american idol has been a staple for reality television and singing competitions since its inauguration in June 2002. It has launched the careers of many singers and made an impact on television history for its Billboard chart-topping streak and ability to find superstars from anywhere in the United States. .
Even when a contestant doesn’t win the show, they still have a chance to succeed in the music industry. As for many Idol alum, some of their after-show releases, albeit one-hit wonders, are some of the best-selling singles in the show’s history.
ten Ruben Studdard, Sorry 2004
As one of the only Idol runners-up to go the R&B/gospel route after his win, Studdard owned the charts with “Sorry 2004.”
The song spent 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at number two on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, remaining for 28 weeks. To this day, it is considered one of Studdard’s best-selling singles, despite becoming a Broadway star.
9 Phillip Phillips: Home
One of the show’s most recent winners, Phillips’ coronation song was so popular it was nominated for a World Music Award for Best Song in the World.
The folk-rock anthem was released in 2012 the night it won the season 11 crown, and to this day is the best-selling song for all Idol alum in the United States selling 5 million copies. “Home” can be heard in various films, television programs and commercials, and was used during the 2012 Summer Olympics.
8 Elliott Yamin: I’m waiting for you
Season 5’s third-place winner may be overshadowed by the surprise victory of Idol winner Taylor Hicks, but “Wait For You” made waves the same year.
The song is popular for its slow-tempo, ballad-like musicality, similar to an old-school R&B classic. Although it took some time to climb the iTunes and Billboard charts, the song reached Platinum status and was named the 6th most played song of 2007.
seven David Cook: The Time of My Life
Cook’s crowning single from Season 7 Victory was top-selling Idol single between 2009 and 2012 before being dethroned by “Home” by Phillip Phillips.
The song was chosen as part of the show’s songwriter contest and has been used after the show on several other occasions, such as the ESPYs and the 2008 Summer Olympics. “Time Of My Life” debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100.
6 Jordan Sparks: Tattoo
Sparks had young adults everywhere singing this song when it was released in 2007. After being the show’s youngest winner at 17, she reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 5 on the pop songs streaming chart.
It has been compared to other chart-topping hits, such as Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable” and Rihanna’s “Umbrella” for its lovely melody and powerful vocals.
5 Carrie Underwood: Before He Cheated
Underwood became a superstar after winning season 4 of american idol. “Before He Cheats” has become an iconic breakup anthem for women around the world, even winning a Grammy in 2008 for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
The song was able to achieve major crossover success, charting high on the Billboard Hot Country Chart, Mainstream Top 40 and Adult Contemporary Chart. Underwood still tops the country charts today, with 8 consecutive albums reaching No. 1 in his career.
4 Jennifer Hudson: Spotlight
Hudson came in at #7 in the original series’ third season, but her powerful voice has fascinated fans for years after her elimination from the show. The song received 2 Grammy Award nominations in 2009 for Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and reached the top 30 in the United States. Billboard Hot 100.
Hudson has since become a bonafide actress and Broadway performer, while continuing to release music as a recording artist and coaching other hopeful singers.
3 Daughter: Home
Chris Daughtry’s incredible vocals on this track made this song an iconic rock ballad when it was released in 2007. The Platinum-certified hit not only topped the Billboard Adult Top 40 and Adult Contemporary charts, it unexpectedly reached the Hot Christian Songs chart.
Even though the group didn’t achieve as much success as with “Home”, their impact on the music industry and the rock genre was impeccable.
2 David Archuleta: Favorite
Archuleta was stealing the hearts of teenage girls at 17 with this song since the day it was released in 2008. Billboard Hot 100 and #7 on the Canadian Hot 100. “Crush” defined the pop scene of the early 2000s, although it led to the downfall of Archuleta’s music career.
Many people will still hear this song played at special events, especially on several classic song playlists.
1 Kelly Clarkson: Since you left
Like the very first show american idol winner, Clarkson became a major pop star. His career spans a massive list of hit songs, with “Since U Been Gone” being just one of his greatest hits since its original release in 2004.
He stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for 20 weeks and spent 7 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the US Pop Songs chart. Clarkson is still known as one of the best performers to win the show, even with her other endeavors as a talk show host and coach on The voice.
About the Author
Comments are closed.