American Idols, past and present

Just when I was about to give up my hopes for a David vs. David finale and accept a more predictable ending, the universe plops this wish-come-true at my propped-up couch potato feet. In honor of the most exciting American Idol finale yet, I’m giving a rundown of past finalists and where they are now in the also-ran radar.

Kelly Clarkson & Justin Guarini

The first American Idol, singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson has evolved into a Grammy Award-winning respected artist. Considered as one of the Top 5 most important recording artists at present by Simon Cowell, she has sold 25 million albums world-wide.

Justin Guarini, the first American Idol runner-up, didn’t enjoy as much success as Kelly. He wasn’t able to strike while the iron was hot, mostly due to contractual obligations: his eponymous debut album was released nine months later, he had to let go of promising offers (a stint in Friends, a major role in the television series The Fast and the Furious, and modeling for Tommy Hilfiger)… and traverse the slower road to success. Justin produced his own second album, Stranger Things Have Happened, which was received well by music critics.

A bit of trivia: Kelly and Justin starred in a movie produced by Idol producer Simon Fuller, From Justin to Kelly. It tanked in the box office.

Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken

Ruben Studdard’s first album, Soulful, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Chart. It sold over 400,000 copies in the first week—biggest American Idol winner first week sales ever. He was also nominated in the Grammy Awards. He also appeared on TV and on film (he had a cameo role in Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed). His third album, The Return, debuted at No. 8, but sales rapidly declined afterwards. Poor sales caused him to be dropped by his record company, but he’s still under contract with Simon Fuller’s 19 Recordings.

Clay Aiken is considered to have surpassed Ruben’s success. His albums have done well—he has recently released his fifth—and he has made his Broadway debut as Sir Robin in the Tony Award-winning musical Monty Python’s Spamalot.

Fantasia Barrino & Diana deGarmo

Fantasia Barrino’s first album was certified platinum, and her second album was certified gold. She received a total of seven Grammy nominations. She also did her stint on Broadway. She played the part of Celie in The Color Purple and will soon be seen in its movie version. Word has it that she auditioned for the Dreamgirls part that went to also-ran and now Oscar Award-winning Jennifer Hudson.

Diana deGarmo’s debut album landed at No. 52 on the Billboard chart. She backed out of her second album due to creative differences and has since returned to her country roots. She’s currently working on an album. She was part of the Broadway musical Hairspray and she appeared on the soundtrack of Disney’s Ice Princess with the song “Reaching for Heaven.”

Carrie Underwood & Bo Bice

Next to Kelly, Carrie Underwood was also feted a very warm Grammy welcome. She has won three Grammies. She is a certified multi-platinum selling recording artist (her first album sales were platinum seven times over). She’s known for her music’s uplifting and inspiration themes.

Bo Bice single-handedly started the American Idol rocker trend. His solo album The Real Thing ranks as the seventh-highest opening for a debut album by an American Idol finalist. He has released a highly successful second album.

Taylor Hicks & Katharine McPhee

Taylor Hicks’ single “Do I Make You Proud” debuted as No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also certified gold. He’s the first American Idol who was asked to write a (ghost-written) memoir, Heart Full of Soul: An Inspirational Memoir About Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way. His career has had its ups and downs, and, like Ruben, he was also dropped by his recording company. Early this year, Taylor wrote on his website, “... As one door closes, a new one opens for 2008 with more excitement for all my fans than ever before. Sit tight, because the best is yet to come!” He’s now set to play Teen Angel in the Broadway version of Grease.

Katharine McPhee affirmed Simon Cowell’s own observations—she has surpassed Taylor’s success as a recording star. With her acting and modeling background prior to Idol, she was in her turf and was, from the very beginning, a standout. Her eponymous album was released last year, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard Chart. She was named one of the year’s 100 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine in 2007. FHM and Maxim also included her in their lists of the sexiest and hottest women of that same year. She’s set to produce her second album. 

Jordin Sparks & Blake Lewis

Jordin Sparks is the youngest American Idol ever. Her self-titled album has produced three top twenty singles. She was ordered on strict vocal rest when she suffered an acute vocal cord hemorrhage, but now she’s back on tour with Alicia Keys.

Blake Lewis outsold Jordin’s digital sales at the iTunes store. He has released his album, Audio Day Dream, which landed No. 10 on the Billboard Chart.

It’s too early to tell if these two will stay on track, but it seems like they’re gaining good ground as well.

David vs. David?

We’ll know by today. I’m for Team Cook.

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