After 15 seasons, the mega talent show American Idol will draw to a close, having left an indelible mark on the pop culture landscape. As well as making a bona fide star from host Ryan Seacrest and the surly Briton Simon Cowell, the programme has also rebooted the careers of pop stars Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and country crooner Keith Urban. However, its biggest contribution is the new generation of pop-stars spawned. Here is a look at those who went on to eclipse their American Idol mantle.
Kelly Clarkson — 2002, Season 1, won
It is often best to win the first season of any talent show — the novelty often translated to big shows and album sales. Fortunately for Clarkson, she also has the voice to fill those arenas and since her victory has never looked back. She has already sold over 25 million albums and this year's seventh album Piece by Piece landed at the top of the charts.
Clay Aiken — 2003, Season 2, runner-up
He may have not won but his silky voice and gentlemanly manner made him stand out. Aiken went on to have a varied career that includes recording seven big selling albums, world tours, a television actor and, most recently a political career that was cut short last year when he failed in his bid for Congress.
Jennifer Hudson — 2004, Season 3, seventh place
She may have peaked too late in her American Idol run but her soulful voice was always going to find a home in the music industry. Hudson recorded three albums, built a fine film career, and picked up an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for 2006's Dreamgirls.
Carrie Underwood — 2005, Season 4 winner
The winner with the most lucrative career to date, country music princess Carrie Underwood is rich — her net worth is estimated at US$70 million dollars and she has a shelf packed with six Grammy Awards and 16 Billboard Music Awards.
Chris Daughtry — 2006, Season 5, fourth place
He wanted to be Bon Jovi so bad that he also dropped his first name for his stake moniker. Daughtry’s moody looks may have contributed to him losing the competition to the eventual winner, clean-faced Taylor Hicks, but he had the last laugh by eclipsing Hick’s career and wracking up more than a million albums in sales.
Jordan Sparks — 2007, Season 6, won
At 17, she is the youngest winner in the series and wasted no time carving a career as a teen-pop singer and actress. She recently appeared in the drama Sparkle, starring the late Whitney Houston in her final film role. Her upcoming third album, Right Here, Right Now, is set to be released later this year.
Adam Lambert — 2009, Season 8, runner-up
The biggest rock star the series has produced to date. Lambert's expansive vocals and cocksure attitude was enough for Brian May to enlist him as the new frontman for Queen. The fact that he silenced the critics is a testimony to Lambert's sheer talent. It was after this season that American Idol reached tipping point; the following six seasons saw diminishing returns in both ratings and relevance. Lambert is seen here performing with Queen at The Forum, Los Angeles, in July 2014.
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