American Idol is one true platform for all the singers and musicians to showcase what they have in them. It is the one true show that has given out the top notable singers and helped them achieve their dreams of fame and music.
Some of the well known singers include Taylor Hicks, Phillip Phillips, Scotty McCreery (season 10), Kellie Pickler (season 6), David Archuleta, Trent Harmon (season 15), Kris Allen (season 8), Lee DeWyze (season 9) and Maddie Poppe (season 16). These contestants have made out success for themselves and are highly praised in the music industry.
Similarly here is the further list of all the winners of American Idol.
| Season | Winner | Cash Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kelly Clarkson | $1 million |
| 2 | Ruben Studdard | $1 million |
| 3 | Fantasia Barrino | $1 million |
| 4 | Carrie Underwood | $1 million |
| 5 | Taylor Hicks | $1 million |
| 6 | Jordin Sparks | $1 million |
| 7 | David Cook | $1 million |
| 8 | Kris Allen | $650,000 |
| 9 | Lee DeWyze | $1 million |
| 10 | Scotty McCreery | $250,000 |
| 11 | Phillip Phillips | $250,000 |
| 12 | Candice Glover | $250,000 |
| 13 | Caleb Johnson | $125,000 upfront, $100,000 after album completion |
| 14 | Nick Fradiani | $125,000 upfront, $100,000 after album completion |
| 15 | Trent Harmon | $250,000 |
| 16 | Maddie Poppe | $250,000 |
| 17 | Laine Hardy | $250,000 |
| 18 | Just Sam | $250,000 |
| 19 | Chayce Beckham | $250,000 |
| 20 | Noah Thompson | $250,000 |
| 21 | Iam Tongi | $250,000 |
The show is currently running on its 22nd installment. Here are the list of all the winners of the show:
Kelly Clarkson : Season 1
She is the first winner of the show, as she won she got signed by RCA Records. She now has 21 albums, including Stronger, Breakaway, and Chemistry.
Cash Prize: $ 1 million
Ruben Studdard : Season 2
He got a shining light on his career when he won the show. With being nominated for the Grammys for Best R&B Vocal Performance. His best works includes, Soulful, I need an angel, Sorry 2004 and Change Me and more
Cash Prize: $ 1 million
Fantasia Barrino : Season 3
After the success of American Idol she had released & albums which included Fantasia, Back To Me, and Side Effects Of You
Cash Prize: $ 1 million
Carrie Underwood : Season 4
Carrie is best known for her accomplishments in the music industry. She began the first ever country artist to debut at top Billboard Hot 100 chart and the only solo artist in the 2000s
Cash Prize: $ 1 million
She further won a the use of private jet for a year, and a Ford Mustang convertible.
Taylor Hicks : Season 5
Taylor is known for winning the 5th season of American Idol making him the oldest contestant to win the show. He is best known for creating two independent albums and his band In Your Time.
Cash Prize: $ 1 million recording contract
A Ford Mustang Convertible
Season 6
After winning the show she made two independent Studio albums, Jordan Sparks and Battlefield. She is also one the youngest winners of American Idol.
Cash Prize: $ 1 million recording contract
A Ford Mustang Convertible
David Cook : Season 7
After he won the American Idol, he has released eight albums and many singles. Some of his best known work is The Loud Morning and Always Be My Back
Cash Prize: $ 1 million recording contract
A Ford Mustang Convertible
Kris Allen : Season 8
After he won the show, he gained fame in 2009 when he released his 2007 album Brand New Shoes.
Cash Prize: $ 650,000
Lee DeWyze : Season 9
After he won American Idol, he won the 2010 Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Male Reality Star.
Cash Prize: $ 1 million
Scotty McChreery : Season 10
He has released nine albums, which includes Sam Truck, Christmas with Scotty McChreery. He also won 2012 CMT Music Award.
Cash Prize: $ 250,000
Phillip Phillips : Season 11
After he won the show, he released eight albums and also acted in movies and TV shows. The song which best represents him is “Gone Gone Gone”
Cash Prize: $ 250,000
Candice Glover : Season 12
As she won the title she became the first woman to win the show after a long period.
Cash Prize: $ 250,000
Caleb Johnson : Season 13
After he won he went on a journey to spread rock n roll. He also released four albums, Testify, Genesis and more.
Cash Prize: $125,000 upfront, and an additional $100,000 after they complete an album
Nick Fradiani : Season 14
He was recognized when he appeared on the show. Later he also acted on Broadway Musical A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical.
Cash Prize: $125,000 upfront, and an additional $100,000 after they complete an album
Trent Hamron : Season 15
After he won the show he signed for Big Machine Records. Overall he is best known for his appearance in American Idol
Cash Prize: $250,000
Maddie Poppe : Season 16
She is best known for her albums and the upcoming show Hotel Carmicheal in Carmel, IN
Cash Prize: $250,000
Laine Hardy : Season 17
Best known for winning the 17th season of American Idol. Also been in a controversy for recording his ex-girlfriend.
Cash Prize: $250,000
Just Sam : Season 18
After she won the show, she parted ways with Hollywood Records and 19 recordings. Later she stated on her instagram that she is broke.
Cash Prize: $250,000
Chayce Beckham : Season 19
He is best known for winning the show. After that he has been signed to four record labels, including Wheelhouse Records, Broken Bow Records, 19 Recordings, and BMG Rights Management
Cash Prize: $250,000
Noah Thompson: Season 20
Best known for appearing in American Idol Season 20. Some of his songs are “One Day Tonight” and “Stay” and more.
Cash Prize: $250,000
Iam Tongi : Season 21
Iam Tongi is the winner of season 21 Some of his best songs include Why Kiki, Monsters and more.
Cash Prize: $250,000