Best "American Idol" Contestants of All Time
by IMDb-Editors | created - 20 Feb 2018 | updated - 01 Mar 2018 | PublicHere is a look at singers who have been finalists in the televised singing competition.
1. A.J. Gil
Actor | Destination Fame
A.J. Gil was born on July 5, 1984 in San Diego, California, USA. He is an actor, known for Destination Fame (2012), American Idol (2002) and Family Feud (1999).
2. Aaron Kelly
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Aaron Kelly was born on April 2, 1993 in Sonestown, Pennsylvania, USA.
3. Ace Young
Actor | Sing It!
Ace Young is from Colorado and is an American Idol Season 5 finalist. He has just released his new single, "I Wanna Fall In Love Again", which he wrote and produced along with dear friend and Top Swedish Producer, Harry Sommerdahl, that is digitally distributed through Jimmy Buffett's Mailboat ...
4. Adam Lambert
Soundtrack | 2012
Adam Lambert is a Grammy-nominated international artist, actor, philanthropist, and LGBTQ+ activist.
As the first openly gay male artist to top the Billboard album charts, Adam has released five studio albums to date, amassing more than three million album sales worldwide-all while honoring the ...
5. Adanna Duru
Actress | Postmodern Jukebox Feat. Casey Abrams: What Is Love
Adanna Duru is known for Postmodern Jukebox Feat. Casey Abrams: What Is Love (2017), The Voice (2011) and American Idol (2002).
6. Alex Preston
Self | In Your Arms
7. Alexis Grace
Actress | Trailer Park Boys: Out of the Park
Alexis Grace was born on June 9, 1987 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. She is an actress, known for Trailer Park Boys: Out of the Park (2016), Bad, Bad Men (2016) and Jacir (2022).
8. Allison Iraheta
Soundtrack | Lost Time
Allison Iraheta was born on April 27, 1992 in Los Angeles, California, USA. She is an actress and composer, known for Lost Time (2014), The Short Game (2013) and Adam Lambert: If I Had You (2010).
9. Amanda Overmyer
Self | Access Hollywood
Amanda Overmyer was born on October 26, 1984 in Mulberry, Indiana, USA. She has been married to Casey Taylor since August 23, 2008.
10. Amber Holcomb
Self | Here Without You
Gave birth to her 1st child at age 19, a daughter Jordyn Denson on February 13, 2014. Child's father is her boyfriend, Lamar D. Denson.
11. Amy Adams
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Amy Adams was born on July 25, 1979 in Kansas City, Kansas, USA. She has been married to Ross Varner since October 4, 2004. They have one child.
12. Andrew Garcia
Actor | JustKiddingFilms
Andrew Garcia was born on October 8, 1985 in Moreno Valley, California, USA. He is an actor, known for JustKiddingFilms (2007), American Idol (2002) and Whistle While I Work It (2013).
14. Anoop Desai
Actor | Under the Bridge
Anoop Desai was born in Cary, North Carolina, USA. He is an actor, known for Under the Bridge (2024), What We Do in the Shadows (2019) and Babygirl.
15. Anthony Fedorov
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Anthony Fedorov was born on May 4, 1985 in Yalta, Crimean Oblast, Ukrainian SSR, USSR [now Crimea, Ukraine]. He is an actor, known for American Idol (2002), Ben Elohim and Katya (2011). He has been married to Jennifer Paz since December 25, 2012. They have one child.
16. Anwar Robinson
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Anwar Robinson was born on April 21, 1979 in East Orange, New Jersey, USA. He is an actor, known for American Idol (2002), Friends & Lovers: The Ski Trip 2 (2008) and Friends & Lovers (2010).
17. Ashthon Jones
Soundtrack | Shine
Ashthon Jones came into this world with musical roots strong within her family and remembered her first musical beginnings singing her heart out in church. She received her early training when she would make runs to Valdosta, Georgia to stay with her cousins.
Some of her musical influences are the ...
18. Avalon Young
Self | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Avalon Jean Young is a singer-songwriter whose talents and experience far outweigh her years.
Quickly learning that her love for music was intertwined with her love for writing, she dropped out of college in 2013 to dedicate all of her time to the music. Young's journey through the industry has ...
20. Blake Lewis
Actor | Blake Lewis Is Shitting in My Bathroom
Blake Lewis was born on July 21, 1981 in Redmond, Washington, USA. He is an actor and writer, known for Blake Lewis Is Shitting in My Bathroom (2009), Free Radio (2007) and Mermaid.
21. Bo Bice
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Bo Bice was born on November 1, 1975 in Helena, Alabama, USA. He is an actor, known for American Idol (2002), Blades of Glory (2007) and Last Ounce of Courage (2012). He has been married to Caroline Fisher since June 15, 2005. They have three children.
22. Brandon Rogers
Soundtrack | Coming 2 America
Brandon Rogers was born on December 11, 1977 in North Hollywood, California, USA. He is an actor, known for Coming 2 America (2021), Missing Audrey (2010) and Bones (2005).
23. Brooke White
Actress | Change of Plans
Brooke Elizabeth White was born and raised in Arizona with her parents and three younger siblings. She began singing at the age of fifteen when she tried out for the musical "Meet me in St. Louis" and got the leading role. In 2008 she tried out for American Idol and was among the top twelve and ...
24. Bucky Covington
Actor | Under the Stadium Lights
Bucky Covington was born on November 8, 1977 in Rockingham, North Carolina, USA. He is an actor, known for Under the Stadium Lights (2021), American Idol (2002) and Bucky Covington feat. Shooter Jennings: Drinking Side of Country (2012). He has been married to Hannah Borders since October 17, 2020....
26. C.J. Harris
Self | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
C.J. Harris was born on January 28, 1991 in Jasper, Alabama, USA. He died on January 15, 2023 in Jasper, Alabama, USA.
27. Caleb Johnson
Self | Vevo Idol Insider
28. Camile Velasco
Actress | The Big V
Camile Velasco was born on September 1, 1985 in Makati City, Philippines. She is an actress, known for The Big V (2008), The Black Eyed Peas: Bebot, Version 2 (2006) and The Black Eyed Peas: Bebot, Version 1 (2006).
29. Candice Glover
Actress | Underground
Candice Glover is known for Underground (2016), Colors (2021) and GRITS: Girls Raised in the South (2019).
30. Carly Smithson
Actress | Fools of Fortune
Carly Smithson was born on September 12, 1983 in Dublin, Ireland. She is an actress, known for Fools of Fortune (1990), We Are the Fallen: Bury Me Alive (2010) and American Idol (2002). She has been married to Todd Smithson since August 17, 2004. They have one child.
31. Carmen Rasmusen
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Carmen was born of Norwegian heritage on March 25, 1985 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to Carl and Michelle Rasmusen. The second of four children, Carmen began playing piano at the age of six. She spent most of her childhood performing; singing, dancing (includes cheerleading, tap, ballet and hip-hop...
32. Carrie Underwood
Actress | Soul Surfer
Carrie Underwood was born on March 10, 1983 in Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA. She is a music artist and actress, known for Soul Surfer (2011), The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010) and American Idol (2002). She has been married to Mike Fisher since July 10, 2010. They have two ...
33. Casey Abrams
Soundtrack | Charming the Hearts of Men
Casey Abrams is known for Charming the Hearts of Men (2021), Casey Abrams is Homeless! (2013) and Love & Debt (2019).
34. Casey James
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Casey James was born on May 31, 1982 in Plano, Texas, USA. He is an actor and composer, known for American Idol (2002), Teddy Pendergrass & Lisa Fischer: Glad to Be Alive (1990) and Urban Cowboy (2016). He was previously married to Kellie Lister.
35. Charles Grigsby
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
36. Chikezie Eze
Actor | General Hospital
Chikezie Eze was born on September 11, 1985 in Inglewood, California, USA. He is an actor, known for General Hospital (1963), Access Hollywood (1996) and American Idol Christmas (2009). He has been married to Linda Iruke since July 10, 2011.
37. Chris Daughtry
Soundtrack | Wanderlust
Chris Daughtry was born on December 26, 1979 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, USA. He is an actor, known for Wanderlust (2012), Criminal Minds (2005) and NCIS: Los Angeles (2009). He has been married to Deanna Daughtry since November 11, 2000. They have four children.
38. Chris Richardson
Soundtrack | November Rule
Chris Richardson was born on February 19, 1984 in Chesapeake, Virginia, USA. He is an actor and composer, known for November Rule (2015), Paris Hilton: Come Alive (2014) and Tyga Feat. Chris Richardson: Far Away (2011).
39. Chris Sligh
Soundtrack | October Baby
Chris Sligh was born on April 13, 1978 in Madison, Tennessee, USA. He is an actor and cinematographer, known for October Baby (2011), Markees vs. (2013) and CMT Insider (2004).
40. Christina Christian
Actress | Burn Notice
Christina Christian was born on June 21, 1981 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. She is an actress, known for Burn Notice (2007), CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000) and Celia: The Queen (2008). She has been married to Nicholas Cewe since 2004. They have one child.
41. Clark Beckham
Soundtrack | Christmas Inheritance
Clark Beckham is known for Christmas Inheritance (2017), The Poor Cowards (2013) and 5 Stages (2014).
42. Clay Aiken
Self | The Runner-Up
Clayton Holmes Grissom was born on November 30, 1978 in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Faye Aiken Parker and Vernon Grissom. When Clay was a teenager, he had a love for teaching and helping young children and later on studied to became a school teacher. When he was about 23 years old, a longtime ...
43. Clint Jun Gamboa
Soundtrack | The Room
Clint Jun Gamboa is known for The Room (2003), The Heidi Selexa Show (2014) and American Idol (2002).
44. Colton Dixon
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Colton Dixon was born to Teresa and Michael Dixon and has a younger sister, Schyler Dixon. [2] He is also a devout Christian.[3] He graduated from Middle Tennessee School in 2009. Originally rising to fame as lead singer in the Christian rock band, Messenger, formed in 2010, he became a favorite ...
45. Constantine Maroulis
Actor | Rock of Ages
Constantine Maroulis was born on September 17, 1975 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for Rock of Ages (2012), The Bold and the Beautiful (1987) and Kittens in a Cage (2015).
46. Corey Clark
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Corey Clark was born on July 13, 1980 in San Bernardino, California, USA. He is an actor, known for American Idol (2002), The Notorious B.I.G. Feat. P. Diddy, Nelly, Jagged Edge & Avery Storm: Nasty Girl (2005) and Out of control (2008).
47. Crystal Bowersox
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Crystal Bowersox was born on August 4, 1985 in Elliston, Ohio, USA. She is an actress, known for American Idol (2002), Crystal Bowersox: Farmer's Daughter (2010) and Body of Proof (2011). She has been married to Brian L. Walker since October 10, 2010.
49. Dalton Rapattoni
Actor | MyMusic
Dalton Louis Rapattoni is an American musician. At the age of 12 he began guitar lessons at a local School of Rock due to reoccurring seizures from a change of medication. He was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder at the age of 9. He started a garage band with childhood friends known as Fly Away Hero....
50. Daniel Seavey
Composer | Lauv Feat. BTS: Who (Visualizer)
Daniel Seavey is known for Lauv Feat. BTS: Who (Visualizer) (2020), Why Don't We: How Do You Love Somebody (2022) and Why Don't We: Hooked (2018).
51. Danny Gokey
Soundtrack | What About Love
Danny Gokey was born on April 24, 1980 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. He is a music artist and actor, known for What About Love (2013), Walk. Ride. Rodeo. (2019) and Danny Gokey: New Day (2021). He has been married to Leyicet Gokey since January 29, 2012. They have four children. He was previously ...
52. David Archuleta
Actor | David Archuleta: I'm Yours
In 2008, more than 30 million television viewers fell in love with David Archuleta; with his angelic voice, bashful sweetness, and megawatt smile, over 44 million votes made him the first runner-up in Season 7 of American Idol - and a star at age 16.
Shortly after "Idol," David's first single, "...
53. David Cook
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
David Cook grew up in Blue Springs, Missouri where he graduated high school then went to Central Missouri State for Graphic Design. He formed a band, Axium, with friends Bobby Kerr and Jeff Shrout, and recorded 3 albums, plus a live album. His band Axium created a great fan base in Kansas City area...
54. David Hernandez
Music_department | Share the Love
DavidHernandez gained national attention with his dynamic voice and affable personality as a Top12 AmericanIdol finalist. A true self-made artist with the potential to transcend any genre, David is a force to be reckoned with. Possessing the ability to reinvent himself and sustain in an ...
55. DeAndre Brackensick
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
DeAndre Brackensick is known for American Idol (2002), Rock Bottom and Living Courageous with Ken Foreman (2020).
57. Dexter Roberts
Self | The Voice
58. Diana DeGarmo
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Diana DeGarmo, a country girl from Georgia and American Idol Season 3 Runner-Up just released her first real Country EP, "Live To Love", composed of songs she co-wrote with new fiancé Ace Young, that is digitally distributed through Jimmy Buffett's Mailboat Records. She has multiple Theatre credits...
59. Didi Benami
Actress | Pure Genius
Didi Benami was born on October 25, 1986 in New York, USA. She is an actress, known for Pure Genius (2016), Picture Yourself (2017) and Theory of a Deadman: Hurricane (2012).
60. EJay Day
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
EJay Day was born on September 13, 1981 in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA.
61. Elise Testone
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Elise Testone is known for American Idol (2002), Elise Testone: Now (2015) and Live at the Charleston Music Hall (2016).
62. Elliott Yamin
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Elliott Yamin was born on July 20, 1978 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He is an actor and composer, known for American Idol (2002), The Bold and the Beautiful (1987) and Twilight: The Story of Hope.
64. Erika Van Pelt
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
65. Fantasia Barrino
Soundtrack | The Color Purple
Fantasia Barrino was born on June 30, 1984 in High Point, North Carolina, USA. She is an actress and producer, known for The Color Purple (2023), The Butler (2013) and American Idol (2002). She has been married to Kendall Taylor since July 19, 2015. They have one child.
66. George Huff
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
George Huff was born on November 4, 1980 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. He is an actor, known for American Idol (2002), The Remnant and Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's 'All in the Family' and 'The Jeffersons' (2019).
67. Gianna Isabella Magliocco
Producer | A Portrait of Redemption in Five Acts
Gianna Isabella Magliocco is known for A Portrait of Redemption in Five Acts, Untitled Poveglia Island Documentary and A Wrinkle in Time (2018).
68. Gina Glocksen
Self | American Idol Extra
Gina Glocksen was born on July 4, 1984 in Naperville, Illinois, USA. She has been married to Joe Ruzicka since December 31, 2008. They have one child.
69. Haley Reinhart
Actress | F Is for Family
Haley Reinhart was born on September 9, 1990 in Wheeling, IL. She auditioned for season 9 of American Idol (2002) but did not make it past the judges round. She auditioned again for Season 10 and made it to the Top 3, with covers of songs like "Bennie & The Jets", "Rolling in the Deep", "I Who Have...
70. Haley Scarnato
Self | Ellen: The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Haley Scarnato was born on June 15, 1982 in San Antonio, Texas, USA.
71. Heejun Han
Soundtrack | Autumn Sonata
Heejun Han is known for Autumn Sonata (2017), Witch's Castle (2015) and On the Way to the Airport (2016).
72. Hollie Cavanagh
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Hollie Jessica Cavanagh is a singer who was born in Liverpool to Lorraine and Peter Cavanagh, She has two older brothers Luke and Aaron Cavanagh. She placed fourth on the eleventh season of American Idol. Cavanagh is a fan of Liverpool F.C., attended St Austin's Primary School in Aigburth and ...
73. Jacob Lusk
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Jacob Lusk is known for American Idol (2002), Materna (2020) and Love Chronicles: Secrets Revealed (2010).
74. James Durbin
Actor | In the Blood
James Durbin is known for In the Blood (2019), American Idol (2002) and I Said I Will (2021). He has been married to Heidi Lowe since December 31, 2011. They have two children.
75. Janelle Arthur
Actress | Runnin' from My Roots
Janelle Arthur is known for Runnin' from My Roots (2018), Five Date Rule and Vevo Idol Insider (2014).
76. Jasmine Murray
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Jasmine Murray was born on December 12, 1991 in Columbus, Mississippi, USA.
77. Jasmine Trias
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Jasmine Soriano Trias (born 3 November 1986), the Filipino-American 3rd place finalist on last year's "American Idol," will have her self titled debut album in stores July 12, 2005. Her new CD introduces an edgier, rhythm and blues-based sound. From the single, "Excuses" (already #1 in the ...
78. Jason Castro
Actor | Black Easter
Jason Castro was born on March 25, 1987 in Dallas, Texas, USA. He is an actor, known for Black Easter (2021), Amar a morir (2009) and No me la puc treure del cap (2010). He has been married to Mandy Mayhall since January 2, 2010. They have four children.
79. Jax
Soundtrack | You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah
Jax was born on May 5, 1996. She is a director and writer, known for You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023), Jax: Bitchcraft (2020) and Children in the Woods (2009). She has been married to Braverijah Gregg since November 4, 2023.
80. Jena Irene
Self | Vevo Idol Insider
81. Jennifer Hudson
Soundtrack | Dreamgirls
Jennifer Kate Hudson was born on September 12, 1981 in Chicago, Illinois to Darnell Donerson (née Hudson) & Samuel Simpson. She is an Academy Award-winning actress, Grammy Award-winning recording artist and best-selling author. This bright, beautiful and booming-voiced talent is a perfect example ...
82. Jeremy Rosado
Actor | Church Folks
Jeremy Rosado is known for Church Folks (2020), Street Redemption (2016) and An Encounter with the Messiah (2015).
83. Jermaine Jones
Actor | The North Star
Jermaine Jones is known for The North Star (2016), Second World: Blood, Fire and Smoke (2010) and Second World (2009).
84. Jess Meuse
Actress | The Nature of Sin
Jess Meuse was born on October 19, 1990 in Dallas, Texas, USA. She is an actress, known for The Nature of Sin, Number JUAN Quarantine Concert on VBar Live (2020) and Access Hollywood (1996).
85. Jessica Sanchez
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Jessica Sanchez was born on August 4, 1995 in Chula Vista, California, USA. She is an actress, known for American Idol (2002), Glee (2009) and The Clash (2018).
86. Jessica Sierra
Actress | Jessica Sierra Superstar
Jessica Sierra was born on November 11, 1985 in Tampa, Florida, USA. She is an actress.
87. Jim Verraros
Soundtrack | Eating Out
Jim Verraros was born on February 8, 1983 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He is an actor, known for Eating Out (2004), Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds (2006) and Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild! (2008). He has been married to Bill Brennan since September 6, 2009.
88. Joey Cook
Actress | Kayla Bohan: Just Like You
Joey Cook is known for Kayla Bohan: Just Like You (2021), Postmodern Jukebox Feat. Joey Cook: Ain't No Rest for the Wicked (2017) and American Idol (2002).
89. John Stevens
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
John Stevens was born on July 28, 1987 in Buffalo, New York, USA.
90. Jon Peter Lewis
Producer | Waiting on Host
Jon Peter Lewis is a celebrated singer-songwriter who gained national attention on American Idol as a finalist for the show's third season. Following his run on Idol, Lewis released two solo albums and three EP's; Stories From Hollywood, Break The Silence, self-titled Jon Peter Lewis, Roughcuts and...
91. Jordin Sparks
Actress | Sparkle
Jordin Brianna Sparks was born on December 22, 1989 in Phoenix, Arizona and raised in Glendale, Arizona & Ridgewood, New Jersey. She was born to Jodi Beth Wiedmann & Phillippi Sparks. She rose to fame in 2007 after winning the sixth season of American Idol at age 17, becoming the youngest winner in...
92. Jorge Nuñez
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Jorge Nuñez was born on October 1, 1987 in Cidra, Puerto Rico.
93. Joshua Gracin
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Joshua Gracin was born on October 18, 1980 in Westland, Michigan, USA. He is an actor, known for American Idol (2002), The Young and the Restless (1973) and Flicka (2006). He has been married to Katie Weir since May 6, 2017. They have two children. He was previously married to Ann Marie Kovacs.
94. Joshua Ledet
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Joshua Ledet is known for American Idol (2002), So You Think You Can Dance (2005) and Serengeti (2019).
95. Julia DeMato
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
Julia DeMato was born on March 7, 1979 in Danbury, Connecticut, USA.
96. Justin Guarini
Actor | From Justin to Kelly
Justin Guarini was born in Columbus, Georgia, on October 28, 1978.
Dad Eldrin Bell is a former Atlanta police chief and Clayton County (Ga.) Commission Chair. Chief Bell is first cousin to acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson's wife, LaTonya.
Stepfather Jerry Guarini is a retired Navy physicist.
Mom ...
97. Karen Rodriguez
Soundtrack | American Idol: The Search for a Superstar
She went to the same New York's LaGuardia Arts School together with fellow Idol contestant Pia Toscano.
98. Katharine McPhee
Actress | Smash
Katharine Hope McPhee Foster is an American singer-songwriter and actress. In May 2006, she was the runner-up on the fifth season of American Idol.
Her self-titled debut album was released on RCA Records on January 30, 2007, and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 381,000 copies (as ...
99. Katie Stevens
Actress | Haunt
Katie Stevens is a versatile young actress who has quickly established herself as one of Hollywood's most sought-after, vibrant young talents. She leads the cast of Freeform's "The Bold Type," which reveals a glimpse into the outrageous lives and loves of those responsible for the fictional global ...
100. Kellie Pickler
Soundtrack | Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk
Kellie Pickler was born in Albemarle, North Carolina to Cynthia Morton and Clyde "Bo" Raymond Pickler, Jr. Cynthia left when Kellie was 2 but was then granted custody for two years. Kellie was returned to her grandparents at age 12. Her father was in and out of jail throughout her childhood and she...
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