Honestly, it’s wild to think that American Idol has been on our screens for over two decades. What started as a summer filler show in 2002 turned into a massive cultural juggernaut that literally changed how we discover music. We’ve seen hundreds of contestants, thousands of "pitchy" notes, and a revolving door of judges, but the American Idol list of all winners remains the show’s most prestigious—and sometimes most controversial—legacy.
From Kelly Clarkson’s "A Moment Like This" to Jamal Roberts taking the crown in 2025, the journey is a weird mix of superstardom and "wait, whatever happened to that guy?" It’s a lot to keep track of.
The Full American Idol List of All Winners (2002–2025)
If you're just here for the quick rundown, here is every single person who has held that glass trophy. I’ve broken them down by year and season because the timeline gets a bit fuzzy after the show hopped from FOX to ABC.
- Season 1 (2002): Kelly Clarkson
- Season 2 (2003): Ruben Studdard
- Season 3 (2004): Fantasia Barrino
- Season 4 (2005): Carrie Underwood
- Season 5 (2006): Taylor Hicks
- Season 6 (2007): Jordin Sparks
- Season 7 (2008): David Cook
- Season 8 (2009): Kris Allen
- Season 9 (2010): Lee DeWyze
- Season 10 (2011): Scotty McCreery
- Season 11 (2012): Phillip Phillips
- Season 12 (2013): Candice Glover
- Season 13 (2014): Caleb Johnson
- Season 14 (2015): Nick Fradiani
- Season 15 (2016): Trent Harmon
- Season 16 (2018): Maddie Poppe
- Season 17 (2019): Laine Hardy
- Season 18 (2020): Just Sam
- Season 19 (2021): Chayce Beckham
- Season 20 (2022): Noah Thompson
- Season 21 (2023): Iam Tongi
- Season 22 (2024): Abi Carter
- Season 23 (2025): Jamal Roberts
The OG Era: When Winning Meant Global Stardom
In the early 2000s, winning Idol was basically a guarantee that you’d be on every radio station in the country. Kelly Clarkson didn't just win; she became a blueprint. She’s sold over 25 million albums and now she basically owns daytime TV with The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Then you have Carrie Underwood. She came from a farm in Oklahoma and turned into the biggest country star of her generation. She has eight Grammys. Seriously, eight. When people look at the American Idol list of all winners, Carrie is usually the one cited as the peak of the show’s power.
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But it wasn't always smooth sailing. Ruben Studdard (the "Velvet Teddy Bear") had a massive first album, but he eventually pivoted toward gospel and Broadway. Taylor Hicks, with his "Soul Patrol," was a huge fan favorite but didn't quite have the same pop-radio longevity. It's kinda interesting how the "WWT" (White Guy with Guitar) trope started becoming a thing around Season 7 with David Cook.
The ABC Reboot and the Modern Winners
After a short break, the show moved to ABC in 2018. Things felt different. The "coronation song" wasn't always a guaranteed number one hit anymore, but the talent was still there.
Iam Tongi (Season 21) was a massive viral sensation. His audition alone had people sobbing. He really brought that emotional connection back to the show. Then we have Abi Carter in 2024, who dominated her season with that haunting Billie Eilish-style vibe.
Most recently, in May 2025, Jamal Roberts took the title. He was an elementary school gym teacher from Mississippi who had auditioned three times before finally making it. His win felt like a throwback to the "everyman" roots of the show. He beat out runner-up John Foster with a killer performance of "Her Heart" by Anthony Hamilton.
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Fun Fact: Jamal Roberts actually turned 27 just before his season premiered, making him one of the older winners in recent history.
Why Do Some Winners Disappear?
It’s the question everyone asks. Why is Kelly Clarkson a household name while someone like Nick Fradiani or Lee DeWyze stays more under the radar?
Honestly, it’s mostly about the "winner's song" and the label's support. In the early days, RCA and 19 Entertainment were machines. If they didn't know how to market you—like with Candice Glover, who is an insane vocalist—you kinda got lost in the shuffle.
Some winners, like Just Sam (Season 18), had the worst luck possible. Winning during the 2020 pandemic meant no tour, no live appearances, and basically no momentum. They've since returned to singing in subways to make ends meet, which is just heartbreaking when you think about the "Idol" promise.
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Where Are They Now? A Quick Pulse Check
- Fantasia Barrino: She just got a Golden Globe nomination for The Color Purple. She’s having a massive career resurgence right now.
- Scotty McCreery: He’s a staple in country music. He finally got inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2024.
- Jordin Sparks: Still the youngest winner ever (she was 17!). She’s still doing Broadway and releasing music.
- Chayce Beckham: His song "23" actually went Platinum, proving that the show can still launch a radio hit if the song is right.
What’s Next for the Idol Franchise?
As we head into 2026, Season 24 is already generating hype. Carrie Underwood has actually returned to the show, but this time as a judge, replacing Katy Perry. It’s a full-circle moment that most fans are obsessed with. She sits alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, bringing that "I’ve been in your shoes" energy to the table.
If you’re looking to follow the current crop of talent, keep an eye on Jamal Roberts’ debut album, which is rumored to drop later this year. The show might not be the ratings monster it was in 2006, but it still knows how to find a voice that makes you stop and listen.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Follow the Indie Path: If your favorite winner "disappeared," check Spotify. Many like Noah Thompson or Maddie Poppe are releasing great music independently now.
- Rewatch the Classics: Most of the original finale performances are on YouTube. Comparing Kelly Clarkson’s finale to Jamal Roberts’ gives you a cool perspective on how vocal styles have changed.
- Check the Judges: With Carrie Underwood now judging, the "Country Idol" era is likely to continue. If you're a singer, focus on storytelling over just hitting high notes.