American Idol Stars: Where Are They Now?

Kelly Clarkson - Season 1
Then: The Texas native -- and former waitress -- wowed the judges with her performances of 'At Last' and 'Express Yourself' in the early auditions, and quickly became a fan fave with her penchant for belting out Aretha Franklin tunes. In the '02 season finale, she defeated Justin Guarini to become the first 'American Idol' champ.

Fox
Kelly Clarkson - Season 1
Now: Carrie Underwood has sold more albums in the United States, but Clarkson remains the worldwide record sales leader among 'American Idol' alumni, selling more than 23 million CDs across the globe (versus Underwood's 14 million). Clarkson is also one of only three 'AI' alums to win Grammys, and she's currently working on her fifth CD, for a planned late 2010 release.

Kevin Winter , Getty Images
Justin Guarini - Season 1
Then: Many thought this early fan favorite was a shoo-in to win the first 'American Idol.' Guarini's smooth croon was enough to land him the runner-up spot to Kelly Clarkson, where he still seemed poised for a successful recording career. Paula championed the spring-curl-coiffed singer, while Simon was not a fan.

Fox
Justin Guarini - Season 1
Now: He didn't escape 'From Justin to Kelly' unscathed, and was restricted from recording and other entertainment jobs until Clarkson's CD was released. His long-delayed debut disc sold poorly, he was sued over a car accident, and he commented on 'AI' for the TV Guide Channel. He also appeared on CMT's 'Gone Country,' and was married last Sept.

Kevin Winter , Getty Images
Nikki McKibbin - Season 1
Then: One of 'Idol''s first rocker grrls, McKibbin was a standout for Pat Benatar/Stevie Nicks/Janis Joplin performances, as well as for her red hair and status as a single mom to son Tristen. She finished third behind Clarkson and Guarini in season 1. We think she could've taken them both in a fight.

Fox
Nikki McKibbin - Season 1
Now: When producers wanted her to sing country music for her debut album, she balked, and an album was never released. She appeared on 'Fear Factor' and a 'Battle of the Network Reality Stars' show, but there wasn't much of a fan base for her long-delayed 2007 debut CD. McKibbin battled alcohol and drug addictions on VH1 reality series 'Celebrity Rehab' and 'Sober House,' and was in the audience at the season 8 'AI' finale.

Matthew Simmons , Getty Images
Corey Clark - Season 2
Then: An R&B-style vocalist who never seemed to be taking the competition very seriously, Clark was kicked off the second season of the show after producers found out he'd failed to tell them he'd been arrested on charges of battery against his younger sister and resisting arrest. And of course, show staff couldn't have checked that out themselves.

Bungalow
Corey Clark - Season 2
Now: Clark's troubles have continued, most publicly with his '05 charge that he had an affair with Paula Abdul, though a Fox investigation turned up no credible evidence. A CD release flopped, and the married Clark, who has a son, has been sued for bouncing checks and charged with domestic violence and drug possession. Good to know his 15 minutes of fame haven't changed him.

Yuma County Sheriff's Office/AP
Carmen Rasmusen - Season 2
Then: One of the most criticized contestants of season 2, Rasmusen was also the youngest of the bunch at 17. Her fluffy pop performances often drew especially harsh reviews from Randy Jackson, though parents praised the Utah native's wholesome image. She ultimately finished in sixth place on the show.

Scott Gries , Getty Images
Carmen Rasmusen - Season 2
Now: Her debut CD, 'Nothin' Like the Summer,' was released in 2007 and sold less than 5,000 copies. Rasmusen, who appeared on the reality-TV-themed edition of 'Fear Factor,' is married to the son of Utah's governor, and released a 2007 book about maintaining her values while being tied to the entertainment industry. She gave birth to son Boston in 2008.

Scott Gries , Getty Images

Votes (9)

Must See? 56% 44%

Recent Gallery Comments(0)

Post your comment on this gallery

Please remember to keep it clean; inappropriate or SPAM postings may result in removed comments.

Inside AOL

Weblog Galleries

Photo Blogs We Like

Photo Sharing

Photo Organizations

Photojournalism Sites

Pixcetera.com.au: Experience great photo galleries and so much more. Make Pixcetera your window into the world of photography. Pixcetera will bring you the best in photography, spanning photojournalism, fine art, nature -- even outer space. Find great photo galleries that interest you, or use Pixcetera.com.au as your hub for anything related to digital photography -- from viewing great images to managing your own digital photography. Pixcetera.com.au is updated daily, so be sure to check often. Better yet, bookmark the Pixcetera.com.au page.