Some “Idol” winners fare better than others
The entertainment writers here at The Oklahoman and NewsOK are continuing our coverage of Tulsan David Cook’s huge win on “American Idol” Wednesday night.
Click here to read George Lang’s rundown on Cook’s upcoming TV appearances.
Click here to read George’s story about Cook’s chances for career success.
Matt Price and I, with contributions from the Associated Press, compiled this breakdown of how past “Idol” winners have fared after winning the show:
Some stars shine brighter than others
David Cook is the seventh performer to emerge victorious on “American Idol,” but not all of those winners have found success.
Carrie Underwood
The Checotah native has notched about 9 million in album sales, with her 2005 debut, “Some Hearts,” going seven-times platinum. That made it the best-selling solo debut by a female country artist in the Recording Industry Association of America’s history. Her 2007 sophomore release, “Carnival Ride,” has been certified twice-platinum and is No. 4 on the Billboard country charts after 30 weeks. She has notched No. 1 hits with every single she has released. Among her many awards, Underwood, 25, has earned two Grammys and was named Sunday the Academy of Country Music’s top female vocalist for the second straight year. She also was inducted earlier this month into the Grand Ole Opry.
Kelly Clarkson
The 26-year-old pop singer saw her first album, “Thankful,” debut at No. 1 on the Billboard sales chart and go double-platinum. Her second album, “Breakaway,” went six-times platinum in the U.S. and spawned the hit singles “Since U Been Gone” and “Breakaway.” She’s won Grammys for best female pop vocal performance and best pop vocal album. She and producer Clive Davis feuded over the direction of her third album, “My December,” which still went platinum. She also recorded a duet of her hit “Because of You” with Reba McEntire for the smash “Reba Duets” album. The duet became a hit, leading to their “2 Worlds 2 Voices” tour. Like Underwood, she’s sold 9 million albums.
Fantasia Barrino
Fantasia (who generally goes without her last name) won the show’s third season as a 19-year-old single mom with a gospel style. She became the first artist in history to have her first single, “I Believe,” debut at No. 1. Her initial album, “Free Yourself,” was certified platinum and nominated for four Grammy awards. Her second album, “Fantasia,” came out in late 2006 and was certified gold. Last year, Fantasia, now 23, played Celie in the Broadway musical “The Color Purple”; she recently announced she would play the role in the film version. She has a third album planned for late 2008 or early 2009.
Ruben Studdard
The show’s second-season winner hasn’t fared as well as others. The 29-year-old crooner’s post-”Idol” buzz was strong, as his first album “Soulful,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart and sold 400,000 copies in its first week. But his 2006 album “The Return,” sold only 236,000 copies. Studdard left his contract with J Records, the official “Idol” label, in late 2007, but still is represented by “Idol” creator Simon Fuller’s 19 Entertainment.
Taylor Hicks
The 31-year-old fifth-season winner released his self-titled disc in December 2006, and it sold about 700,000, short of the 1 million mark all previous “Idol” winners hit with their debuts. In January, his record label dropped him. “Taylor is going to record on his own for the next album,” J Records publicist Liz Morentin said at the time. Next month, the soulful singer is set to join the Broadway cast of “Grease” in the role of Teen Angel.
Jordin Sparks
At 17, she became the youngest “Idol” when she won in the sixth season. Sparks, daughter of former NFL star Phillippi Sparks, released her self-titled first album in November, and it charted at No. 10, the lowest debut for any “Idol” victor. Now 18, the pop/soul singer scored platinum singles with “Tattoo” and her Chris Brown duet “No Air.” The latter is currently No. 5 on the Billboard Hot Five after peaking at No. 3.
Other contestants find success
Rocker Chris Daughtry, a fifth-season finalist, was one of last year’s top-selling artists. Clay Aiken’s fourth album, “On My Way Here,” last week debuted at No. 4, and earlier this year, the second season runner-up joined the Broadway cast of “Spamalot.” Former contestants Kellie Pickler, Bucky Covington and Josh Gracin have burgeoning country careers. Third-season finalist Jennifer Hudson has yet to release an album but won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for her part in the 2006 movie musical “Dreamgirls.”
-BAM
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