is infamous for churning out viral celebs (see William Hung) and its fair share of rock stars (see Chris Daughtry). But in the fold, a bevy of beautiful belters has graced the music industry as a result of the reality singing competition. With the new season of AI shooting ratings through the roof (but nowhere near past seasons), we decided to reflect on the series’ most notable female talents. — Terry Carter
1. Jordin Sparks
Then: She won over America with her bubbly personality and powerful voice. After winning Idol, she created hits like “No Air” with Chris Brown, “Tattoo” and “Battlefield.”
Now: Last year, Sparks shed 50 pounds and starred in the musical film Sparkle with the late Whitney Houston. She is also currently dating R&B singer Jason Derulo.
Photo Credit: WireImage
2. Kelly Clarkson
Then: After becoming the first winner of American Idol, Kelly Clarkson went on to have a very successful career as a trailblazer for the following winners. She on to takeover Billboard charts with two No. 1 albums and three No. 1 singles on Billboard and establish herself as a breakout star of the show.
Now: Clarkson announced her engagement to talent manager Brandon Blackstock in 2012. Adding to that exciting news, the pop singer is nominated for three awards at the 2013 Grammys for her latest album Stronger.
Photo Credit: WENN
Then: After her American Idol victory, Fantasia’s first single “I Believe” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard. She went on to release three albums and won over theatre-goers in her role as Celie on Broadway’s rendition of The Color Purple. In 2010, the “When I See U” singer made headlines for all the wrong reasons steaming from her adulterous affair and the birth of her son with a married man.
Now: Fantasia is back with a new song called “Lose to Win” and new album, The Side Effects of You, reportedly due in March. Hopefully, she can put all the scandals behind her and let the music speak for itself.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
4. Katherine McPhee
Then: Though runner-up for season 5 of American Idol, Katherine McPhee didn’t let that stop her. She went on to release two albums and starred in the comedy film The House Bunny with Anna Farris.
Now: She’s starring as the lead in the hit musical show Smash on NBC.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Then: J. Hud may not have won American Idol but she went on to nab an Oscar and a Gramm, with 2006’s silver screen hit Dreamgirls and classic remake “And I Am Telling You” solidified her showstopper status. In lieu of her success, Hudson’s dream life turned to a nightmare when her mother, brother and nephew were murdered in 2008.
Now: In May 2012, William Balfour was convicted for the murders and justice was finally served for the Hudson family. Jennifer is now a mother and the spokesperson for Weight Watchers after losing 80 pounds. She is looking forward to her upcoming wedding with WWE wrestler David Otunga.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Then: Underwood has become the most successful Idol winner, selling over 12 million albums and 18 million digital tracks to date. Since winning the singing competition, she has released three No. 1 albums, won 11 Country Music awards and 5 Grammys. In 2010, Underwood married ice hockey player Mike Fisher.
Now: In 2012, Carrie released her fourth studio album Blown Away which debuted at No.1 on Billboard and is also up for an award at the 2013 Grammys.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Then: At the tender age of 11, Sanchez won over the hearts of America while on America’s Got Talent. She then went on to become the runner-up of American Idol‘s 11th season.
Now: She recently announced to Billboard magazine that she has completed her debut album due this spring and she is also set to star on FOX’s hit TV show Glee.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
8. Leah LaBelle
Then: Leah was voted off early in the third season of American Idol but the public has not forgotten her name. In 2011, Pharrell and Jermaine Dupri signed to her to So So Def/I Am Other Records.
Now: In 2012, LaBelle premiered her new video for her song “Sexify,” which charted on Billboard R&B charts. Look out for her debut album coming soon.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
9. Diana DeGarmo
Then: Diana was the runner-up to Barrino during the third season of American Idol but has not been stagnant since. She has released her first album, starred in the Broadway show Hairspray and joined the cast of the soap opera drama The Young & The Restless as Angelina.
Now: In 2012, on the season finale of American Idol, fellow AI alumni Ace Young proposed to her live on-air. She is expected to wed him on June 1, 2013.
Photo Credit: FOX