List Of American Idol Winners In Order By Year (2002 - 2023)

American Idol TV Show Trademark
American Idol TV Show Trademark( Source : popculture )

American Idol Winners In Order By Year (2002 - 2023): Where are they now? Find a list of American Idol Winners and their whereabouts here.

American Idol winners like Kelly Clarkson, Noah Thompson, and Carrie Underwood are among the richest singers today.

It's been almost two decades since American Idol first aired on our Television screen in 2002, and it is one of the most popular singing reality shows in America. American Idol has unparalleled success in broadcasting history with various franchises and spin-off shows all over the world.

The show is created by Simon Fuller and the original judges who were in the very first season were Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell. 

American Idol is a singing reality show in which different contestants participate and sing in front of judges and audiences. Every year, one talented superstar gets crowned and the winner has proven to have definite success in their career.

The show was on a hiatus for two years after its fifteenth season until March 2018, but even with the break, the show has made 20 seasons in 20 years time frame. 

Kelly Clarkson was the first winner of the debutant season of American Idol in 2002 and we can see how successful she has become in all these years. Not just Kelly, there are a total of 20 singers crowned as American Idol winner so far and all of them has made huge fame around the world.

But not all the winners are blessed with the same level of success. This might be because not all the American Idol seasons were the best as per the viewer's review.

Some fans still argue over which season was the best and which was worst but that's another topic for some other day. We are here to discuss what happened to all the winners from all the seasons starting from 2002 to 2022.

Scroll through for a reminder on who won what season of American Idol and what they are up to now.


Season 1 (2002) Winner Kelly Clarkson

Kelly won the 1st season of American Idol in September 2002 with the winning performance on “A Moment Like This”.

Kelly Clarkson American Idol Debutant Season Winner
Kelly Clarkson American Idol Debutant Season Winner( Source : eonline )

Today, she has released over 9 studio albums with many songs on Billboard Hot 100 Hits. She has a net worth of over $50 Million and is working as a host as well as a judge on shows like The Voice.

She was married to talent manager Brandon Blackstock in 2013 and the couple has two kids River Rose and Remington together. But the couple got separated after seven years of marriage and finalized their divorce in March 2022.

She is now a single lady who does not have a new boyfriend as far as the public is concerned.

Season 20 (2022) Winner Noah Thompson

Noah Thompson on American Idol set
Noah Thompson on American Idol set( Source : outsider )

The final winner to date is Noah Thompson who won the 20th season on May, 2022. From Golden Ticket on his Audition to the finale performance in the song "Stay" by Rihanna; he won the hearts of the judges and audiences.

Noah felt the win and all this fame is shocking and too much to take in so he went to spend time with his family and friends in Kentucky.

The country singer recently performed in the CMA Music Festival 2022.

Season 19 (2021) Winner Chayce Beckham

Chayce Beckham on American Idol set
Chayce Beckham on American Idol set( Source : billboard )

Chayce Beckham won the 19th season of American Idol on May 23, 2021. He sang “Blackbird” on the finale.

After winning the season, Chayce stated that he is not going to slow down and is willing to keep the momentum going. He released two new singles "23" and "Can't Do Without Me" in the same year. He has also released an EP titled "Doin' It Right".

The country singer sure is not going to stop and we might soon hear about his album release.

Season 18 (2020) Winner Just Sam

Just Sam holding a mike giving interview
Just Sam holding a mike giving interview( Source : mjsbigblog )

Just Sam aka Samantha Diaz won the 18th season of American Idol on May 17, 2022, with the song “Rise Up”.

Sam signed to the Hollywood Records label after the win and released a song called “Africando” which has great reviews. However, she left the label because it got hard for her to pay for the label. She even shared candidly that she went broke for paying them and so she couldn't release new music.

The young and energetic Just Sam is just 23 years old, has not given up on her musical career, and will sure release new songs in the following years.

Season 17 (2019) Winner Laine Hardy

Laine Hardy won the 17th season of American Idol on May 19, 2019 with the winning song “Flame”. Following the win, he went on a nationwide musical tour. 

Laine Hardy on an American Idol set
Laine Hardy on an American Idol set( Source : theboot )

He released new songs “Ground I Grew Up On” and “Let There Be Country”. He released many other singles and later released the debut album titled Here's to Anyone in September 2021.

The 21-year-old singer is very young and highly talented so he is definitely going to make a great musical career.

Laine Hardy made headlines by getting arrested in 2022 for allegedly bugging his ex-girlfriend's Dorm room. He is still under investigation on that case.

Season 16 (2018) Winner Maddie Poppe

In 2018, American Idol returned back with a bang and the winner of the 16th season was Maddie Pope.

Maddie Poppe performing on a stage
Maddie Poppe performing on a stage( Source : talentrecap )

Maddie Poppe sang  “Going Going Gone” in the finale. After her win, she released her first studio album Whirlwind from the Hollywood Records label. 

She won People's Choice Award and Talent Recap Fan Choice Award in 2018. Maddie is on tour with the likes of Ingrid Michaelson. 

Maddie Poppe is quite actively releasing new singles and making her way to success.

Season 15 (2016) Winner Trent Harmon

The country music singer Trent Harmon won the 15th season of American Idol in April 2016 and his winning song was “Falling”.

Trent Harmon on American Idol Season 20 set
Trent Harmon on American Idol Season 20 set( Source : latimes )

After the American Idol win, he released his first album “Falling”. He was signed by Big label records right after the win but the singer left the label in 2019.

He is not much active in his singing career now but he keeps making appearances in interviews, TV shows and Award shows. He is living in Nashville and probably working on some new music project.

He has a net worth of around $1 Million.

Originally, Trent Harmon was the final American Idol winner as it was the Farewell Season that year. But with the viewers' demand, the show resumed after a two-year hiatus in 2018.

Season 14 (2015) Winner Nick Fradiani

Nick Fradiani playing a guitar
Nick Fradiani playing a guitar( Source : billboard )

Nick Fradiani sang “Beautiful Life” on the finale of American Idol Season 14 and was crowned the winner for his performance.

Soon after, this talented singer released the album  “Hurricane" in 2016. There was a huge expectation from the album but it did not get much profit in sales.

After that, he left the Big Machine Records label and released his own EP Where We Left Off in 2017. Nick has been touring and performing in concerts every now and then and is still active in the musical field.

His net worth as of 2022 is estimated at around $1 Million.

Season 13 (2014) Winner Caleb Johnson

Caleb Johnson won the 13th season of American Idol on May 21, 2014, with his winning performance “As Long as You Love Me”. 

Caleb Johnson  on American Idol 2022 set
Caleb Johnson on American Idol 2022 set( Source : talentrecap )

Just after two months after his win, he released his debut album "Testify". He has now formed his own band "Caleb Johnson & The Ramblin' Saints" is the lead singer there. 

The indie music artist has an estimated net worth of around $1 million. Caleb frequently goes on musical tours and concerts across the country. He has a huge fan base and an Instagram following of around 50K followers.

Season 12 (2013) Winner Candice Glover

Candice Glover in a black leather jacket
Candice Glover in a black leather jacket( Source : deezer )

Candice Glover sang “I Am Beautiful” on the American Idol finale of the 12th season. She was crowned the winner in Season 12 but she had auditioned for the show in Season 11 too. Unfortunately, she was not selected for the live shows but the hard-working singer tried again next year and showed the world what she is capable of by winning in 2013.

The R&B Singer has released one studio album "Music Speaks" and lots of singles. She has also starred in Broadways. The 32-year-old is not married yet and living her life focusing on her career.

Season 11 (2012) Winner Phillip Phillips

Phillip Phillips' winning song "Home" was the American Idol's best-selling coronation song. He won the 11th season in 2012 when he was 22 years old. Singer Phillip has battled congenital Kidney disease all his life but that has not stopped him from making success.

Phillip Phillips on a background with greenary
Phillip Phillips on a background with greenary( Source : hollywoodreporter )

Since his win, he has released three studio albums. His latest album Coronation in 2018 was a super hit. He had a contract with American Idol production that stopped him from releasing solo music so they were in a legal battle that ended in a lawsuit settlement in 2017.

The singer is married to Hannah Blackwell and is living in Leesburg, Georgia. He is currently touring across the country for the upcoming concerts. Phillip Phillips has a net worth of around $5.2 million.

Season 10 (2011) Winner Scotty McCreery

Scotty McCreery is a very successful singer and is in fact is very happy today as he is expecting a baby with his wife Gaby.

Scotty McCreery looking classy in a suit
Scotty McCreery looking classy in a suit( Source : hispanicallyyours )

He won American Idol on May 25, 2011, and after that, he has released 10 singles, 5 studio albums, and 2 compilation albums.

Scotty was just 17 years old and still in high school when he won American Idol. The country singer is 28 years old now and has a net worth of over $4 Million.

He is married to Gabi Dugal since 2018, but their love story actually began way back when they were in Kindergarten. The couple is living happily now and expecting a child in November 2022.

Season 9 (2010) Winner Lee DeWyze

Even with his shy persona, Lee DeWyze won the hearts of millions with his talent and won the 9th season of American Idol on May 26, 2010. His winning performance was on the song “Beautiful Day”.

Lee DeWyze posing with his guitar
Lee DeWyze posing with his guitar( Source : parade )

After that, DeWyze released seven albums with the latest one being "Ghost Stories (2021)".

He is constantly touring across the country to perform concerts and is actively making solo music. The singer is married to Jonna Walsh since 2012. 

Season 8 (2009) Winner Kris Allen

Kris Allen won the 8th Season of American Idol in 2009 and Adam Lambert was the runner-up, but Adam is more successful than Kris Allen in terms of popularity, album releases, and net worth.

Kris Allen on a white tshirt with dark background
Kris Allen on a white tshirt with dark background( Source : yahoo )

But the loyal fans of Kris Allen are always waiting for his new release and he is actively making music to date. Kris Allen has released over 6 albums and five music videos. The singer has devoted himself in lots of charity work too.

His net worth as of 2022 is around $3.5 Million. He is married to his high school sweetheart Katy O'Connell since 2008, and the couple is still together even after all the fame after the win. They live happily with their sons Marlo & Oliver and daughter Rose.

Season 7 (2008) Winner David Cook

When David Cook won the seventh season of American Idol in May 2008, David Archuleta was the runner-up. David Cook sang “The Time of My Life” which got him crowned that year. 

David Cook showing off his tattoos
David Cook showing off his tattoos( Source : parade )

After the win, the Rock singer has released 3 studio albums, 4 live albums, and a solo independent album.

As of 2022, he has a net worth of around $6 Million. His latest single "TABOS" was released on April 29, 2022.

David Cook has also made returns on the American Idol stage several times to mentor the top finalists.  He also won Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Male Reality Star in 2008. David Cook is actively involved in the music field and is a successful singer.

Season 6 (2007) Winner Jordin Sparks

Jordin Sparks won the sixth season of American Idol in May 2007 with her winning song “This Is My Now”. She was just 17 at that time making her the youngest winner in American Idol history. 

Jordin Sparks wearing yellow on a broadway promo.
Jordin Sparks wearing yellow on a broadway promo.( Source : nydailynews )

Post Idol, she released 25 singles and 4 studio albums. Not only in her music career, but she has also made a name for herself in other ventures including acting, endorsements, philanthropy campaigns, and more.

In 2008, she had damaged her vocal cords due to overuse so fans were concerned she won't be able to sing the same, however, with some rest and treatment, she got cleared within a month.

Jordin Sparks rose to fame, even more, when she had a high-profile relationship with singer Jason Derulo in 2011. But the couple broke up after 3 years and later she got married to Dana Isaiah in 2017. The couple together has a son.

The estimated net worth of Jordin Sparks is around $8 Million. She is still actively making music and working on new projects in 2022.

Season 5 (2006) Winner Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks on American Idol Season 20 Set
Taylor Hicks on American Idol Season 20 Set( Source : billboard )

Taylor Hicks was 29 years old when he won American Idol Season 5 in May 2006. "Do I Make You Proud" was his winning performance.

After the win, he signed a contract with 19 Recordings Limited. He has released three studio albums including his Eponymous album in 2006. 

The singer has a net worth of around $2 Million. Compared to other American Idol winners, Taylor Hicks somewhat faded away after the show.

He has not released new songs or albums recently. Today, he is living in his Las Vegas residency and is the co-owner of Saw’s Juke Joint and host of State Plate.

Season 4 (2005) Winner Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood won American Idol in May 2005 with the song titled “Inside Your Heaven”. After that, her musical career skyrocketed and she released back-to-back super hit albums.

Carrie Underwood Wearing Diamond Necklace And Silver Glittery Dress
Carrie Underwood Wearing Diamond Necklace And Silver Glittery Dress( Source : cheatsheet )

She has won over 100 major awards including 8 Grammy Awards, 16 ACM Awards, and 23 CMT Music Awards. 

Carrie is the most successful American Idol winner to date and she is still reaching the top of the sky with new album releases. She has released nine albums with "Denim & Rhinestones" being the latest.

As of today, Carrie Underwood has a net worth of over $140 million. She is married to Ice Hockey Player Mike Fisher and the couple shares two kids Isaiah and Jacob.

Season 3 (2004) Winner Fantasia Barrino

In 2004, Fantasia Barrino won the hearts of audiences and judges with her performance on “I Believe” and was crowned the winner. Following that, she has released around six albums with the latest one being "Sketchbook (2019)".

Fantasia Barrino on an award show
Fantasia Barrino on an award show( Source : thelist )

Fantasia is also an actress now and has starred in movies like "Life is not a Fairytale", "Celebration of Gospel", etc. Her latest project "The Color Purple" is coming in 2023.

She won a grammy award in 2011 and has been nominated for 9 Grammys. She has a net worth of over $5 Million in 2022.

The singer is married to pianist Kendall Taylor since 2015 and has a daughter named Keziah Taylor.

As you can see, Fantasia Barrino has made a successful career after American Idol.

Season 2 (2003) Winner Ruben Studdard

Ruben Studdard won the 2nd season of American Idol in May 2003. His winning song was “Flying Without Wings” and the runner-up that year was Clay Aiken.

Ruben Studdard singing on stage
Ruben Studdard singing on stage( Source : nickiswift )

Ruben has made a remarkable name for himself in R&B music. He has released over seven studio albums so far and his debut album was "Soulful". He has a net worth of over $5 Million in 2022. 

He was married to Surata Zuri McCants from 2008 to 2012. After the divorce, the singer has kept his relationship details a secret so he is assumed as single.

Today, the 43-Year-old Studdard is actively participating in many concerts and music festivals worldwide and fans love him the same.

American Idol Winners Listed From 2002 to 2022

Here Is A Complete List Of American Idol Winners:

  • Season 1: Kelly Clarkson
  • Season 2: Ruben Studdard
  • Season 3: Fantasia Barrino
  • Season 4: Carrie Underwood
  • Season 5: Taylor Hicks
  • Season 6: Jordin Sparks
  • Season 7: David Cook
  • Season 8: Kris Allen
  • Season 9: Lee DeWyze
  • Season 10: Scotty McCreery
  • Season 11: Phillip Phillips
  • Season 12: Candice Glover
  • Season 13: Caleb Johnson
  • Season 14: Nick Fradiani
  • Season 15: Trent Harmon
  • Season 16: Maddie Poppe
  • Season 17: Laine Hardy
  • Season 18: Just Sam
  • Season 19: Chayce Beckham
  • Season 20: Noah Thompson
  • Season 21: Iam Tongi

Top American Idol Winners together on latest season
Top American Idol Winners together on latest season( Source : nickiswift )

Season 21 (2023) Winner Iam Tongi

Iam Tongi won the most recent season of American Idol in May 2023. Iam's winning performance was Making Memories of Us by Keith Urban.

Iam alongside the American Idol Judges and host, celebrating his win
Iam alongside the American Idol Judges and host, celebrating his win( Source : instagram )

The newest Idol is an 18-year-old star from Kahuku in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is of Tongan, Samoan, and Irish ancestry.

The youngest of a family of seven, the singer has stated that he does what he does in his father's memory. Rodney Guy Tongi passed on December 28, 2021, but his memory is surely cherished by his son's win.

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