With American Idol Season 11 beginning tonight, I thought it was only fitting to take a look back at the past 10 seasons, and name the best Idol contestant from each year.
Season 1: Kelly Clarkson
Who else would it be, right? Kelly wowed everyone from the very beginning, proving she was in it to win it each week of the brand new reality show back in 2001. Pairing off against Justin Guarini in the end, Kelly was named the winner, and the first American Idol. Now, with four albums, two Grammy Awards and hits in pop, rock and country, though Kelly has stemmed away from the show, she still holds the true Idol title.
Season 2 - Clay Aiken
Clay Aiken was the smooth crooner on his season, who in the end competed against Ruben Studdard in Idol's first of three guy vs. guy finales. Though Studdard took the crown in the end, it was no doubt Clay would go far, releasing a total of seven albums including a Christmas alum and a
Best of Clay Aiken compilation CD. Now, Clay and his Claymates are still going strong, making him the best and most popular contestant of Season 2.
Season 3 - Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson was the one who left too soon, being by far the most talented singer of her season, yet went home at 7th place?? JHud took the elimination in stride and came back strong when she released two albums and made her Broadway debut in
Dreamgirls, and later making her film debut in the Sex in the City movie. Today, Jennifer is one of the best known Idols and one of the most popular singers around.
Season 4 - Carrie Underwood
It was obvious from the beginning of Season 4 that Carrie Underwood would top them all. After winning her season, the pop/country diva went on to release three albums, chart topping singles and winning a total of 10 Country Music Awards and five Grammy Awards. Now, Carrie is one of the most popular country stars in the business and by far one of the most popular American Idol winners.
Season 5 - Chris Daughtry
Chris Daughtry was one of the many Idols who went home too soon despite their great talent. The rockstar went home in fourth place, which inspired his first single "Home," which made #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 back in 2007. Since then, Chris and his band Daughtry have released three albums and numerous hit singles. Daughtry proved to be the best of his season and one of the best Idol contestants the show has had.
Season 6 - Jordin Sparks
Though she was denied at her first audition, Jordin didn't give up, auditioned again, and ended up winning the sixth season of American Idol at just 17 years old, the youngest winner during her time. After her season, Jordin went on to tour with artists like Alicia Keys, the Jonas Brothers and NKOTBSB, releasing two hit albums and being nominated for a Grammy for her "No Air" duet with R&B singer Chris Brown. Now, Jordin will be making her film debut, starring alongside Whitney Houston in the upcoming movie
Sparkle, in theaters this August. Jordin was by far the best performer on her season and definitely deserved to take home the crown.
Season 7 - David Archuleta
David Archuleta auditioned for the seventh season of American Idol at just 16 years old, and became the youngest runner-up in his time at 17. Competing on one of the most popular and talented seasons, later to be up against David Cook in one of the most watched season finales, Archuleta won the hearts of everyone, ranging from teens, young adults, moms and grandmas with his stunning version of John Lennon's "Imagine." Now at the age of 21 with three albums and a best selling book, David will be making his first full-on acting debut, starring in
Nandito Ako, a Filipino mini series, airing in February. Though he has a strong career and much more up ahead, David announced last month that he plans to take a two-year hiatus to go on an LDS mission for his church. David was, and still is, one of the most popular, most remembered and most talented singers that ever graced the Idol stage, and was definitely the best of his season.
Season 8 - Kris Allen
After a battle against Adam Lambert, Kris Allen came on top in the end of American Idol's eighth season. Soon after, Kris' single "Live Like We're Dying" became popular quick, making it to #18 on the Billboard 200. Later, he released his self-titled debut album and toured with numarous artists such as Keith Urban, Maroon 5, The Barenaked Ladies and Lifehouse. Kris is currently working on his second album, and has proved in the last three years that he was the most talented singer of his season.
Season 9 - Crystal Bowersox
After a long struggle on the reality show, Crystal Bowersox became the runner up to Lee DeWyze on the ninth season of the show. Since then, Bowersox has released her debut album
Farmer's Daughter. One of Idol's duller seasons, though Crystal came out on top from it, and today is probably the most remembered contestant of Season 9.
Season 10 - Scotty McCreery
At just 17 years old Scotty McCreery won the tenth season of American Idol, and proved why every week with his delightful, country voice. After touring with his fellow Idol contestants, Scotty released his debut album
Clear As Day, which made #1 on the Billboard 200. The album broke records, being the first debut from an American Idol since Kelly Clarkson's
Thankful album to reach #1 on the Billboard 200. The album was just recently certified platinum after only 3 months of it's release. Not even a year since his Idol debut, and Scotty has proved that he was the best of his season.
Be sure to tune in to American Idol tonight at 8pm EST on FOX!
