American Idol: Where Are They Now?

BY JESSICA WEAVER

Throughout the history of American Idol, we have watched contestants compete to become number one not only in the judges’ eyes but also in the eyes of American viewers as well. On the show, contestants perform weekly, gaining more exposure, prestige and votes. But when a competitor is voted off or when the season ends, what happens next? Some of the losers and winners of American Idol have been able to keep up their fame and stay fresh in the music industry, but others have died down and faded from the limelight and from the memories of devout Idol fans.

American Idol, a nationally recognized reality competition show, has been on the air for 10 seasons. The show has seemed to capture the attention of millions with their hilarious auditions, touching stories and talented performers.  Each week a contestant is voted off of the show, leaving other Idol hopefuls one step closer to winning the title. Though the winner appears to be on the fast track to fame, we commonly see the runner-ups and other contestants make their own success.

The show has brought plenty of attention to naturally talented stars. Those lucky people, such as season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, have continued on with their talent and fame longafter their time on Idol concluded. Underwood outshined her competition during her season.  She used her Idol title as a platform to take the music industry by storm, obtaining numerous hit singles and platinum albums. Now a Grammy winning artist, it is obvious that Carrie Underwood is not going to fade away any time soon.

But the winners of American Idol are not the only ones who have the opportunity to gain fame.  On each season, 12 talented artists enter the live competitive rounds. As America watches each contestant’s performance, viewers choose their favorite singer to support. Though only one wins, the other 11 have the opportunity to gain recognition as well.

For instance, season 3 star Jennifer Hudson came in seventh place, but she is considered to be one of the biggest success stories American Idol has to offer. Although her time on the show ended too quickly, her career was far from over. Hudson changed direction and was cast in the film Dreamgirls, earning her a Golden Globe and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.  From losing American Idol to making history as the first black singer to ever land the cover of Vogue Magazine, Jennifer Hudson is a perfect example of an American Idol contestant who took the fame they received from the show and built a lasting career off of it.

Due to Idol’s broad fan base, William Hung was able to gain success even though he never made it past the first audition round. He obtained so much attention for his hilarious, off-key version of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs” that he now has multiple records, music videos and has been touring the world. With his personality and unforgettable singing, it will be hard for fans to overlook his short time on the show.

Though success is inevitable for many, it’s not hard to disregard some of the former contestants on American Idol. Season after season, new talents and personalities are seen, eventually causing your memory of past winners to fade. Looking back, you wonder what happened to season winners Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard; there is barley any news about them. These winners, as well as other previous contestants, are the ones who couldn’t establish lasting fame and ultimately go back to their regular lives. Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks, was unable to use his prestigious title to his advantage and faded from the limelight quickly. Although he’s back in his hometown of Alabama, he has been working on getting his name back out there by releasing two albums and appearing on many talk shows such as The Early Show and Larry King Live.  He even tried to break out on Broadway, obtaining a small role as Teen Angel in the revival of Grease.

Whether they are winning Grammys or struggling to keep their name recognition, American Idol contestants all have one thing in common: they were all once fighting for the coveted first place title. Though the futures for current and former contestants are unpredictable, the competition’s rewards are great: no other show can provide such a great opportunity for deserving and talented people.