Biggest 'American Idol' Flops: Fan Picks
For every 'American Idol' success story, there are many, many fallen Idols. Votefortheworst.com asked its readers to vote for their list of the 10 biggest post-'American Idol' failures. They factored in how far each contestant got on the show, post-'Idol' success and how much promotion went into each career. Who will be the No. 1 biggest 'AI' flop, according to votefortheworst.com? Read on to find out.
Biggest 'American Idol' Flops: Fan Picks10. Ruben Studdard
Season 2: Winner
Total sales: 2.5 million
Ruben started out strong with a modest hit ('Sorry 2004') but never made an impact again. A subsequent gospel release didn't sell much, followed by his 'Return' (or lack thereof), which sold barely 300,000 copies. We weren't surprised when Studdard was recently dropped by J Records. We're 'Sorry 2008,' velvet teddy bear.
9. Blake Lewis
Season 6: Runner-up
Total sales: 286,000
Blake's beatboxing made him a season 6 standout, but his first single 'Break Anotha' lacked originality and excitement. His debut album isn't half bad, though -- in fact, it's sold enough to make him no. 10 on the best-selling 'Idol' losers list. But votefortheworst.com members are not so easily impressed.
8. Paris Bennett
Season 5: 5th place
Total sales: 21,000
She was an early front-runner in season 5 because of her distinguished jazz voice. To capitalize on that, she released a ... subpar, flashy R&B album. In a classic case of not recognizing your own strengths, Paris struggled with the first album, and her career has suffered accordingly.
7. Corey Clark
Season 2: Disqualified in 9th place
Total sales: 2,600
He was kicked off the show during season 2, but Paula vowed he would become a star. To thank her, he claimed that they'd had an affair during his time on the show. Although many people believed him, he used the ensuing press to hawk his poorly produced album and lost most of his credibility -- and America's sympathy.
6. Bo Bice
Season 4: Runner-up
Total sales: 706,000
His label did him no favors forcing him to record dreck after he gained popularity as season 4's hard rocker. Still, 'The Real Thing' sold enough to make him the
5. Tamyra Gray
Season 1: 4th place
Total sales: 123,000
Paula told her, "Whitney, Celine, Mariah, move on, here comes Tamyra!" Simon told her, "If you don't win, it will be utter madness." But the real madness was her lack of a career after her first-season run. Her album flopped and she helped contribute to Jessica Simpson's flop 'A Public Affair.' Fast food cashiers, move on, because Tamyra needs a job.
4. Katharine McPhee
Season 5: Runner-up
Total sales: 366,000
Katharine's more famous for saying stupid things than selling records (though she's the seventh-best-selling 'Idol' loser). She dissed her first single and said she didn't care about singing because she could just pop out babies. She was just dropped from her label and was seen in photos with a big baby bump ... for a movie role she's shooting.
3. Taylor Hicks
Season 5: Winner
Total sales: 699,000
Though his album sold better than people give him credit for, Taylor was the first winner to not sell a million records, and he was dropped from his label shortly after season 5. His fans, the Soul Patrol, knew how to dial phones en masse, but apparently couldn't figure out that whole "spending money" thing.
2. Constantine Maroulis
Season 4: 6th place
Total sales: 23,000
When he was eliminated before Scott Savol (thanks to VFTW), devoted fans (women) vowed to make him a star. But besides a stint on 'The Bold and the Beautiful' (which angered the soap's fans), his career tanked. He currently opens bingo halls and Steinmarts. We hope he at least gets the 10 employee discount.
1. Justin Guarini
Season 1: Runner-up
Total sales: 143,000
He narrowly lost the crown to Kelly Clarkson, but one career sailed, the other flailed. 'From Justin to Kelly' was just the beginning of Guarini's sad descent. His name is synonymous with 'Idol' failure; his only decent gig has been hosting 'AI' reruns. Surely Kelly could find a spot for him on her roadie crew. You hear us, Clarkson?
