Checking in with the 23 past winners after Hannah Harper took the season 24 title.

Where are all the American Idol winners today? See what everyone has been up to since their respective seasons

Checking in with the 23 past winners after Hannah Harper took the season 24 title.

By Madeline Boardman,

Madeline Boardman

Madeline Boardman is a former digital features director at **. She left EW in 2017.

EW's editorial guidelines

James Mercadante,

and Ilana Gordon

Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles.

EW's editorial guidelines

June 11, 2026 8:00 a.m. ET

*American Idol* turns 25 in June 2027, but when the reality show premiered in 2002, nobody could have predicted that Fox’s low-budget singing competition would soon become a cultural institution. *AI *launched the careers of artists like Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks, and Scotty McCreery, and turned its host (Ryan Seacrest) and original judges (Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson) into household names.

America loved *AI* for its inspiring stories, cutting commentary, and legendary vocal performances. Cowell quickly earned a reputation as the “mean judge,” although he apologized in a 2025 interview with the *New York Times*, saying,* *“I wasn’t trying to be a d--- on purpose.”

*AI *has enjoyed several staffing changes over its decades-long run. In 2024, judge Katy Perry left following the conclusion of season 22. She was replaced by the show’s season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, making Underwood the first winner to return to the series as an official, long-term judge.

Season 24 ended in May, naming Hannah Harper as the latest American Idol. Here’s where the 23 previous *American Idol* champions are today.

Kelly Clarkson (season 1)

Kelly Clarkson performs on season 1 of 'American Idol'; Kelly Clarkson attends Citizen Watch Company's grand opening at Citizen Watch Company corporate offices on Nov. 3, 2015, in New York City. Kevin Winter/Getty Images; Rob Kim/Getty Images

Kelly Clarkson edged out runner-up Justin Guarini on Sept. 4, 2002, to become the very first winner of *American Idol*. The Texas-born singer took home the winning title at age 20, ending the finale with a famed performance of her debut single, "A Moment Like This."

Arguably the most successful *American Idol* alum, Clarkson became a certified pop star when the show ended. She dropped her debut album, *Thankful*, featuring the hit single "Miss Independent" in April 2002; her sophomore effort, *Breakaway*, was released in 2004, and achieved multiplatinum status. *Breakaway* won the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album, and Clarkson took home her second Grammy, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, for the single "Since U Been Gone."

Clarkson has released a total of 10 studio albums, including 2017's* Meaning of Life *and 2023's *Chemistry. *In 2013, the vocalist performed at President Barack Obama's second inauguration. A multi-hyphenate entertainer, Clarkson works as a coach on *The Voice** *and hosts NBC's daytime series* **The Kelly Clarkson Show*, which is airing its final episodes in the fall of 2026*.*

Clarkson has two children (River Rose and Remy) with ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, who died from skin cancer in August 2025.* —Madeline Boardman*

Ruben Studdard (season 2)

Ruben Studdard at the season 2 results show for 'American Idol'; Ruben Studdard performs at the OC Christmas Extravaganza Concert and Ball at Christ Cathedral, on Dec. 23, 2015, in Garden Grove, Calif. Ray Mickshaw/Fox; Jerod Harris/Getty Images

Ruben Studdard won *American Idol*'s second season on May 21, 2003. Living in Alabama at the time, Studdard auditioned for the singing competition in Nashville. He famously beat out runner-up Clay Aiken in the season finale, performing his debut single, "Flying Without Wings," after he accepted the crown.

Studdard released his debut album, *Soulful,* six months after winning the show. Led by the singles "Superstar" and "Sorry 2004," the album hit No. 1 on the *Billboard* 200 — the vocalist's most successful effort to date. Studdard has released eight albums so far, including 2018's *Ruben Sings Luther *and 2023's* The Way I Remember It. *In 2013, Studdard returned to TV to compete on *The Biggest Loser*. He made his Broadway debut in 2018 alongside his former *Idol* opponent Aiken in *Ruben & Clay's Christmas Show. —M.B.*

Fantasia Barrino (season 3)

Fantasia Barrino performs on season 3 of 'American Idol'; Fantasia Barrino attends the BET Honors 2016 at Warner Theatre on March 5, 2016, in Washington, D.C. Fox; Paul Morigi/FilmMagic

On May 26, 2004, Fantasia Barrino became the third American Idol. The young mother from North Carolina took home the title at the age of 20. While Barrino beat runner-up Diana DeGarmo in the season finale, she is perhaps most famous for taking the title over future Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, who placed seventh. Barrino celebrated her win with a performance of "I Believe," the track that would become her debut single.

Barrino's debut studio album, *Free Yourself*, arrived in stores in November 2004, led by the single "Truth Is." She went on to release six additional studio albums, the most recent being 2019's *Sketchbook. *Barrino launched her acting career in 2006, playing herself in the Lifetime movie *The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life Is Not a Fairy Tale.*

She hit the Broadway stage for performances in *After Midnight* and *The Color Purple*. She later reprised her role as Celie in *The Color Purple* for the Oprah Winfrey-produced musical version of the film in 2023. Her performance was celebrated with nominations for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for Best Actress; she won the NAACP Image award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture. *—M.B.*

Carrie Underwood (season 4)

Carrie Underwood performs on season 4 of 'American Idol'; Carrie Underwood attends the 58th Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on Feb. 15, 2016, in Los Angeles, Calif. Kevin Winter/Getty Images; Sammy Smith/WireImage

Carrie Underwood officially became a star on May 25, 2005, when she won the fourth season of *American Idol*. The Oklahoma singer auditioned for the show in St. Louis, beating Bo Bice in the last episode months later. Underwood performed "Inside Your Heaven" as a part of the final competition, releasing the track as her debut single.

While "Inside Your Heaven" performed well for Underwood, she saw even greater success just a few months later with the release of "Jesus, Take the Wheel." The track was on Underwood's debut November 2005 album, *Some Hearts*, which was certified multiplatinum.

The star has released nine studio albums, most recently 2022's *Denim & Rhinestones*. She earned eight Grammys during this time, including Best New Artist in 2007 and Best Country Solo Performance for both "Blown Away" and "Something in the Water."

The singer also tried her hand at acting, playing Maria von Trapp in NBC's 2013 production of *The Sound of Music Live!* and appearing in the film *Soul Surfer* (2011) and in episodes of *How I Met Your Mother*, *Blue Bloods*, and *Cobra Kai*.

Underwood married hockey player Mike Fisher in 2010. The couple has two children.*—M.B.*

Taylor Hicks (season 5)

Taylor Hicks performs on season 5 of 'American Idol'; Taylor Hicks attends the New York premiere of 'Vinyl' at Ziegfeld Theatre on Jan. 15, 2016, in New York City. Fox; Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Taylor Hicks became the fifth winner of *American Idol* on May 24, 2006. The then-29-year-old edged out Katharine McPhee for the title, after previously making it through past Chris Daughtry and Kellie Pickler. Hicks performed "Do I Make You Proud" in the season finale, releasing the track as his debut single.

Hicks, who previously released his own music independently, dropped his first post-*Idol* album, the self-titled *Taylor Hicks*, in December 2006. The record, which included "Just to Feel That Way" and "Heaven Knows," hit No. 2 on the *Billboard* 200. Hicks has released just one studio album since then, 2009's *The Distance, *and released "Six Strings and Diamond Rings" in 2017, his first single in eight years.

Outside of his recording career, Hicks played Teen Angel in a late-2000s production of *Grease* and the leading role of Charlie Anderson in a 2019 production of *Shenandoah*, and did a Las Vegas residency from 2012 to 2013. In 2023, he released several singles and made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry. His latest single, “The Mirror,” came out in May 2026. *—M.B.*

Jordin Sparks (season 6)

Jordin Sparks performs on season 6 of 'American Idol'; Jordin Sparks arrives at the 2016 Pre-Grammy Gala and Salute to Industry Icons honoring Irving Azoff held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Feb. 14, 2016, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Michael Becker/Fox; Michael Tran/FilmMagic

Jordin Sparks was named American Idol on May 23, 2007, during the show's sixth season. Just 17 years old at the time of her win, Sparks beat Blake Lewis in the season finale. Sparks was hardly a stranger to competition, having previously appeared on *America's Most Talented Kid*. She performed "This Is My Now" at the finale, which would become her debut single.

Sparks dropped her first album in November 2007, *Jordin Sparks.* The record was a commercial success and included the singles "Tattoo" and "No Air." Sparks climbed the charts with her sophomore album, *Battlefield*, in 2009, also performing at President Barack Obama's Inaugural Ball.

She took a hiatus from releasing music, appearing in the 2012 movie *Sparkle*, making TV cameos, and making an appearance in Broadway's *In the Heights.* In 2019, she joined the cast of *Waitress*.

Sparks returned to the studio in 2015, releasing her third album *Right Here, Right Now. *In 2020, she put out her Christmas album *Cider & Hennessy,* and followed that with her most recent album, *No Restrictions* (2024). The musician found herself on reality TV again with her 2018 Lifetime special *Jordin Sparks: A Baby Story *and her competitive runs as an exotic bird on *The Masked Dancer* and as a contestant during season 31 of *Dancing With the Stars*.

Sparks married her husband, Dana Isaiah, in 2017; they share a son. *—M.B.*

David Cook (season 7)

David Cook performs during season 7 of 'American Idol'; David Cook performs during the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend benefiting Children's Mercy Hospital on May 31, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo.

M. Caulfield/Getty; Kyle Rivas/Getty

*American Idol*'s seventh season went to David Cook, who took home the title on May 21, 2008. The Texas-born singer, who auditioned in Omaha, Neb., beat competitor David Archuleta in the season finale. Cook took his victory lap to Regie Hamm's "The Time of My Life," the winner of *Idol*'s songwriting competition.

Cook, who had previously released an independent album, *Analog Heart*, followed his *American Idol* win with the debut of the self-titled *David Cook* in November 2008. Led by the single "Light On," the album hit No. 3 on the *Billboard* 200. He went on to release two more albums, including 2015's *Digital Vein*, but fell short of the commercial success he saw with his first effort.

Cook married his longtime girlfriend, Rachael Stump, in 2015, made his Broadway debut as Charlie Price in *Kinky Boots* in 2018, and released his three EPs: *Chromance* (2018), *The Looking Glass *(2021), and *The Hero* (2025). *—M.B.*

Kris Allen (season 8)

Kris Allen performs on season 8 of 'American Idol'; Kris Allen attends the FOX winter TCA 2016 All-Star party at the Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa on Jan. 15, 2016, in Pasadena, Calif. Ray Mickshaw/Fox; Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Kris Allen was named American Idol as the show's eighth season came to a close on May 20, 2009. The Arkansan auditioned for *Idol* in Louisville, Ky., and made it all the way to the final round, beating out Adam Lambert in the finale. Allen and Lambert both performed the song "No Boundaries," though after Allen won, both versions were released.

Allen found success with his sophomore single, "Live Like We're Dying," which dropped in September 2009 and was on his studio album, *Kris Allen*. The self-titled project also included the Pat Monahan-assisted "The Truth" and was succeeded by five studio albums from Allen.

He released two records, *Letting You In *and *Something About Christmas*, in 2016, and released *10 — *a 2019 compilation album of his songs reimagined — to celebrate the decade-long anniversary of his *AI *win. In 2021, he joined fellow *Idol* winner David Cook on a tour in Europe, and in 2024, he released another compilation album, *Pole Vaulter*.

Allen has three children with his wife, Katy. *—M.B.*

Lee DeWyze (season 9)

Lee DeWyze performs on season 9 of 'American Idol'; Lee DeWyze attends the 4th annual Rock the Schools Concert at Gramercy Theatre on Dec. 17, 2014, in New York City. Michael Becker/Fox; John Lamparski/WireImage

Lee DeWyze became the ninth American Idol on May 26, 2010. The Illinois-born singer, who previously eyed a music career with an independent label, found his way onto the singing show through an audition in Chicago. He beat out competitor Crystal Bowersox in the season finale. DeWyze closed his *Idol* run with a performance of his debut single, which was a cover of U2's "Beautiful Day."

The singer released his post-*Idol* debut album, *Live It Up*, with RCA in November 2010. The project included the singles "Sweet Serendipity" and "Beautiful Like You," but failed to crack the top 10 on the *Billboard* 200 chart. DeWyze continued to record and married actress Jonna Walsh during this time. He released six subsequent albums, including *Ghost Stories* (2021) and *Gone For Days* (2024), and had his song "Victims of the Night" featured in Paramount+'s *Teen Wolf: The Movie* (2023). *—M.B.*

Scotty McCreery (season 10)

Scotty McCreery performs on season 10 of 'American Idol'; Scotty McCreery sings the national anthem during the AFC Divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium on Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxboro, Mass. Michael Becker/Fox; Al Bello/Getty Images

*American Idol*'s 10th season went to then-17-year-old Scotty McCreery on May 25, 2011. The country crooner from North Carolina beat out Lauren Alaina in the season finale, having previously lasted longer in the competition than such performers as Pia Toscano, Haley Reinhart, and Casey Abrams. McCreery performed "I Love You This Big" for his final bow, releasing the track as his debut single.

The singer dropped his debut studio album, *Clear as Day*, soon after. The platinum-selling project, which hit No. 1 on the *Billboard* 200 after its October 2011 release, included "I Love You This Big" as well as the sophomore single "The Trouble With Girls." The following year, McCreery dropped a holiday album, going on to debut a third record, *See You Tonight,* in 2013.

The reality star published his first book, *Go Big or Go Home*, and was brought under new management in 2016. McCreery went on to release three more albums: *Seasons Change* (2018), *Same Truck* (2021), and *Rise & Fall* (2024). In April 2024, he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

McCreery married his wife, Gabi Dugal, in 2018. The couple has two sons. *—M.B.*

Phillip Phillips (season 11)

Phillip Phillips performs on season 11 of 'American Idol'; Phillip Phillips attends the 63rd annual BMI Pop Awards at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on May 12, 2015, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Mark Davis/Getty Images; Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

Phillip Phillips edged out Jessica Sanchez in *American Idol*'s 11th season to win the title on May 23, 2012. Phillips auditioned for the show in Savannah, Ga., making it through the rounds without finding himself in the bottom three. He debuted his single, "Home," in the season finale, watching the track go multiplatinum.

His biggest chart success to date, "Home" led Phillips' debut studio album, *The World From the Side of the Moon*. Released in November 2012, the project hit No. 4 on the *Billboard* 200 and also included the track "Gone, Gone, Gone."

The singer dropped his two succeeding albums, *Behind the Light* (2014) and *Collateral* (2018), and went on to open for the Goo Goo Dolls in 2017 and co-headline a 2018 tour with Gavin DeGraw.

Outside of his music career, Phillips married Hannah Blackwell in 2015; the couple has two children*. *The former *AI* contestant returned to the show in 2022 for its season finale and 20th anniversary, performing his single "Love Like That." In 2023, he released his fourth album (*Drift Back*), performed the national anthem at the Stanley Cup Finals, and made his Grand Ole Opry debut. *—M.B.*

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Candice Glover (season 12)

Candice Glover performs on season 12 of 'American Idol'; Candice Glover performs during the 2015 Hollywood Christmas Parade on Nov. 29, 2015, in Hollywood, Calif. Ray Mickshaw/Fox; Mike Windle/Getty Images

On May 16, 2013, Candice Glover became the 12th winner of *American Idol*. The singer from South Carolina went out for the show in Charlotte, N.C., finally making it on after two previous auditions. She beat out Kree Harrison in the season finale, performing the track "I Am Beautiful." The song would go on to become Glover's debut promotional single.

Glover dropped her debut studio album, *Music Speaks*, in February 2014, nearly a year after her *Idol* win. The project peaked at No. 14 on the *Billboard* 200, and included her follow-up single, "Cried." Glover hyped new music in 2015, but has yet to make an official announcement. In 2017, she performed in the stage show *Home for the Holidays, Live on Broadway.* In 2019, she appeared on the TV show *GRITS: Girls Raised in the South*.

Glover continues to sing, largely playing private events. *—M.B.*

Caleb Johnson (season 13)

Caleb Johnson performs on season 13 of 'American Idol'; Caleb Johnson arrives at the 'American Idol' XIV Grand Finale at the Dolby Theatre on May 13, 2015, in Hollywood, Calif. Michael Becker/Fox; Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

The title of American Idol went to Caleb Johnson in the show's 13th season. The North Carolina-born performer took the crown on May 21, 2014, edging out Jena Irene in the finale. Johnson performed "As Long as You Love Me" during the last episode, releasing the track as his debut single.

Just two months after his win, Johnson dropped his debut studio album, *Testify*. The 10-track record included "As Long as You Love Me" (which we now know he disliked), in addition to the singles "Only One" and "Fighting Gravity." The album struggled to achieve the same level of success as previous *Idol* debuts, peaking at No. 24 on the *Billboard* 200.

The vocalist went on to release the 2019 album *Born From Southern Ground *with his band Caleb Johnson & the Ramblin' Saints, as well as his 2021 EP, *Mountain Mojo, Vol. 1. *Johnson frequently performs and tours with Neverland Express, the late singer Meatloaf's rotating backing band. In 2023, they released the album *Paradise Found: Bat Out Of Hell Reignited*. *—M.B.*

Nick Fradiani (season 14)

Nick Fradiani performs on season 14 of 'American Idol'; Nick Fradiani attends the Republic Records Grammy Celebration presented by Chromecast Audio at Hyde Sunset Kitchen & Cocktail on Feb. 15, 2016, in Los Angeles, Calif. Michael Becker/Fox; Angela Weiss/Getty Images

On May 13, 2015, Nick Fradiani became the winner of *American Idol*'s 14th season. Edging out Clark Beckham in the finale, Fradiani performed the single "Beautiful Life," which would become his first official release after *Idol*.

"Beautiful Life" hit No. 93 on the *Billboard* Hot 100 and teased what was to come from his first album post-*Idol*. Fradiani previously released records as a part of the band Beach Avenue, and launched his debut solo album, *Hurricane*, in 2016, following it with his 2017 EP, *Where We Left Off*.

He played Lorenzo in *A Bronx Tale* during the musical's national tour from 2019 to 2020. The singer released a second studio album, *Past My Past*, in 2022, and made his Broadway debut that same year as the alternate for the role of Neil Diamond in *A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical*. He would later take over the role full-time and also plays the part on the show’s North American tour. *—M.B.*

Trent Harmon (season 15)

Trent Harmon performs during season 15 of 'American Idol'; Trent Harmon visits Hallmark's 'Home & Family' at Universal Studios Hollywood on May 21, 2018, in Universal City, Calif. Ray Mickshaw/FOX Image Collection via Getty Images; Paul Archuleta/Getty Images

After being rejected by all four judges on his unaired audition for *The Voice*, Trent Harmon didn't let that turndown (or even mono) stop him from winning *American Idol*'s "Farewell Season," defeating La'Porsha Renae for the title. The Mississippi singer impressed viewers with his country-soul voice — singing "Falling" by then *AI *judge Keith Urban — and won a 2017 Ford Fusion and a record deal with Big Machine Records.

A year after his victory, Harmon released his self-titled EP — which showcased his range as a country-pop singer — and featured his top 30 debut single, "There's a Girl." The singer then released his debut album, *You Got 'Em All*, in 2018, before parting ways with Big Machine Records in 2019. His most recent offering is a Christian music EP, *Scars & Sins, *released in May 2025*.*

Harmon has been married to first-grade teacher Kathleen Couch since 2020. The couple welcomed a daughter in 2023. —*James Mercadante*

Maddie Poppe (season 16)

Maddi Poppe auditions for 'American Idol'; Maddi Poppe on the 'Great Idol Reunion' episode of 'American Idol'. Eric Liebowitz/Getty; Christopher Willard/ABC

Praised for having a Joni Mitchell-esque voice, Maddie Poppe sang her way to a spot as a top three finalist, and was eventually crowned the winner on May 21, 2018. The folk singer beat runner-up Caleb Lee Hutchinson — who was revealed as her new boyfriend, prior to the finale — and Gabby Barrett in third place. Her winner's single was "Going, Going, Gone," which was penned by Julia Michaels, Mitch Allen, and Lindy Robbins.

Prior to her *AI* victory, Poppe released her 2016 independent album, *Songs From the Basement*, and went on to finish her first studio album, *Whirlwind*, with Hollywood Records in 2019. The musician later joined Ingrid Michaelson on her 2019 tour as an opener. Poppe continues to release music, including her 2020 Christmas EP and her 2025 cover of "Rainbow Connection." In 2023, she posted a photo on Instagram of herself with her new partner, seemingly confirming an end to her relationship with Hutchinson. —*J.M.*

Laine Hardy (season 17)

Laine Hardy during Hollywood Week on 'American Idol'; Laine Hardy performs during the 2021 Watershed Festival at Gorge Amphitheatre on July 31, 2021, in George, Wash. Eric McCandless/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty; Tim Mosenfelder/Getty

The Livingston, La. resident first auditioned for *American Idol* in 2016, but didn't get far in the competition. Laine Hardy returned in season 17 to play guitar for friend Ashton Gill's audition. This time, judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie convinced him to give the show another shot, igniting his journey all the way to the finale. He won the competition on May 19, 2019, with his winner's single, "Flame."

Hardy announced his headlining U.S. tour a few months later. The country-rock singer dropped his fans a few musical tidbits, including 2020's "Tiny Town" and 2021's "Memorize You," leading up to the release of his debut album, *Here's to Anyone*, in 2021.

Hardy's music career was put on hold after his 2022 arrest for hiding a recording device in his ex-girlfriend's dorm room. In 2025, he announced his marriage to former NFL cheerleader Jordan Gautreau on Instagram. The couple shares one son. —*J.M.*

Just Sam (season 18)

Just Sam on season 18 of 'American Idol'; Just Sam performs on stage during the 2022 FairVote Awards at City Winery on April 11, 2022, in New York City. Eric Liebowitz/ABC/Getty; Noam Galai/Getty

Forced to compete under the restrictions of a global pandemic, Samantha Diaz — better known by the stage name Just Sam — edged out runner-up Arthur Song by reprising their audition song, "Rise Up," and was remotely crowned winner from the comfort of their home.

Just Sam released "Rise Up" as a single after their win, but ultimately chose to walk away from their deal with Hollywood Records to make music on their own terms. "I'm not even going to tell you guys the amount of money that I had to pay after leaving the label to claim songs that I already recorded," Just Sam told the *Chicago Defender* in 2022.

Financial difficulties after winning the show prompted Diaz to return to busking in New York City subways, but they've since found new management. In 2024, they finally got a chance to shine on the *American Idol* stage when they returned to the show to perform a cover of Whitney Houston’s "One Moment in Time.” Just Sam gave birth to their first child in September 2025. —*J.M.*

Chayce Beckham (season 19)

Chayce Beckham performs on season 19 of 'American Idol'; Chayce Beckham performs during CMA Fest 2022 at Dr Pepper Amp Stage at Ascend Park on June 10, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Christopher Willard/Getty; Michael Hickey/Getty

The singer from Apple Valley, Calif., auditioned in L.A. two weeks after receiving a DUI while driving back from a show with his band. In a 2022 interview with Country Swag, Chayce Beckham credited his time competing on *American Idol* with helping him get sober and turn his life around — winning certainly didn't hurt.

Beckham became a frontrunner when he performed his original song "23" for Top 4. The song hit No. 1 on the iTunes chart shortly before the finale, and helped the country singer overthrow contestants Willie Spence and Grace Kinstler on May 23, 2021.

Directly after his win, Beckham launched "23" as his first single, making him the first *AI* contestant to use their own original song for their first release. The season 19 winner went on to release his first studio EP, *Doin' It Right*, which included its lead single, "Tell Me Twice." His first studio album, *Bad for Me*, came out in 2024. —*J.M.*

Noah Thompson (season 20)

Noah Thompson auditions for season 20 of 'American Idol'; Noah Thompson performs at CMA Fest on June 9, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty; Danielle Del Valle/Getty

*American Idol* saw a back-to-back winning streak by male country artists with Noah Thompson winning the show's 20th season. He performed his finale song, "One Day Tonight," and beat his opponent — another country singer — HunterGirl on May 22, 2022.

The Kentucky artist and former construction worker went on to release "One Day Tonight" as his debut single. That song was also included on *Middle of God Knows Where*, Thompson's EP released in June 2023. In 2025, he released his song "Find Em in a Bar" and made his Grand Ole Opry debut.

Thompson is a father to one son. —*J.M.*

Iam Tongi (season 21)

Iam Tongi on season 21 of 'American Idol'; Iam Tongi attends the world premiere of Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch' at El Capitan Theatre on May 17, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif.

Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty; Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Hailing from Hawaii, Iam Tongi’s win ended the two-year country musician streak. During his time on *AI, *he exposed audiences to Hawaiian music and dedicated his performances to his father, who died a few months before Tongi's audition.

Tongi’s musical journey has been underscored by the James Blunt song “Monsters.” Tongi used the piece for his audition, which went viral, and later performed the song with Blunt during the season 21 finale. He released a studio version of his and Blunt’s duet in August 2023.

In May 2025, Tongi released his version of the song “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride,” which was recorded for the live action *Lilo & Stitch** *film. In a full circle moment, Tongi returned to the *AI* stage that same month to perform the song for the first time. *—Ilana Gordon*

Abi Carter (season 22)

Abi Carter on season 22 of 'American Idol' Abi Carter attends the Windsor's Wild West event on April 26, 2025, in Indio, Calif.

Disney/Eric McCandless; Joe Scarnici/Getty

Abi Carter, the first woman to win *American Idol *in four years, is from the Coachella Valley. Carter grew up playing piano and singing, but attended California State University, San Bernardino to study marriage and family therapy. The singer started her vocal career busking; social media videos of her performing drew the attention of *American Idol* producers, and in May 2024, the expressive indie pop folk artist took home the season 22 win.

After the finale, Carter wrote on Instagram, “I'm just a girl from Indio, who used to sing on street corners, and now I've had the pleasure and privilege to work with some of the most talented people in the industry and be heard by millions of people. This is my dream and I know it's just the beginning. I love you all so much."

Carter moved to Los Angeles after her *Idol *win to pursue her music career. She chose not to sign with a label and released her full album, *Ghosts in the Backyard,* as an independent artist in November 2024. Carter is in a relationship with Cooper McCollum from Allen, Tex. *—I.G.*

Jamal Roberts (season 23)

Jamal Roberts on season 23 of 'American Idol'; Jamal Roberts attends the 2025 BET Awards at the Peacock Theater on June 9, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif.

Christopher Willard/Disney via Getty; Savion Washington/FilmMagic

Third time was the charm for Mississippi’s father of three and P.E. coach Jamal Roberts, who bounced back after receiving rejections in two earlier seasons to win America over with his soulful voice.

"HOWWWW is this even real?!?!," Roberts wrote on Instagram after his win in May 2025. "From my first step on that stage to this unbelievable moment, I never dreamed a kid from my hometown would one day be called American Idol. This journey has been bigger than me, and I’m so grateful for every person who believed in me when I was just chasing a dream."

Later that month, Roberts' debut single, "Heal," premiered at No. 1 on the *Billboard* Hot Gospel chart. In the fall of that same year, Roberts joined artists Monica and Brandy on their first co-headlining venture, a 24-city arena tour. Also that fall, Roberts and musician Jonathan McReynolds were nominated for Best Gospel Performance/Song for their collaboration, “Still”. *—I.G.*

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Source: “EW American”