Kelly Clarkson is one of the best American Idols, while William Hung is on of the worst.
Kelly Clarkson is not only the first ever American Idol winner - she's also the best. Clarkson has become a true pop star and has had real staying power since winning the show and releasing her debut album Thankful in 2003. The Stronger hit maker dropped her seventh studio album earlier this year and is worth $29 million.
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• American Idol gets axed after 15 seasons
• Reality TV no longer a ratings winner
Adam Lambert came in second place to Kris Allen (who?) on season eight of American Idol. It's thought that the revelation of the singer's sexuality impacted the voter's final decision. But that didn't stop the singer from becoming a star. Lambert has released three albums, become an advocate for the LGBT community and toured with legendary rockers Queen.
Jordin Sparks beat out the competition, winning season six of American Idol. Sparks' single No Air earn her a Grammy nomination and she has put out two albums with her third album set for release this month. The Battlefield star also tried her luck in the acting world, making appearances on TV and Broadway.
William Hung is easily the best of the worst. His atrociously bad performance of Ricky Martin's She Bangs during the audition process on the third season of American Idol went viral. Hung, who at the time was a civil engineering student, ended up releasing three off-key albums, including a Christmas album, Hung for the Holidays.
Mary Roach (or Mary Guilbeaux as she would have liked to be known as if she ever made it to Hollywood) showed off her "very unique vocal style" to the judges during season four's auditions. They were not impressed. The softly-spoken Roach soon turned creepy after the judges voiced their disapproval, revealing that she was hearing voices in her head.
Err, who? Many of you will be asking ... and that's exactly why Lee DeWyze has found himself in the worst list. Although DeWyze won season nine of Idol, and is actually a fairly good singer, his career never really managed to get off the ground after the show. In fact, DeWyze was dropped by his record label after his debut album was a flop, moving only 150,000 copies. Guts bro.
Clay Aiken: Runner-up, season two: Biggest voice inside that pint-sized body.
Carrie Underwood: Winner, season four: She went on to become a money-making Queen of Country.
• The last ever episode of American Idol screens on Prime tonight, Friday, April 8 at 9.30pm.
- nzherald.co.nz
The Australian site cited a 'heightened threat level' as the issue.