Our Favorite Reality Show Singers
#2 Kelly Clarkson
Clarkson turned her win on American Idol’s inaugural season into big record sales. To date, her four studio albums have sold more than 10 million copies. She also boasts eight Top 10 hits, including “My Life Would Suck Without You,” which set the record for the largest leap in Billboard Hot 100 history when it went from No. 97 to No. 1 in one week.
#3 Clay Aiken
Aiken may have finished second to velvet teddy bear Ruben Studdard, but his multi-platinum 2003 debut album, Measure of a Man, sold 613,000 copies in its first week before spending two weeks #1 at the top of the charts. Aiken has released three other albums, launched eight tours, and even held an extended run starring as Sir Robin in Monty Python’s Spamalot on Broadway.
#5 Carrie Underwood
American Idol’s Season 4 winner took the country charts by storm, as her debut album was certified seven-times platinum. She’s also won four Grammys, eight ACM awards and five CMAs.
#6 Jennifer Hudson
Although Hudson was eliminated much earlier than expected in Season 3 of American Idol, she’s come out on top. She appeared in Dreamgirls, for which she won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a SAG award and an NAACP Image award, among others. She has also appeared in Sex and the City: The Movie and The Secret Life of Bees, but her music career is still going strong: Her self-titled debut album sold more than 700,000 copies and earned her a Grammy.
#8 Chris Daughtry
His early elimination from Season 5 of American Idol shocked judges and viewers alike, but he’s certainly landed on his feet. His debut album was the fastest-selling rock debut ever, selling more than 1 million copies in five weeks. He earned a Grammy nomination for his first single, “It’s Not Over,” and stands behind only Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood as the best-selling Idol alum.
#10 Adam Lambert
As the odds-on favorite to take the American Idol crown in 2009, Lambert never backed away from risky arrangements or daringly theatrical performances. But he also proved his over-the-top vocal acrobatics could be turned off in favor of moody, emotional numbers. He just dropped his debut disc, For Your Entertainment, which is as flashy as Lambert himself, but only time (and the fallout from a scandalous AMA performance) will tell if his approach will keep his name in lights for years to come.
#12 David Cook
After beating puppy-eyed David Archuleta to win Season 8 of American Idol, Cook set a Billboard record by having 11 songs (including many of his performances from Idol) debut on the Hot 100. His first album has sold more than a million copies and he embarked on his first tour in early 2009.
Possibly Related Posts:
- Preview Clay Aiken’s Tried and True Album
- Clay Aiken Notches Another First
- Kelly Clarkson Cigarette Ad Woes
- Clay and Ruben Hitting the Road
- Carrie Underwood: Truck Driver Died In Fiery Crash
Clay’s #1 hands down! He not only didn’t get radio play, but received very little backing from his own record company. Everything he accomplished was due to his own talent and tireless efforts. He IS the epitome of what every American Idol should aspire to be, and they still haven’t found a talent to equal his. All the philanthropic endeavors were at his own expense, and were his primary reason for entering the contest to begin with. He’s a fantastic human being, and an unequalled talent. God Bless Clay Aiken. Bucky1215(Quote)
Need to shuffle the deck a bit. For voice, it’s definitely Clay all the way, and Adam and Carrie right behind him. David A. should have made the list some place though. Personality played a huge part for some of these people, as their voices are just not as good as those I put at the top. We all have our own definition of actual good singing. maryn(Quote)
Need the shuffle the deck a bit. For voice, it’s definitely Clay all the way, and Adam and Carrie right behind him. David A. should have made the list some place though. Personality played a huge part for some of these people, as their voices are just not as good as those I put at the top. We all have our own definition of actual good singing. maryn(Quote)
Agree with the list but also think David A should been mentioned. I’d have left off Adam and substitited David if we are looking at talent and voice. birdonwire(Quote)
May be true that David is on your list of favorites, but I believe this is just the opinion of the TV Guide. I’m sure every person has their own list that differs from everyone else. pixie(Quote)
Glad to see Clay Aiken high on this list. He’s always been #1 with me. He’s a very talented man as are all the others on this list. They’ve all done very well for themselves. Sue(Quote)
Clay is number one and the voice is beautiful. I also believe David Archuleta should be included at a high number two. Jacquelyn(Quote)
David should be on the list, but you know, ignorance prevail sometime>>>>> boyogam(Quote)
Really? No David Archuleta? That totally negates this as a legitimate list of singers, in my opinion. Obviously, whoever compiled this list has needs some help in figuring out who is able to actually sing. A few of this people are good, but most are just wannabes! Marmalade(Quote)
WOW!!!!
David Archuleta is not on this list. True vocal ability and a musical genius is complete ignored.
He is out performing several of your mentions… just don’t get it. djafan(Quote)
David Archuleta should be on this list, just saying. Boy the music business sure has changed, doesn’t anyone like people who can actually sing anymore? I don’t agree with some of the artist’s on this list at all. annonymous(Quote)
American Idol and his media friends continue to try to put down David Archuleta, Oh well he’s beyond that a Reality Tv Star, doing more or the same that many people you have in your list with a 90% less of publicity and Big talent! Marcela(Quote)
Mostly agreed with the list but quite surprised David Archuleta was not on it. He most definitely was a favorite on AI and has one of the best voices I’ve ever heard. Haven’t even heard of a few of those names. Anyway, if you haven’t kept up with David since AI he has a new Christmas cd out that is really great – his silky smooth voice is really beautiful on this project. It’s called Christmas From the Heart – be sure to check it out if you haven’t already. sj(Quote)
There are some wonderful singers on this list, but I think David Archuleta should have been on here too. That’s just my opinion. Oh well. It’s all subjective anyway. Pascalee(Quote)
Wow, that’s really, really disappointing to not see David Archuleta up there. Um… tv guide? Seem to recall in the article you wrote about him that he was nicknamed THE VOICE? Seems odd that THE VOICE is omitted from your list. bella(Quote)
I’m glad to see Clay make it but I don’t see David Archuleta from season 7. He definitely should be in the top 2. Unless I missed him since I’m from Europe! lct(Quote)
Where is David Archuleta?? Surely he is on the top 5??!!! Just Me(Quote)
Hello. “Puppy-eyed” or not, David Archuleta NEEDS to be on this list. I have NEVER heard a better voice. Never. Valerie(Quote)
David Archuleta has an incredible voice and should be on this list. Go to any of his recent Christmas videos to see how good. Kevin Skinner shouldn’t even be on this list unless you have tin ears. Nice guy but not a great singer.
Check this out from David’s Christmas tour last night.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6GMKaX9GVg&aia=true Linda(Quote)
Clay is my all time favorite! mary(Quote)
Dayum! Clay is one fine lookin’ hunka hunka burnin’ love in that pic! Me too Me! Cannot wait for his newest CD and to see him in concert again! January(Quote)
LOVE Clay!!! He is my fave thats for sure! I love that pic they used too!!! Cant wait until his new Cd to come out!!!! Me(Quote)