“American Idol” is an American singing competition television series that first premiered on the Fox network on June 11, 2002. Created by Simon Fuller, the show is part of the global “Idol” franchise, which originated with the British series “Pop Idol.” “American Idol” quickly became one of the most popular and influential reality TV shows in the United States and here on this page I am going to share the list of American Idol winners from past to present with their name and images and instead of this you will find more information about the American Idol.
The format of the show involves a nationwide search for talented singers who compete in a series of auditions, both in front of the show’s producers and later in front of the celebrity judging panel. Contestants are gradually eliminated through a series of rounds, culminating in a live broadcast where viewers vote to determine the winner. The winner receives a recording contract and often gains national fame.
Over the years, “American Idol” has had various judges, with the original panel including Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. The show has featured numerous notable contestants who have gone on to successful music careers, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, and Adam Lambert, among others.
The show has experienced several changes over the years, including switching networks from Fox to ABC in 2018. The judging panel and the format have also evolved to keep the show fresh and engaging for viewers. In January 2022, “American Idol” continues to be a prominent platform for discovering and promoting new musical talent in the United States.
American Idol Winners Name List – Quick Overvew
Here in this section we have given the quick overview about the American Idol winners list from season 1 to 22 with the name of winners, runner-up and third place however if you want to see the image of winner season wise just scroll it down.
| Season | Episodes | Originally aired | Winner | Runner-up | Third place | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First aired | Last aired | Network | ||||||
| 1 | 25 | June 11, 2002 | September 4, 2002 | Fox | Kelly Clarkson | Justin Guarini | Nikki McKibbin | |
| 2 | 40 | January 21, 2003 | May 21, 2003 | Ruben Studdard | Clay Aiken | Kimberley Locke | ||
| 3 | 44 | January 19, 2004 | May 26, 2004 | Fantasia Barrino | Diana DeGarmo | Jasmine Trias | ||
| 4 | 43 | January 18, 2005 | May 25, 2005 | Carrie Underwood | Bo Bice | Vonzell Solomon | ||
| 5 | 41 | January 17, 2006 | May 24, 2006 | Taylor Hicks | Katharine McPhee | Elliott Yamin | ||
| 6 | 41 | January 16, 2007 | May 23, 2007 | Jordin Sparks | Blake Lewis | Melinda Doolittle | ||
| 7 | 42 | January 15, 2008 | May 21, 2008 | David Cook | David Archuleta | Syesha Mercado | ||
| 8 | 40 | January 13, 2009 | May 20, 2009 | Kris Allen | Adam Lambert | Danny Gokey | ||
| 9 | 43 | January 12, 2010 | May 26, 2010 | Lee DeWyze | Crystal Bowersox | Casey James | ||
| 10 | 39 | January 19, 2011 | May 25, 2011 | Scotty McCreery | Lauren Alaina | Haley Reinhart | ||
| 11 | 40 | January 18, 2012 | May 23, 2012 | Phillip Phillips | Jessica Sanchez | Joshua Ledet | ||
| 12 | 37 | January 16, 2013 | May 16, 2013 | Candice Glover | Kree Harrison | Angie Miller | ||
| 13 | 39 | January 15, 2014 | May 21, 2014 | Caleb Johnson | Jena Irene | Alex Preston | ||
| 14 | 30 | January 7, 2015 | May 13, 2015 | Nick Fradiani | Clark Beckham | Jax | ||
| 15 | 24 | January 6, 2016 | April 7, 2016 | Trent Harmon | La’Porsha Renae | Dalton Rapattoni | ||
| 16 | 19 | March 11, 2018 | May 21, 2018 | ABC | Maddie Poppe | Caleb Lee Hutchinson | Gabby Barrett | |
| 17 | 19 | March 3, 2019 | May 19, 2019 | Laine Hardy | Alejandro Aranda | Madison VanDenburg | ||
| 18 | 16 | February 16, 2020 | May 17, 2020 | Just Sam | Arthur Gunn | Dillon James Francisco Martin Jonny West |
||
| 19 | 19 | February 14, 2021 | May 23, 2021 | Chayce Beckham | Willie Spence | Grace Kinstler | ||
| 20 | 20 | February 27, 2022 | May 22, 2022 | Noah Thompson | HunterGirl | Leah Marlene | ||
| 21 | 20 | February 19, 2023 | May 21, 2023 | Iam Tongi | Megan Danielle | Colin Stough | ||
| 22 | TBA | February 18, 2024 | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA | ||
American Idol Winners List Season Wise:
As above we have given the quick overview about the season wise winner with 2nd and 3rd place contestants name and here we have shared the images of American idol winners accordingly let’s have a glance on it.
American Idol Season 1 Winner – Kelly Clarkson (Year: 2002)
Kelly Clarkson, the inaugural winner of American Idol Season 1, catapulted to stardom with her powerhouse vocals and undeniable charisma. Hailing from Burleson, Texas, Clarkson’s journey on the reality singing competition in 2002 marked a turning point in her life. Her victory not only earned her the coveted title but also a recording contract that paved the way for a prolific music career.
Clarkson’s dynamic performances and emotional authenticity endeared her to audiences, setting a precedent for future contestants. Post-Idol, she unleashed a string of hit singles like “A Moment Like This” and “Since U Been Gone,” showcasing her versatility. Clarkson’s triumph in Season 1 not only solidified her as a pop icon but also established American Idol as a launchpad for extraordinary talent, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
- Winner: Kelly Clarkson
- Runner-Up: Justin Guarini
American Idol Season 2 Winner – Ruben Studdard (Year: 2003)
Ruben Studdard, the velvet-voiced crooner, clinched victory as the American Idol Season 2 winner in 2003. Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, Studdard’s soulful performances and endearing stage presence captivated audiences throughout the competition. Known as the “Velvet Teddy Bear,” Studdard’s smooth R&B stylings resonated with fans, earning him a devoted following.
His triumph showcased the diverse talent the show could nurture. Post-Idol, Studdard continued to make waves in the music industry with albums like “Soulful” and collaborations with notable artists. Beyond his vocal prowess, Ruben Studdard’s victory highlighted American Idol’s ability to propel artists with distinct styles to national prominence.
- Winner: Ruben Studdard
- Runner-Up: Clay Aiken
American Idol Season 3 Winner – Fantasia Barrino (Year: 2004)
Fantasia Barrino emerged victorious as the American Idol Season 3 winner in 2004, enchanting audiences with her raw talent and soulful voice. Hailing from High Point, North Carolina, Fantasia’s journey on the reality singing competition showcased her dynamic vocal range and emotional depth. Her powerful renditions of songs like “I Believe” resonated with viewers, earning her the coveted title.
Fantasia’s authenticity and charisma set her apart, propelling her into a successful career post-Idol. With Grammy-winning albums and acclaimed Broadway performances, Fantasia Barrino remains a testament to American Idol’s ability to uncover extraordinary talents with a unique and captivating flair.
- Winner: Fantasia Barrino
- Runner-Up: Diana DeGarmo
American Idol Season 4 Winner – Carrie Underwood (2005)
Carrie Underwood, the country music sensation, soared to victory as the American Idol Season 4 winner in 2005. Hailing from Checotah, Oklahoma, Underwood’s powerhouse vocals and undeniable stage presence set her on a trajectory to stardom. Her renditions of country classics and contemporary hits resonated with audiences, earning her the title and a record deal.
Carrie Underwood’s post-Idol career includes numerous chart-topping albums, awards, and accolades, solidifying her as one of the most successful artists to emerge from the American Idol platform.
- Winner: Carrie Underwood
- Runner-Up: Bo Bice
American Idol Season 5 Winner – Taylor Hicks (Year: 2006)
Taylor Hicks, the charismatic soulful singer, claimed victory as the American Idol Season 5 winner in 2006. Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, Hicks charmed audiences with his unique blend of blues, rock, and soul, setting him apart from the competition. Known for his gray hair and energetic stage presence, Hicks left an indelible mark on the show.
His winning single, “Do I Make You Proud,” resonated with fans, earning him the coveted title. Post-Idol, Taylor Hicks continued to pursue a music career, releasing albums and showcasing his talents in various performances. His eclectic style and genuine passion for music contribute to his enduring legacy within the American Idol alumni.
- Winner: Taylor Hicks
- Runner-Up: Katharine McPhee
American Idol Season 6 Winner – Jordin Sparks (Year: 2007)
Jordin Sparks, a vocal powerhouse from Glendale, Arizona, triumphed as the American Idol Season 6 winner in 2007. At just 17, Sparks captivated audiences with her maturity, poise, and remarkable vocal prowess. Known for her emotive performances, she delivered memorable renditions of songs like “This Is My Now.”
Jordin’s win catapulted her into the spotlight, and post-Idol, she achieved success with chart-topping hits and acting endeavors. Her victory showcased American Idol’s ability to discover and elevate young talents with immense potential, solidifying Jordin Sparks as a standout in the show’s storied history.
- Winner: Jordin Sparks
- Runner-Up: Blake Lewis
American Idol Season 7 Winner – David Cook (Year: 2008)
David Cook, the rock-leaning artist from Blue Springs, Missouri, emerged triumphant as the American Idol Season 7 winner in 2008. His powerful and versatile performances, including a memorable rendition of “Billie Jean,” resonated with fans. Post-Idol, Cook continued to make his mark with successful albums, showcasing his musical depth and enduring appeal in the industry.
- Winner: David Cook
- Runner-Up: David Archuleta
American Idol Season 8 Winner – Kris Allen (Year: 2009)
Kris Allen, the singer-songwriter from Conway, Arkansas, secured victory as the American Idol Season 8 winner in 2009. Known for his contemporary and acoustic style, Allen’s genuine charm and musical versatility resonated with audiences. Post-Idol, he pursued a successful career, releasing albums and showcasing his talents in the music industry. Kris Allen’s win added another chapter to the diverse legacy of American Idol winners, highlighting the show’s ability to discover and celebrate artists with distinct voices and artistic expressions.
- Winner: Kris Allen
- Runner-Up: Adam Lambert
American Idol Season 9 Winner – Lee DeWyze (Year: 2010)
Lee DeWyze, the singer-songwriter from Mount Prospect, Illinois, claimed victory as the American Idol Season 9 winner in 2010. Known for his distinctive voice and authentic performances, DeWyze’s journey showcased his folk-rock sensibilities. Post-Idol, he continued to pursue his musical career, releasing albums and collaborating with various artists.
Lee DeWyze’s win underscored the show’s commitment to recognizing diverse musical talents and highlighted his unique contribution to the American Idol winners’ legacy.
- Winner: Lee DeWyze
- Runner-Up: Crystal Bowersox
American Idol Season 10 Winner – Scotty McCreery (Year: 2011)
Scotty McCreery, the country crooner from Garner, North Carolina, emerged triumphant as the American Idol Season 10 winner in 2011. Known for his deep baritone voice and traditional country style, McCreery captivated audiences with his authenticity and charm. Post-Idol, he achieved success in the country music scene, releasing hit albums and earning accolades. Scotty McCreery’s win marked another instance of American Idol’s ability to propel artists with a distinctive sound into the spotlight, solidifying his place in the show’s rich history of diverse and talented winners.
- Winner: Scotty McCreery
- Runner-Up: Lauren Alaina
American Idol Season 11 Winner – Phillip Phillips (Year: 2012)
Phillip Phillips, the soulful singer-songwriter from Leesburg, Georgia, emerged as the American Idol Season 11 winner in 2012. Known for his raw and emotional performances, Phillips captured the hearts of viewers with his unique voice and guitar skills. His coronation song, “Home,” became a commercial success. Post-Idol, Phillips continued to build a successful career with hit singles and albums, showcasing his musical artistry. His win highlighted American Idol’s ability to celebrate a range of musical genres and solidified Phillip Phillips as a notable name in the series’ history.
- Winner: Phillip Phillips
- Runner-Up: Jessica Sanchez
American Idol Season 12 Winner – Candice Glover (Year:2013)
Candice Glover, the powerful vocalist from St. Helena Island, South Carolina, emerged victorious as the American Idol Season 12 winner in 2013. Known for her soulful and commanding voice, Glover delivered memorable performances throughout the competition. Her rendition of “Lovesong” and her victory single, “I Am Beautiful,” showcased her vocal prowess. Post-Idol, Candice Glover continued to pursue her music career, releasing albums and captivating audiences with her dynamic performances. Her win underscored American Idol’s commitment to recognizing exceptional vocal talent and solidified Glover as a noteworthy addition to the diverse roster of winners from the iconic singing competition.
- Winner: Candice Glover
- Runner-Up: Kree Harrison
American Idol Season 13 Winner – Caleb Johnson (Year: 2014)
Caleb Johnson, the rock enthusiast from Asheville, North Carolina, claimed victory as the American Idol Season 13 winner in 2014. Known for his powerhouse vocals and charismatic stage presence, Johnson’s win added a rock edge to the show’s legacy, showcasing its ability to celebrate diverse musical genres.
- Winner: Caleb Johnson
- Runner-Up: Jena Irene
American Idol Season 14 Winner – Nick Fradiani (Year: 2015)
Nick Fradiani, the pop-rock singer from Guilford, Connecticut, secured the title as the American Idol Season 14 winner in 2015. His versatile performances and contemporary style resonated with fans, marking another instance of American Idol recognizing and celebrating diverse musical talents.
- Winner: Nick Fradiani
- Runner-Up: Clark Beckham
American Idol Season 15 Winner – Trent Harmon (Year: 2016)
Trent Harmon, the soulful singer from Amory, Mississippi, emerged as the American Idol Season 15 winner in 2016. His emotive performances and unique vocal style captured the hearts of viewers, concluding the series on a high note and solidifying his place among the show’s celebrated winners.
- Winner: Trent Harmon
- Runner-Up: La’Porsha Renae
American Idol Season 16 Winner – Maddie Poppe (Year: 2018)
Maddie Poppe, the singer-songwriter from Clarksville, Iowa, triumphed as the American Idol Season 16 winner in 2018. Known for her folk-pop sound and heartfelt performances, Poppe’s victory underscored the show’s commitment to showcasing originality. Post-Idol, she continued to make waves in the music industry, cementing her status as a talented artist.
- Winner: Maddie Poppe
- Runner-Up: Caleb Lee Hutchinson
American Idol Season 17 Winner – Laine Hardy (Year: 2019)
Laine Hardy, the charismatic singer from Livingston, Louisiana, emerged as the American Idol Season 17 winner in 2019. Initially auditioning in Season 16, Hardy’s journey showcased his growth and versatility. Known for his blend of country and rock, he captured audiences with his charm. Post-Idol, Hardy continued to pursue a successful music career, embodying the spirit of American Idol’s diverse winners.
- Winner: Laine Hardy
- Runner-Up: Alejandro Aranda
American Idol Season 18 Winner – Just Sam (Year: 2020)
Just Sam, the soulful and inspiring singer from Harlem, New York, secured victory as the American Idol Season 18 winner in 2020. Her heartfelt performances and unique voice resonated with viewers. Just Sam’s win marked a significant moment in the show’s history, highlighting diversity and individuality in the world of music.
- Winner: Just Sam
- Runner-Up: Arthur Gunn
American Idol Season 19 Winner – Chayce Beckham (Year: 2021)
Chayce Beckham, the soulful country-rock artist from Apple Valley, California, claimed the title as the American Idol Season 19 winner in 2021. His genuine performances and gritty vocals endeared him to viewers, solidifying his place among the show’s celebrated winners.
- Winner: Chayce Beckham
- Runner-Up: Willie Spence
American Idol Season 20 Winner – Noah Thompson (Year: 2022)
Noah Thompson, who was 22 years old during the show, works as a construction worker in Louisa, Kentucky. He emerged as the winner in the Season 20 finale on May 22, 2022, with HunterGirl securing the runner-up position. Noah claimed victory with his performance of the song “One Day Tonight.”
American Idol Season 21 Winner – Iam Tongi (Year: 2023)
Iam Tongi, who was 18 years old during the show, hails from Kahuku, Hawaii, and emerged victorious in the Season 21 finale on May 21, 2023. Megan Danielle secured the runner-up position. Iam clinched the title with a captivating rendition of the song “I’ll Be Seeing You.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Who was the first winner of American Idol?
- Kelly Clarkson won the inaugural season of American Idol in 2002.
- How many seasons of American Idol have there been?
- As of [last training cut-off], there have been 19 completed seasons, with the 20th season in progress.
- Which American Idol winner has sold the most albums?
- Carrie Underwood, the winner of Season 4, is one of the highest-selling American Idol winners.
- Have there been any repeat winners on American Idol?
- No, each season has produced a unique winner.
- Is American Idol still on TV?
- Yes, as of my last training update in January 2022, American Idol was still being aired.
Conclusion: The American Idol winners list is a testament to the incredible talent the show has discovered over the years. From Kelly Clarkson to the most recent winner, each artist has left an indelible mark on the music industry. As we eagerly await the results of future seasons, let’s celebrate the diverse voices and stories that American Idol continues to bring to the forefront of the music world.
Hello, I’m Kapil Kumar, a seasoned SEO expert and blogger at WinnersList.in. My mission is to spotlight exceptional individuals and organizations across various domains. Through curated lists, profiles, and inspiring stories, I aim to celebrate outstanding achievements and inspire the next generation of champions. Join me in this journey.