Past 'American Idol' winners
- 1/10
With her powerful vocals and girl-next-door personality, Texas girl Kelly Clarkson won the hearts of many and was named as the First American Idol in September 2002. (Photo by SGranitz/WireImage)
- 2/10
In May 2003, it was the soulful and confident Ruben Studdard who dominated the Talent search show with his brilliant voice, trademark jerseys and priceless smile. (Photo by Ray Mickshaw/WireImage)
- 3/10
Simon Cowell's personal favorite Fantasia Barrino won the title when she impressed America in 2004 with her rendition of the song "I Believe." (Photo by Ray Mickshaw/WireImage)
- 4/10
After hearing her sing "Alone" on March 22, 2005, American Idol judge Simon Cowell predicted that the Country singer and American Idol Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood will not only win the competition, but she will also sell more records than the previous idols… and he was right. (Photo by Ray Mickshaw/WireImage)
- 5/10
With his silver hair, raspy voice and dance moves, Taylor Hicks beat Katharine McPhee in the 2006 American Idol Finale. (Photo by SGranitz/WireImage)
- 6/10
Described as the 'most improved' contestant in the batch, the 17-year old Jordin Sparks wowed the crowd and became the 6th American Idol. (Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage)
- 7/10
Two Davids battled for the title in 2008 but it was rocker David Cook's sex appeal and stage presence that helped him win the competition. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
- 8/10
Known for giving his own spins on the songs he performs, Kris Allen beat Adam Lambert and took the Season 8 crown in 2009. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic)
- 9/10
When he sang U2's 'Beautiful Day' in the 2010 season finale, Lee DeWyze rocked the Nokia Theater and became the 9th American Idol. (Photo by C Flanigan/FilmMagic)
- 10/10
With 122 million votes, country singer Scotty McCreery's victory over Lauren Alaina in the 10th season was expected by the viewers. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic)