“American Idol” first appeared on American tv in June 2002, and the present has gone by means of many modifications within the years since with the addition of musical devices and different enhancements. After 22 seasons and almost 700 episodes, individuals from throughout carried out, placing all of it on the road for a shot at a recording contract and extra fame than most individuals ever attain. The present went on to supply quite a few celebrities, starting with its first season.

Kelly Clarkson received the primary season of “American Idol,” and she or he was adopted by a wide range of proficient performers, a lot of whom grew to become well-known. Carrie Underwood, Fantasia Barrino, and plenty of others received “American Idol,” which opened doorways within the music business which can be in any other case closed tightly for most individuals. “American Idol” winners take pleasure in quick entry, and plenty of go on to have profitable careers.

In fact, not each “American Idol” winner is as well-known as its first victor; some win the title, file an album, and disappear from the general public eye. Even a number of the ones who nonetheless file their music and carry out have light into the background of common tradition, whereas some have left the general public eye completely. Here is what got here of some “American Idol” winners who principally disappeared.

Simply Sam received their begin busking within the New York Metropolis subway, the place they sang to earn cash. Earlier than discovering their method into the 18th season of “American Idol,” Simply Sam tried their hand at “America’s Bought Expertise” and “The Voice,” however neither panned out. The identical can’t be mentioned of “American Idol” as a result of Simply Sam received its 18th season overlaying a Kelly Clarkson hit.

After their win, Simply Sam signed with Hollywood Data however did not launch an album and left after buying the music they recorded. This left Simply Sam broke, however they nonetheless needed to file a debut album. In March 2021, they launched their first single, “Africando,” and adopted this with one other single, “Change,” later that 12 months.

Sadly, Simply Sam’s monetary state of affairs compelled them again to busking on the subway. They defined their return in an interview with The Washington Publish: “If I ever went again to the trains, I did not anticipate it to be one thing that I needed to do … However I actually couldn’t afford to pay my lease. I could not afford to eat.” Their state of affairs could flip round, as Simply Sam signed with CrowdMGMT in 2023 and carried out on “American Idol” in 2024.

Laine Hardy first tried to win “American Idol” within the present’s sixteenth season, touchdown within the high 50 performers. He returned the next 12 months however did not plan on auditioning, having accompanied a pal. He performed the guitar throughout his pal’s efficiency and was inspired by the judges to audition as soon as extra, so he did and made it to the following step.

Hardy continued performing all through the season and received “American Idol’s seventeenth season. After successful “American Idol,” Hardy launched a number of tracks and launched a headline tour for 2019. Hardy continued releasing tracks earlier than lastly releasing his debut album, “Here is to Anybody,” in 2021. Issues had been trying good for Hardy, however a foul resolution in 2022 sidelined his profession, marring his in any other case stellar repute.

In April 2022, Hardy was arrested on expenses that he planted a recording machine in his ex-girlfriend’s dorm room (inside a futon). The arrest warrant contained quite a few allegations, together with one which Hardy confessed to his ex about bugging the room, although he claimed he threw the machine right into a pond. Hardy confronted as much as ten years in jail for violating wiretapping legal guidelines however entered a pretrial diversion program to have the costs expunged.

Maddie Poppe did not enter “American Idol” with none expertise, having independently launched her debut album, “Songs from the Basement,” in 2016. From there, she auditioned for the tenth season of “The Voice,” however she was eradicated through the first spherical. Resolved to proceed her profession, Poppe auditioned for the sixteenth season of “American Idol,” the place she had considerably higher luck.

Poppe went on to win with two authentic songs and a canopy of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.” After successful, Poppe launched her first studio album, “Whirlwind,” which she plugged throughout a season 17 look on “American Idol.” She continued releasing tracks and albums within the years since, however Poppe wasn’t requested again to the “American Idol” finale like earlier winners, and followers took discover.

It turned out to be an issue with timing, however Poppe’s exclusion from the season 17 finale broke the present’s longstanding custom. Later, the COVID-19 pandemic precipitated some points for Poppe’s profession, as she was dropped by Hollywood Data. That left her within the place of getting to independently rebuild her profession, which she’d already finished as soon as. She continues to put in writing and file, however Poppe’s profession took a major hit she’s but to totally overcome as of early 2025.

Trent Harmon is one other performer who got here to “American Idol” after failing to maneuver ahead on “The Voice.” He received a methods by means of the audition course of however was finally lower, and his segments did not air. Regardless of this setback, Harmon felt that his failure to win “The Voice” solely ready him for his eventual victory in “American Idol.”

He discovered his approach to the stage within the fifteenth season, which he received by performing “Falling” and an authentic music he carried out upon successful. After successful “American Idol,” Harmon considerably light into the background of the music business. He signed with Massive Machine Data and ultimately launched his self-titled EP in 2016. Two years later, Harmon dropped one other album, “You Bought ‘Em All,” and he launched a couple of profitable singles.

Whereas he continues to put in writing and file music, you do not hear a lot about Harmon within the information within the years since his “American Idol” win. One of many causes for that is Harmon’s writing, as he is written a number of songs for different artists. These embody Jojo Mason’s “Higher on You” and Shawn Austin’s “What Do I Know?” Since successful, Harmon received married and spends an excessive amount of time along with his spouse, Kathleen.

Nick Fradiani’s music profession started lengthy earlier than “American Idol,” having led the band Seaside Avenue. He went on to compete within the ninth season of “America’s Bought Expertise,” however was eradicated earlier than the reside rounds. Fradiani tried his luck on “American Idol,” and in Might 2015, he received the present’s 14th season. Since successful “American Idol,” Fradiani has remained energetic within the music business, having dropped his debut studio album, “Hurricane,” in 2016, however it wasn’t profitable.

Actually,” Hurricane” was the lowest-selling debut album of an “American Idol” winner as much as that time, which is not an auspicious approach to begin a profession. Fradiani adopted up his debut album with “Previous My Previous” in 2022, and he continues writing and recording tracks. One of many causes the broader music-listening public hasn’t seen a lot of Fradiani of late is because of a profession diversion into musical theater.

Musical theater is not new to “American Idol” contestants — Jennifer Hudson is a first-rate instance. Fradiani lower his tooth within the theater by way of a tour of “A Bronx Story,” and he additionally appeared in “A Stunning Noise.” These ventures take up a very good chunk of Fradiani’s time, and whereas he nonetheless data, his identify is not showing in lots of headlines nowadays.

Caleb Johnson’s profession arose out of highschool when he carried out with a number of bands. Initially, he was the lead singer of Rock Backside, which he adopted with Elijah Hooker as its lead vocalist and guitarist. In 2013, the band launched its debut album, paving Johnson’s approach to “American Idol.” He auditioned for the sequence thrice in 4 years and eventually received a spot within the thirteenth season, which he received.

Johnson had many followers on “American Idol” who could have puzzled what occurred to him after his win. In 2022, Johnson complained to Enterprise Insider that he did not love having to sing his new single because the winner, explaining, “The music was simply utter crap. Like, it was simply the worst music ever.” Johnson’s try and persuade the administration firm to let him sing one thing else fell on deaf ears.

Johnson did not have many nice experiences along with his file label, and he was happy when “American Idol” was rebooted, as that launched him from his contract. That allow him file the music he needed to do, and he went on to launch a number of albums. Regardless of his fixed work, you do not hear a lot about Johnson nowadays, as he is considerably light into obscurity.

Candice Glover tried a number of occasions to earn a spot on “American Idol,” however even after moving into the ninth season, she was lower after forgetting the phrases to a music, amongst different elements. She returned in season 11 however was eradicated through the group spherical. Undeterred, Glover returned as soon as extra for the twelfth season, which went significantly higher for her.

She received the twelfth season of “American Idol” with Adele’s “Chasing Pavements,” and Glover’s post-“Idol” profession has seen her file and enterprise into different realms. A sequence of delays marred Glover’s debut album, “Music Speaks,” which created issues along with her label. This expertise, in addition to the artistic variations she had with the producers of “American Idol,” affected her, so she took a break from music and social media for some time earlier than parting methods with Interscope Data.

She then launched her unbiased music profession, shifting to a extra jazz and R&B model. Glover additionally unfold out into performing, showing in a Christmas Musical in 2017. “House for the Holidays” additionally marked Glover’s Broadway debut, and she or he continued working as an actor in “G.R.I.T.S.” and “Northpole.” Moreover, since 2019, Glover has labored as a music coordinator at her alma mater, the Savannah School of Artwork and Design.

Scotty McCreery was solely 17 when he auditioned for Season 10 of “American Idol” and was a transparent alternative to maneuver on to the following spherical. McCreery’s age wasn’t an issue for the younger performer, who put an excessive amount of charisma into each music he sang on the present. It labored nicely for him, and McCreery received the tenth season of “American Idol.”

After successful, McCreery launched the only “I Love You This Massive,” which was his coronation music from the finale. The music did nicely, and he signed with a label to file his debut album, receiving an advance of $250,000. Earlier than lengthy, McCreery toured a number of the hottest nation music locales within the nation, together with presenting on the CMT Music Awards in 2011 and performing on the Grand Ole Opry.

In 2011, McCreery launched his debut album, “Clear as Day,” which did extremely nicely. McCreery made historical past as the primary nation singer to debut at primary on Billboard’s 200. He continues recording and doing nicely within the music business, however McCreery diversified his leisure portfolio exterior of music. In 2016, he printed a e-book, “Go Massive or Go House: The Journey Towards the Dream,” and he went on a tour to put it on the market.

Lee DeWyze got here to “American Idol” from a profitable profession by way of his eponymous Lee DeWyze Band. Earlier than displaying as much as audition for “American Idol,” he’d already independently launched two albums, so he had loads of expertise earlier than standing earlier than the judges within the ninth season. Fortuitously, that have got here in useful as a result of DeWyze received Season 9.

After successful “American Idol,” DeWyze signed with 19 Leisure and RCA Data, and he toured and recorded for a number of months whereas engaged on his debut studio album. In 2010, DeWyze launched “Dwell It Up,” however he was now not signed with RCA Data the next 12 months, having been dropped by the label. He signed with one other label and continued to launch music, dropping his sixth studio album, “Gone For Days,” in August 2024, so he is nonetheless recording.

DeWyze’s “Gone For Days” was a troublesome activity to finish, as he misplaced his finest pal and supervisor, Brett Radin, in February 2023. His pal’s dying impacted DeWyze, so he poured all of his loss and ache into the album. Lately, DeWyze continues to file and carry out, although his releases have not achieved the identical degree of success as his earlier work.

Kris Allen first received into music when he was in elementary college, and he did nicely all through his schooling in studying new devices. In faculty, Allen made the choice to develop into an expert musician, so he launched his first album in 2007, which he wrote and produced, referred to as “Model New Sneakers.” He went on to audition for Season 8 of “American Idol” alongside his brother, however he was the one one to maneuver on to the following spherical in Hollywood.

Allen received Season 8 with performances of “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “What’s Going On,” ending off along with his coronation songs, “No Boundaries” and “Heartless.” He launched his self-titled debut studio album, “Kris Allen,” in 2009 by way of Jive Data, however it wasn’t a significant hit. Allen went on to file quite a few tracks, and he dropped a number of albums. He additionally toured Europe with fellow “American Idol” winner David Prepare dinner in 2021.

Whereas he isn’t making headlines like he did upon successful “American Idol’s eighth season, Allen is working within the business. As of January, he is not scheduled for any tour dates in 2025, however he launched “Pole Vaulter” the earlier 12 months and hasn’t proven any signal of slowing down regardless of his dip in general recognition within the music business.

David Prepare dinner is one other former unbiased artist who labored with a number of bands previous to competing on “American Idol.” He launched a number of albums within the years main as much as his “American Idol” win, together with a solo album, “Analog Coronary heart” in 2006. When he confirmed as much as audition for “American Idol,” he had no plan on collaborating and was solely there to assist his brother.

With some encouragement, he auditioned and went on to win Season 7 of “American Idol.” Prepare dinner stormed onto the Billboard charts instantly after successful, and he had 11 songs on the Sizzling 100 the week after his victory, breaking the file for many songs in a single week by a debuting artist. Prepare dinner then had his main label debut album, “David Prepare dinner,” launched in 2008, and it additionally did extremely nicely. He spent the following few years recording and releasing new music, a lot of which did nicely.

His success within the music business enabled different pursuits, together with a profession on Broadway. Prepare dinner had his Broadway debut in a manufacturing of “Kinky Boots.” Prepare dinner’s “American Idol” win undoubtedly set him up for fulfillment, and he is been busy within the years since. He additionally continues to tour, so whereas he isn’t on the top of recognition he loved quickly after his “American Idol” victory, Prepare dinner has by no means stopped working within the business.

Taylor Hicks taught himself the harmonica at an early age, and by 18, he’d written his first music. The next 12 months, he’d realized to play the church organ and electrical guitar, so music was a giant a part of his life. Hicks went on to varsity, the place he joined a Widespread Panic cowl band. He went on to type his personal band and launched “In Your Time” as his debut unbiased album. 

Seven years later, he launched one other album, “Below the Radar.” In 2005, he competed on Season 5 of “American Idol” and received. Hicks’ success on “American Idol” noticed him make quite a few offers, together with signing with the Ford Motor Firm for one in all its annual campaigns. Folks additionally named him the most popular bachelor in 2006. 

Hicks signed with 19 Recordings Restricted/Arista Data and landed his debut single “Do I Make You Proud” on the Billboard Sizzling 100’s primary spot. He continued recording music and labored in different areas. He launched his ghostwritten memoir, “Coronary heart Filled with Soul: An Inspirational Memoir About Discovering Your Voice and Discovering Your Means,” in 2007. The next 12 months, he carried out within the Broadway manufacturing of “Grease.” In 2011, Hicks additionally grew to become a restaurateur when he opened Noticed’s Juke Joint in Birmingham, Alabama, showcasing how he wears various hats.

Ruben Studdard started to pursue a profession in music whereas attending Alabama A&M, having gained some expertise performing with an area jazz and R&B band and different musicians. He went to Nashville, Tennessee, to audition for “American Idol” and earned a spot singing Stevie Marvel’s “Ribbon within the Sky.” Studdard earned the nickname “Velvet Teddy Bear” through the competitors, and when it got here to the finale, Studdard received, turning into the second winner of “American Idol.”

After his victory, Studdard went on to launch his debut studio album, “Soulful,” which bought nicely and charted at primary on the Billboard 200. He spent the following couple of many years recording music and dropping albums. He paired up with Clay Aiken in 2024 to look in Season 11 of “The Masked Singer,” however each had been eradicated. That was hardly Studdard’s solely gig post-“Idol,” as he is taken up performing.

Studdard appeared in a number of TV reveals, filming cameo appearances earlier than touchdown a walk-on position in “Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.” He additionally dabbled in musical theater, having toured in “Ain’t Misbehavin,” which launched a forged recording. Studdard has by no means stopped working, however he isn’t on the similar degree of fame he loved in his post-“Idol” years, so he does not pop up in lots of headlines nowadays.