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Oh, American Idol–you cultural signifier of all things commercial. Just when we thought Simon Cowell’s departure will spell the bitter end to the long-running FOX singing competition, the ego-centric personalities of Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler emerged to revive it back to life. Oh yah, and Randy “In It To Win It’ Jackson is also still around for the ride.
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If anything was learned from this past season, it was that America still loves discovering that hidden-gem-of-a-performer. In last season’s case, it happened to be a good-ol country boy named Scotty McCreery. The North Carolina crooner, with a voice like Johnny Cash and a swagger like, well, Travis Tritt (we don’t really know country that well, so we threw out a random name), the 16-year-old wooed America’s heart all the way to the (coveted?) title at season’s end. Now, after a summer in the studio, McCreery is ready to drop his debut album Clear As Day next Tuesday.
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Which got us thinking. In the ten seasons, who of the past winners have remained relevant? As such, in this edition of Flashback Friday, we revisit some of Idol’s past champions, and their subsequent contributions to the world of music.
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Kelly Clarkson
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It’s hard to decide whether it’s fitting or not that the winner of Idol’s first season, all the way back in 2002, has gone on to arguably become the most successful artist post-competition. But whether you’re a fan of the Texas-native’s brand of pop-rock, it’s hard to argue with the catchiness of her hits like “Since U Been Gone” and “Already Gone.” Perhaps she’s merely paired up with some stellar producers, or Idol was simply a launching pad for someone destined to be a star. Either way, Clarkson has certainly used Idol to help jumpstart what has since become a long and steady career.
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Already Gone

Kelly Clarkson | Myspace Video

Fantasia
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For those who initially dismissed Idol as nothing more than a manufacturer of syrupy pop stars, Fantasia Barrino, known simply as Fantasia, shattered that conception. After taking home the Season Three crown, her shimmering voice and R&B swagger led to her debut album Free Yourself being nominated for three Grammy Awards. This also followed the Number One debut of her first single “I Believe.” Since Idol, Fantasia has gone on to a solid Broadway and acting career: not bad credentials for a reality TV-competition winner.
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Carrie Underwood
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Without question there have been a handful of Idol winners who’ve gone on to successful careers. Few however, have crossed over into the world of full-fledged celebrity. Carrie Underwood, the charming, swooning country gal with high-cheek bones and an infectious smile that took the Season Four crown, most certainly made that leap. (It’s interesting to note that Chris Daughtry, who was knocked out earlier in Underwood’s season, also went on to a very profitable career.) While her music paved the way, Underwood’s good looks and high-profile relationship with stud athletes made her a tabloid sensation. Something tells us that a life of being chased by the paparazzi wasn’t in the Idol brochure.

Jesus, Take The Wheel

Carrie Underwood | Myspace Video

Jordin Sparks
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By Season Six, American Idol had gone from a super-popular singing contest to a full-fledged cultural institution. And the bubbly, power-voiced Jordin Sparks fit right in there to capitalize on the show’s ever-growing popularity. When Sparks took home the title on May 23, 2007, she did so by receiving a record 74 million votes. Her post-show career has seen mixed results, but nonetheless, Sparks remains a household name to this day thanks to Idol– the show that started her on her journey into America’s hearts.

One Step At A Time

Jordin Sparks | Myspace Video

Scotty McCreery
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And that leads us to our newest winner, Scotty McCreery. The future of this down-home country boy is still uncertain, but judging by America’s fixation with his oddly intriguing, hang-low baritone–usually reserved for a middle-aged tough-as-nails wanderer but instead found within a scrawny teenager– leads us to believe that this Southern boy won’t be bagging groceries again anytime soon. His debut single “I Love You (This Big) stormed the charts earlier this year, proving, if nothing else, that even a decade in, American Idol still has major industry pull.