Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?
Call it what you will -- the downfall of pop music or its savior -- there's no denying that 'American Idol' is a fickle god-maker. Some winners have found great success (hello, Kelly!), some have been dumped by their labels (so sorry, Ruben and Taylor), while some also-rans have gone on to bigger and better things. We check in on 30 'AI' alums and fill you in on which ones are in trouble with the law, which are still giving it their best shot ... and which have fallen off the radar.
-- By Kimberly Potts
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Katharine McPhee
Then: Setting off "McPheever," the aspiring singer and actress sealed her spot in the season 4 finale with a memorable barefoot performance of 'Black Horse and the Cherry Tree' and a rendition of 'Over the Rainbow' that Simon called the best of the season. She was runner-up to winner Taylor Hicks. You won this time, Soul Patrol.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Katharine McPhee
Now: She sold 400,000 copies of her debut album and became engaged to boyfriend Nick Cokas in 2007. McPhee has also used her post-'Idol' spotlight to reveal a pre-'AI' battle with bulimia, and in 2008 will begin recording her second album and star as a sorority girl in the big-screen comedy 'I Know What Boys Like.' McPheever is still burning.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Sanjaya Malakar
Then: A seemingly shy teen when he first landed a spot amongst the top 12 finalists on season 6, Sanjaya and his ever-changing hair, and even more off-key vocals, became a pop culture obsession. He finished the season in seventh place, after some (deservedly) harsh critiques from the judges and many, many TV critics and bloggers.
Now: He's attended the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, been interviewed by David Letterman, and even collaborated on a comedy bit with Will Ferrell. What he hasn't done yet is record an album, though it's rumored that he and sister Shyamali, who didn't pass the audition stage that season, will begin working on one in 2008. Somewhere, an adolescent weeps.
Fantasia Barrino
Then: The 19-year-old was a standout contestant from the beginning, but it was her performance of 'Summertime,' from 'Porgy and Bess,' that blew fans away, prompted Simon Cowell to declare she was the best 'Idol' contestant from any season and sealed her season 2 championship against Diana DeGarmo.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Fantasia Barrino
Now: She's been nominated for six Grammys, has sold more than 2.5 million albums and was the subject of a Lifetime movie biopic which touched on the 'AI' controversy surrounding her single-mom status. She recently wrapped her starring role in the Oprah-produced Broadway musical version of 'The Color Purple.'
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Clay Aiken
Then: Simon asserted that the freckle-faced, bespectacled Aiken wasn't pop-star material, but his performance of 'Always and Forever' got him a pass at the auditions. He was cut in the semifinals, but Claymates voted him to the top 12 as a wildcard pick, and his nice-guy persona (and the rabid following of the Claymates) propelled him to the No. 2 spot behind Studdard.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Clay Aiken
Now: He's the most successful male 'AI' alum, thanks to his platinum-selling debut CD, 'Measure of a Man.' The subject of an '06 tabloid scandal when a man claimed to have had sex with him, Southern Baptist Aiken skated around the "is he gay" question, recently won $300,000 for charity on 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?' and joins the cast of 'Spamalot' on Broadway in '08.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Jessica Sierra
Then: A nanny and 'Star Search' contestant before she auditioned for 'Idol,' Sierra finished in 10th place during season four, after Simon Cowell had deemed her one of the strongest female contestants. And by "strongest," we don't think he meant "most likely to go crazy" -- if he did, he'd have called that one.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Jessica Sierra
Now: She's been most notable for a life careening off course, including being stalked by a 59-year-old man, getting probation after being charged with battery and cocaine possession, starring in a sex tape, finding out she was pregnant while in jail and appearing on the new VH1 reality series 'Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew.' Not too much singing going on.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Melinda Doolittle
Then: She had worked as a professional background singer for artists like Michael McDonald and Aaron Neville before she made it to the season 6 finals, which made it a little odd that she always seemed surprised by the judges' praise for her powerful pipes. She finished third behind Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Melinda Doolittle
Now: Judge Simon gave a post-finale interview saying Doolittle should have won the competition. After wrapping up her time on the 'AI' finalist tour, she toured with Christian singer Michael W. Smith for a series of holiday-themed performances, and will spend winter '08 recording her debut solo CD. And then she'll be shocked that people buy it.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Taylor Hicks
Then: He had gray hair that made him look older than 29, his unslick dance moves entertained some viewers a little too much and Cowell repeatedly dismissed him as a wedding singer, but Hicks' R&B, bar-band performances drew enough Soul Patrol support to boost him to the season 5 championship.
Now: His debut album was certified platinum, but Hicks has since failed to generate much post-'Idol' buzz beyond the Soul Patrol base, and his record label dropped him in Jan. 2008. Hicks did inspire a funny 'Saturday Night Live' spoof in 2006, as well as 'Do I Creep You Out?,' a Weird Al Yankovic parody of Hicks' hit 'Do I Make You Proud?' (By the way, Al, the answer would be, "a little bit.")
Jennifer Hudson
Then: As a season three finalist, her vocals made her one of the most talented female finalists, but her on-stage awkwardness and some truly hideous fashion choices kept her from clicking with viewers initially. Her performance of Elton John's 'Circle of Life' finally won over fans and judges, but a little too late: She finished in seventh place.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Jennifer Hudson
Now: Her debut album was delayed until 2008, largely because of her busy acting career, which includes her Oscar-winning role in 'Dreamgirls,' roles in the 'Sex and the City' movie and 'The Secret Life of Bees,' and offers to play Aretha Franklin and Missy Elliott in biopics of those two musical superstars. Seventh place never looked so good.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Bo Bice
Then: The Southern rocker paved the way for future rock-leaning 'Idol' contestants like Chris Daughtry and wowed fans with one particularly unforgettable performance of the Allman Brothers' 'Whipping Post.' He was the runner-up to season 4 winner Carrie Underwood. (She was a little bit country, he was a little bit rock-n-roll.)
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Bo Bice
Now: His 2005 debut CD, 'The Real Thing,' sold more than 500,000 copies, before a series of health woes including major surgery for an intestinal blockage slowed him down. Bice, who now lives in Nashville with wife Caroline and son Aidan, released his second album in Oct. 2007, but has failed to generate many sales so far.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Carrie Underwood
Then: The Oklahoma college student traded in sorority life to sing pop and country tunes on 'Idol''s fourth season, where Simon predicted she would win and become the show's best-selling artist after her performance of Heart's 'Alone.' In May 2005, she defeated Bo Bice to become the fourth 'AI' champion. Looks like Simon may have been on to something.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Carrie Underwood
Now: Her debut CD, 'Some Hearts,' has gone six-times platinum and won Grammy and American Music awards, while her 2007 sophomore disc, 'Carnival Ride,' has already sold 2 million copies. She's frequent tabloid fodder after flings with NFL star Tony Romo and 'Gossip Girl' star Chace Crawford. In other words, the girl knows how to work it.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Ruben Studdard
Then: The "Velvet Teddy Bear" won fans with Luther Vandross-ish vocals, a killer version of 'Superstar,' a laidback personality and loyalty to his hometown, Birmingham, Ala. He narrowly defeated Clay Aiken by 134,000 (out of 24 million) votes to win the 'AI' title. Talk about a squeaker -- that's closer than the Dem's presidential race.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Ruben Studdard
Now: His debut CD, 'Soulful,' went double platinum and earned a Grammy nomination, and a follow-up CD sold more than 500,000 copies, but poor sales of the season 2 champ's third CD led his label, J Records, to drop him in 2007. Things are looking up, though: Ruben's dropped something himself (70 pounds) and will star in an '08 national tour of 'Ain't Misbehavin.'
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Kelly Clarkson
Then: The Texas native -- and former waitress -- wowed the judges with her performances of 'At Last' and 'Express Yourself' in the early auditions, and quickly became a fan fave with her penchant for belting out Aretha Franklin tunes. In the '02 season finale, she defeated Justin Guarini to become the first 'American Idol' champ.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Kelly Clarkson
Now: After almost killing her career before it started with the box office bomb 'From Justin to Kelly,' she's sold more than 16 million albums, including an 11-mil-selling sophomore CD, 2004's 'Breakaway.' Sales for a third CD were less impressive, but things appear to be back on track after a summer-tour cancellation and press war with Jive Records head Clive Davis: She'll co-headline an '08 tour with her idol, Reba McEntire, whose husband is Clarkson's manager.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?William Hung
Then: The civil engineering student was a highlight of the season 3 auditions thanks to an incredibly off-key performance of Ricky Martin's 'She Bangs.' Hung, who was not sent to the next round (good God, no!), graciously accepted the judges' criticisms, including Simon's mocking, which endeared him to viewers.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?William Hung
Now: He's made more money from singing than many 'AI' finalists. Hung's popularity led to a covers album, 'Inspirations,' that he says has earned him more than $1 million, while he also appeared on 'Arrested Development,' sparked a joke on 'The Office' and battled Martin in an episode of MTV's 'Celebrity Deathmatch.' So it's true, all publicity is good.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Paris Bennett
Then: The precocious teen was a favorite of Randy Jackson, who was a fan of her mother and grandmother, members of the gospel/R&B group Sounds of Blackness. Bennett seemed too groomed for success, though, and had a habit of singing songs that were too mature for a girl, leading to a fifth-place finish.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Paris Bennett
Now: Her debut CD, 'Princess P,' was released in May 2007, and included a duet with fellow season 4 finalist Kevin Covais. The album has sold less 50,000 copies thus far. Oh, dawg, that's harsh.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Corey Clark
Then: An R&B-style vocalist who never seemed to be taking the competition very seriously, Clark was kicked off the second season of the show when producers found out he'd failed to tell them he'd been arrested on charges of battery against his younger sister and resisting arrest. And of course, show staff couldn't've checked that out themselves.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Corey Clark
Now: Clark's troubles have continued, most publicly with his '05 charge that he had an affair with Paula Abdul, though a Fox investigation turned up no credible evidence. A CD release flopped, and the married Clark, who has a son, has been sued for bouncing checks and charged with domestic violence and drug possession. Good to know his 15 minutes of fame haven't changed him.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Mandisa Hundley
Then: Another early favorite to win her season, Mandisa had endeared herself to fans with a gracious response to Simon's obnoxious comment about her weight. But when she introduced a performance with a nod to her religion, many viewers took it as an anti-gay statement, which led, some speculated, to her ninth-place finish.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Mandisa Hundley
Now: Her debut CD, 'True Beauty,' premiered at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart in July 2007 and is nominated for a Grammy. She also released a book, 'IdolEyes,' in which she talks about her experience on the show, including the controversies with Cowell's comments and her public affirmation of her religious beliefs.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Chris Daughtry
Then: The stepfather of two and former Honda service manager blew away 'AI' judges and fans with his hard-driving rock performances, and sparked what remains one of the show's most shocking moments ever when he was voted off the show during Elvis Week, finishing season 5 in fourth place. Yep, Daughtry had left the building. Thank you, thank you very much.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Chris Daughtry
Now: He's the fourth most successful contestant to come out of the show, and the most successful of those who didn't make the top three. His debut album, with his eponymous rock band, sold a million copies in five weeks, won three AMAs and is nominated for four Grammys. The band will open on Bon Jovi's 2008 Lost Highway tour. Rock on.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Elliott Yamin
Then: Without formal music training and with 90 deafness in one ear, Yamin won over fans with his "funky white boy" vocals, including a memorable version of 'Moody's Mood for Love,' and prompted grumpy Simon to dub him "potentially the best male vocalist" ever on the show. He finished third on season 5. So close, and yet so far.
Now: His 2007 self-titled album was the highest-ever debut for an indie CD. He co-owns his record label, Hickory Records, had a hit single, 'Wait for You,' and he got a $50,000 dental makeover. Diagnosed with diabetes as a teen, he's a spokesman for several organizations for the disease. Seth Gabel ('Dirty Sexy Money') should play him in the Lifetime movie based on his life. You know it's just a matter of time.
Frenchie Davis
Then: Her powerhouse voice, prompting Paula Abdul to call her "brilliant" after a rendition of 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going,' made her an early season 2 favorite, but 'AI' producers booted her three weeks into the show because of topless photos she'd taken for a Website when she was 18. Boo, 'AI' producers.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Frenchie Davis
Now: Those three weeks were enough to establish a fan base for the singer, who starred on Broadway in 'Rent,' toured with a production of 'Dreamgirls,' performed her own cabaret act in New York City and will star with Studdard in a national tour of 'Ain't Misbehavin.' Frenchie told us she was 'Not Going' -- and she meant it.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Constantine Maroulis
Then: He was the lead singer of a hard rock band called Pray for the Soul of Betty when he earned a spot amongst the season 4 top 12. But his bid to be the breakout rocker that go-round was undermined by the less pouty Bo Bice; Maroulis finished the season in sixth place.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Constantine Maroulis
Now: He developed a sitcom with producer Kelsey Grammer that never panned out, though he did enjoy a brief run in the Broadway musical 'The Wedding Singer' in '06, and a guest spot as a record producer on 'The Bold and the Beautiful' last year. On the recording side, his '07 solo CD debut sold less than 50,000 copies. That'll give him something to pout about.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Josh Gracin
Then: The U.S. Marine was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California when he auditioned for the second season of 'AI.' Clearly a fan of country music, Gracin's twang-tinged vocals on covers of songs by Garth Brooks and Lonestar (and fans' patriotism) earned him a fourth-place finish in 2003.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Josh Gracin
Now: His commitment to the Marines forced him to skip the 'AI' tour that summer, but he was honorably discharged after four years of duty. He signed a record deal immediately after, and his '04 self-titled debut country album sold more than 500,000 copies and spawned three hit singles. He's currently touring in support of his upcoming second album.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Diana DeGarmo
Then: She skipped her prom to face off against eventual season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino in the finale, landing there after an underdog start that found her in the bottom three in three of the first five weeks of the top 12 competition. Got that?
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Diana DeGarmo
Now: The judges often told her she was more suited to Broadway than pop stardom, and post-'AI' she starred as Penny in the Broadway production of 'Hairspray' for a year. Her '04 debut CD sold a modest 200,000 copies, but she's about to take a shot at country-music stardom on the new CMT reality competition 'Gone Country.'
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Chris Sligh
Then: Early on, his goofy personality and mass of curly, Sideshow Bob-style hair made him a fan and judge favorite, but then he seemingly became cocky, performed a tune by MuteMath (Simon said it was like "being at some weird student gig"), and the tide turned. He finished season 6 in 10th place.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Chris Sligh
Now: Sligh, a cousin to 'America's Got Talent' winner Terry Fator, will release his debut CD in 2008. Six of the 12 tracks can be previewed on his MySpace page. And just wait till you see his grandma on 'So You Think You Can Dance.'
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Justin Guarini
Then: An early fan fave who many thought to be a shoo-in to win the first 'American Idol.' Guarini's smooth croon was enough to land him the runner-up spot to Kelly Clarkson, where he still seemed poised for a successful recording career. Paula championed the spring-curl-coiffed singer, while Simon was not a fan.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Justin Guarini
Now: He didn't escape 'From Justin to Kelly' unscathed and was restricted from recording and other entertainment jobs until Clarkson's CD was released. His long-delayed debut disc sold poorly, he was sued over a car accident, and now he comments on 'AI' for the TV Guide Channel. But if there's ever a live-action 'Simpsons' movie, we know who should play Sideshow Bob.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Nikki McKibbin
Then: One of 'Idol''s first rocker grrls, McKibbin was a standout for Pat Benatar/Stevie Nicks/Janis Joplin performances, as well as for her red hair and status as a single mom to son Tristen. She finished third behind Clarkson and Guarini in season 1. We think she could've taken them both in a fight.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Nikki McKibbin
Now: When producers wanted her to sing country music for her debut album, she balked and an album was never released. She appeared on 'Fear Factor' and 'Battle of the Network Reality Stars,' but there wasn't much of a fan base for her long-delayed 2007 debut CD. The recently married McKibbin now works as a vocal coach for kids. But still won't sing country.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Anthony Fedorov
Then: Despite the fact that he sang off-key more often than not, Fedorov was a season 4 fan favorite for his charm and his plucky spirit: A wind-pipe birth defect forced him to undergo a tracheotomy as a child. He finished the season in fourth place. But first in our hearts.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Anthony Fedorov
Now: He has yet to release a debut CD. Instead, he starred in an off-Broadway version of 'The Fantasticks,' appeared on the reality show-themed 'Fear Factor' and became a spokesperson for the Sarcoma Foundation of America after the 2006 cancer-related death of his brother Denis.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Kimberley Locke
Then: One of the first, but certainly not the last, female contestants to draw rude comments from Simon about her weight, Locke also drew praise for her ability to wow with her version of Celine Dion and Bonnie Raitt tunes. She finished third to Studdard and Aiken in season 2.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Kimberley Locke
Now: Her '04 debut album sold a lackluster 200,000 copies; subsequent discs failed to sell even 20,000. She won't dish details, but confirms that she and former BFF Aiken have had a falling out. Meanwhile, she seems to have taken Simon's digs to heart -- she appeared on 'Celebrity Fit Club,' lost 70 pounds ... and gained a (rumored) new beau, her trainer.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?John Stevens
Then: The youngest contestant ever to make the finals, Stevens was just 16 when he spent week after week of season 3 crooning tunes by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and other cocktail lounge types. He ultimately finished sixth among the top 12 competitors, despite constant negative reviews from Simon. Proving that the grandma voting bloc is strong.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?John Stevens
Now: He was offered a record deal immediately following the show, but 2005's 'Red' sold a paltry 18,000 copies. He's currently a student at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston -- until he gets voted out, anyway.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Carmen Rasmusen
Then: One of the most criticized contestants of season 2, Rasmusen was also the youngest of the bunch at 17. Her fluffy pop performances often drew especially harsh reviews from Randy Jackson, though parents praised the Utah native's wholesome image. She ultimately finished in sixth place on the show.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Carmen Rasmusen
Now: Her debut CD, 'Nothin' Like the Summer,' was released in '07 and sold less than 5,000 copies. Rasmusen, who appeared on the reality-TV-themed edition of 'Fear Factor,' is married to the son of Utah's lieutenant governor, and released a 2007 book about maintaining her values while being tied to the entertainment industry. We'd call it a pretty loose tie at this point.
Life After 'Idol': Where Are They Now?Matt Rogers
Then: A member of the 2001 Rose Bowl-winning University of Washington football team, Rogers had a brief but memorable stint on 'Idol's' third season, finishing 11th among the top 12 finalists. He did come out on top for most interceptions.
Now: He didn't pursue a music career, but his 'Idol' time led to guest spots on 'Access Hollywood' and 'Entertainment Tonight,' and a job as the host of the Discovery Channel's 'Really Big Things' series. Touchdown!
