With another Idol cycle done, its time to rank the Idol winners. Now when I did this last year I based partly on performance, but also my own personal preference. This time I'm just focusing on what they've down over the past 2 years (of course in terms of the newest winner, it'll be an estimate of potential, etc). So with that, here we go.
13) (S5) Taylor Hicks (↓1 - 12th)
- Began a residency at Bailey's in Las Vegas (2012 - Dec. '13)
- Nov '13 appeared on "Law & Order: SVU" in the episode "Dissonant Voices" as a judge on a singing show.
Taylor hasn't put out any new music over the last couple of years. As harsh as it may sound, he's the idol that AI/19 recordings/FOX would very much like to forget never happened.
12) (S2) Ruben Studdard (↓3 - 9th)
- Appeared on the 15th season of "Biggest Loser", where he ultimately lost 119lbs.
Discography:
(Album) "Letters from Birmingham" (2012)
- US 200: #73
- US R&B: #12
- 22,000 US Sales
Singles:
"June 28 (I'm Single)"
- US R&B: #73
- US Urban: #16
(Album) "Unconditional Love" (2014)
- US 200: #46
- US R&B: #11
- 6,000 US Sales
Singles:
"Meant To Be"
Its been a fairly up and down time for Season 2's Ruben Studdard. He's got his weight controlled and has been putting out new music. Things appear to be on the up and up for him.
11) (S13) Caleb Johnson (New)
- Sang the National Anthem at the Washington D.C Memorial Day Concert (2014)
Discography:
(Album) "Caleb Johnson" (yet to be released)
Single:
"As Long as you Love me"
The writing is still on the wall for Caleb, but its just hard to see him being relevant in today's market, especially if he isn't really taken serious in the rock scene.
10) (S9) Lee Dewyze (10th)
- Song was used on "The Walking Dead" (2014)
- Performed at the '13 IP Summitt
Discography:
(Album) "What was Once" (2012)
- US 200: #116
- 3,000 copies sold
Single:
"Silver Lining" (2013)
"Fight"
- US Adult Top 40: #37
Non-album Single:
"Blackbird Song" - Walking Dead soundtrack Vol. 2
Lee did get some recognition with his song being featured on "The Walking Dead" this year, but its been a struggle for the Season 9 winner recently.
9) (S7) David Cook (↓6 - 3rd)
- Performed the National Anthem for the Los Angeles Angels opening game at the Kansas City Royals (2012)
Discography:
Single:
" The Last Song I'll Write For You" (2012)
- 15,000 copies sold during the first week
"Laying Me Low" (2013)
David Cook has been in a period of transition. He moved to Nashville and has been working on new music that should be out within the year.
8) (S8) Kris Allen (↓1 - 7th)
- Visited the World's Vision Project in Kenya (2012)
Discography:
(Album) "Thank You Camellia" (2012)
- US 200: #26
- 35,000 US copies sold
Single:
"The Vision of Love" (2012)
- 25,000 copies sold
- US Adult Pop Songs: #30
Extended:
"Vision of Love - remixes" (2012)
"Thank You Camellia - fan edition acoustic EP" (2012)
"Waiting for Christmas EP" (2012)
Soundtrack:
"Love in a Small Town" (2014) from "Valley Inn"
Songwriting:
"If Only I Could Cry" - Daniel Powter (2012)
"Never in a Million" - Tony Lucca (2013)
Like David Cook, Kris Allen also transitioned to Nashville, and has been recording with producer Charlie Peacock. A new album is scheduled for release within the year.
7) (S12) Candice Glover (↓2 - 5th)
Discography:
(Album) "Music Speaks" (2014)
- US 200: #14
- US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums: #4
- US Top R&B Albums: #3
- 58,000 US sales
Singles:
"Cried" (2013)
- US Adult R&B: #18
Promotional:
"I Am Beautiful" (2013)
- US Hot 100: #93
- US R&B: #33
- US Heat: #6
Its been slow coming out of the gates for Candice. She had one of the lowest selling debut albums for an Idol winner, partially due to the release date being pushed back. It remains to be seen where she goes from here.
6) (S6) Jordin Sparks (↓2 - 4th)
- Had recorded with Whitney Houston (2012)
- Performed at VH1 Divas: 2012
- In 2013 she partnered with the Glade & Young People's Chorus at NYC for a Christmas album
Awards:
'12 Soul Train Awards
Won - Best Gospel/Inspirational Performance ("Celebrate" w/ Whitney Houston)
'14 BMI Pop Awards
Won - Songwriter ("The Way" by Ariana Grande)
Discography:
Single:
"Celebrate" w/ Whitney Houston (2012)
- US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: #39
- US Adult Contemporary: #26
Featured:
"Is This Love" w/ Alex Gaudino from (album) "Doctor Love"
Promotional:
"Skipping A Beat" (2012)
"11:11 (Wish)"
"This is my Wish"
Album Appearance:
"Vertigo" w/ Jason Derulo (2013/2014) from (album) "Tattoos/Talk Dirty"
"Chocolate Brown Eyes" w/ Salaam Remi from (album) "One in the Chambo" (2013)
Soundtrack (from the movie "Sparkle")
Film:
"Sparkle" as Sparkie Anderson (lead) (2012)
"The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pote" as Alice (supporting) (2013)
"Dear Secret Santa" as Abbey (Lifetime Movie)
"CSI" as Alison (Episode: "Check in & Check Out")
"Left Behind" as Shasta Carvewll (supporting) (2014)
"The Grace of Jake" as Nicole Lovely (supporting lead)
"Evolution of...Jordin Sparks" (Biography: Episode 16)
Jordin has been busy in film for the past couple of years, but she has been working on a 3rd album. As of now there's no scheduled release date.
5) (S3) Fantasia Barrino (↑6 - 11th)
- Named 32nd on the "Greatest 100 Women in Music" (2012)
- Had a 5 date tour with Andrea Bocelli (2012)
Discography:
(Album) "Side Effects of You" (2013)
- US 200: #2
- US Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums: #1
Single:
"Lose to Win" (2013)
- US Bubbling Under Hot 100: #2
- US Hot R&B/Hip Hop: #38
"Without Me" ft/ Kelly Rowland, Missy Elliot (2013)
- US Hot 100: #74
- US Hot R&B/Hip Hop: #26
Film:
"After Midnight" (Broadway) (2013-14) - special guest star
"American Idol" (2012) (Guest)
"American Idol" (2013) (Guest)
Tour:
2013 Side Effects of You (headline)
2013 World Tour (opening for Andrea Bocelli)
Awards:
2013 Grammy Producer Branch
won - BOE Global Artist of the Year
2013 BET Awards
nominated - Centric Award (lose to win)
2013 Soul Train Music Awards
nominated - Female R&B Artist
nominated- Album of the Year (side effects of you)
nominated- songwriter's award (lose to win)
2014 Grammy's
nominated- Urban Contemporary Album (side effects of you)
nominated- R&B Song (Without Me)
nominated- Traditional R&B Performance (Get it Right)
2014 Black Reel Awards
nominated- Outstanding or Adapted Song (In The Middle of the Night from 'The Butler')
Fantasia has had a good couple of years, delving into Broadway along with a successful album with "Side Effects of You". She'll be inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame later this year.
4) (S10) Scotty McCreery (↑4 - 8th)
- Performed at the 2012 Christmas In Rockefeller Center special
- Performed at the 2012 Christmas in Washington special
Discography:
(Album) "Christmas with Scotty McCreery" (2012)
- US 200: #4
- US Top Country: #2
- US Top Holiday: #1
Certified Gold (US)
(Album) "See You Tonight" (2013)
- US 200: #6
- US Top Country: #1
Single:
"See You Tonight" (2013)
- US Country: #10
- US Country Airplay: #8
- US Hot 100: #52
"Feelin' It" (2014)
- US Country: #40
- US Country Airplay: #41
Tours:
2012 Virtual Reality with Brad Paisley
2013 Weekend Roadtrip (headline)
2014 See You Tonight
Awards:
2012 ACMs
won - New Artist
2012 Billboard's
nominated - New Artist
nominated- Country Album
2012 CMTs
won- USA Breakthrough Video of the Year
2012 Teen Choice
nominated - Male Country
nominated - Male Reality Star
2013 ACAs
won - Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
Following his successful Christmas Album, Scotty has been finding even more success with his latest album, another top 10 hit.
3) (S11) Phillip Phillips (↑3 - 6th)
- "Home" was used for the 2012 Summer Olympics
- Performed at the 2012 Capitol Fourth
- Appeared at the 83rd MLB All-Star Game
Discography:
(Album) "The World From the Side of the Moon" (2012)
- US 200: #4
certified platinum (Canada,US). 1.033M US Sales
Single:
"Home" (2012)
- US Hot 100: #6
- US Mainstream Top 40: #8
- US Rock Songs: #2
- US Adult 40: #1
- US Adult Contemporary: #1
- US Alternative: #39
- certified 4x platinum (Canada/US), Gold (New Zealand). 5M US Sales
"Gone, Gone, Gone" (2013)
- US Hot 100: #24
- US Mainstream Top 40: #18
- US Rock Songs: #3
- US Adult 40: #3
- US Adult Contemporary: #1
- Certified platinum (Canada/US). 1M US Sales
"Where We Came From" (2013)
(album) "Behind The Light" (2014)
Single:
"Raging Fire" (2014)
- US Hot 100: #58
- US Adult Alternative: #8
- US Adult Contemporary: #15
- US Adult 40: #8
Awards:
2012 Teen Choice
nominated - Love Song (home)
nominated - Breakout Artist
2013 Billboard's
nominated - Rock Song (home)
nominated - Rock Album (the world from the side of the moon)
2013 Teen Choice
nominated - Male Artist
nominated - Rock Song (gone, gone, gone)
2013 AMAs
nominated - New Artist of the Year
Phillip Phillips has easily been the top male idol winner and with his latest effort, we should be seeing a lot more of Phillip.
2) (S1) Kelly Clarkson (↓1 - 1st)
- Performed the National Anthem at Super Bowl XLVI (2012)
- Season 2 "The Voice" mentor/ resident mentor on "Duets" ('12)
Discography:
(Album) "Greatest Hits - Chapter One" (2012)
- US 200: #11
- certified gold (Australia, UK, US). 500,000 US Sales
Single:
"Catch My Breath" (2012)
- US Hot 100: #19
- US Adult Contemporary: #2
- US Adult 40: #4
- US Hot Dance Club Songs: #1
- US Mainstream 40: #13
"Don't Rush" w/ Vince Gill (2012)
- US Hot 100: #87
- US Hot Country Songs: #23
- US Country Airplay: #27
"People Like Us" (2013)
- US Hot 100: #65
- US Mainstream 40: #28
- US Adult 40: #7
- US Adult Contemporary: #17
- US Hot Dance Club Songs: #1
(album) "The Smoakstack Sessions Vol. 2" (w/ Greatest Hits)
(non-album single) "Tie It Up" (2013)
- US Bubbling Under Hot 100: #12
- US Digital Songs: #63
- US Country Airplay: #33
- US Hot Country: #33
(album) "Wrapped in Red" (2013)
- US 200: #3
- US Top Holiday Albums: #1
- certified platinum (Canada,US). 1M US Sales
Single:
"Underneath The Tree" (2013)
- US Hot 100: #78
- US Adult Contemporary: #1
- US Holiday 100: #8
Tours:
2012 Stronger
2012 Summer Tour (w/ The Fray)
2013 Honda Civic Tour (w/ Maroon 5)
Film:
"Duets" - (judge/mentor) (2012)
"Who do you Think you are?" (Documentary series. S4: E1) (2013)
"The Crazy Ones" (pilot) (herself) (2013)
"Kelly Clarkson's Cautionary Christmas Tale (TV Christmas Special) (2013)
"Nashville" (herself) ("I'll Keep Climbing") (2014)
Awards:
2012 ACMs
won - Vocal Event of the Year (don't you wanna stay)
won - Single of the Year
2013 ACAs
nominated - Artist of the Year: Female
nominated - Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration (don't rush)
2012 AMAs
nominated - Pop/Rock Female Artist
nominated - Adult Contemporary Artist
2013 CMTs
nominated - Collaborative Video of the Year (don't rush)
2012 CMAs
nominated - Female Vocalist of the Year
2013 CMAs
nominated - Musical Event of the Year (don't rush)
2012 Grammy's
nominated - Country duo/Group Performance (don't you wanna stay)
2013 Grammy's
nominated - Record of the Year (stronger)
nominated - Pop solo Performance (stronger)
won - Pop Vocal Album (stronger)
2014 Grammy's
nominated - Country duo/Group Performance (don't rush)
2012 MTV VMAs
nominated - Video with a Message (dark side)
2013 MTV VMAs
nominated - Video with a Social Message (people like us)
2012 Teen Choice
nominated - Choice Single Female Artist (stronger)
nominated - Break Up Song (stronger)
Kelly has been on a roll as usual. She's currently been writing and preparing to record for her new album, which could be released at the end of 2014.
1) (S4) Carrie Underwood (↑1 - 2nd)
- Featured on Aerosmith's "Can't Stop Lovin' You" (2013)
- Joined the Rolling Stones on stage during their tour (2013)
- Featured with Miranda Lambert on "Something Bad" (2014)
- Performed the new NFL SNF NBC theme (2013-14 season)
Discography:
(album) "Blown Away" (2012)
- US 200: #1
- US Country: #1
certified platinum (Canada,US). 1.648M US Sales
Single:
"Good Girl" (2012)
- US Country: #1
- US Country Airplay: #1
- US Hot 100: #18
- US Adult 40: #20
"Blown Away" (2012)
- US Country: #2
- US Country Airplay: #1
- US Hot 100: #20
- US Adult 40: #31
"Two Black Cadillacs" (2012)
- US Country: #4
- US Country Airplay: #2
- US Hot 100: #41
"See You Again" (2013)
- US Country: #7
- US Country Airplay: #12
- US Hot 100: #34
non-album single:
"Something Bad" w/ Miranda Lambert (2014)
- US Country: #8
- US Country Airplay: #48
- US Hot 100: #39
Film:
CMT Crossroads with Steven Tyler (2012)
Sound of Music (Maria) (NBC Live Musical) (2013)
Tour:
2012-13 Blown Away
Awards:
2012 ACMs
nominated - female vocalist of the year
nominated - vocal event of the year (remind me)
2013 ACMs
nominated - female vocalist of the year
nominated - album of the year (blown away)
2014 ACMs
nominated - female vocalist of the year
nominated - video of the year (two black cadillacs)
2012 ACAs
won - female artist of the year
nominated - female single of the year (good girl)
nominated - female music video of the year (good girl)
won - vocal collaboration of the year (remind me)
2013 ACAs
nominated - female artist of the year
nominated - touring artist of the year
nominated - female single of the year (two black cadillacs)
won - female music video of the year (blown away)
2012 AMAs
won - country album (blown away)
nominated - female country artist
2013 AMAs
nominated - female country artist
2013 Billboard's
nominated - top country artist
nominated - top country album (blown away)
2014 Billboard's
won - milestone award
2012 CMAs
nominated - female vocalist of the year
2013 CMAs
nominated - female vocalist of the year
nominated - album of the year (blown away)
nominated - music video of the year (blown away)
2012 CMTs
won - collaborative video of the year (remind me)
nominated - video of the year (remind me)
won - video of the year (good girl)
nominated - female video of the year (good girl)
nominated - CMT performance of the year (just a dream/dream on)
2013 CMTs
won - video of the year (blown away)
nominated - female video of the year (two black cadillacs)
2014 CMTs
pending - video of the year (see you again)
pending - female video of the year (see you again)
2012 Grammy's
nominated - country solo performance (mama's song)
2013 Grammy's
won - country solo performance (blown away)
2013 People's Choice
nominated - female artist
nominated - country artist
nominated - album (blown away)
2014 People's Choice
nominated - country artist
2012 Teen Choice
nominated - female country artist
2013 Teen Choice
nominated - female country artist
It has been a wild year for Carrie Underwood, from her tour and single of "Blown Away" winding down to being a part of NBC's live rendition of "Sound of Music". She's been starting prep work for her next album.
