season seven singers have to prove themselves yet. We are watching.