by Stephanie Chandler

Created on: April 17, 2009   Last Updated: May 05, 2009

Since 2002, American Idol has launched many success stories. The memorable contestants and their journeys are what have created the "Idol" obsession. Nearly 30 million people tune in each week to watch as ordinary people get to pursue their dreams of stardom. Although each contestant desires to win the title of "The American Idol", many of the most successful past contestants were not the actual winners. Success can be measured by many factors, but there is no denying that the following are the most successful past contestants.

Kelly Clarkson:
Kelly Clarkson is definitely on the list of the most successful. Since winning the inaugural season of American Idol in 2002, she has made her way in the world of music. It has not always been easy for her as some of her decisions along the way actually turned out to be obstacles that she had to overcome (such as her starring role as Kelly Taylor in the film From Justin to Kelly). She has endured criticism from fans over her changing genres and turmoil with her music management team, but has managed to stay focused and is now a singing sensation.

Kelly is the number one idol when it comes to record sales, selling over 20 million records. She has released four albums, producing eight top ten singles. She also holds the distinction of having only the fourth album in history to stay in the billboard top 20 list for a full year. She has won two Grammy Awards, one BMI Award, four AMA Awards and twelve Billboard Music Awards. Her pop star status has even ventured to the country scene as she won a CMA Award for the Musical Event of the Year for her collaboration with Reba McEntire. There is no denying that our first American Idol winner has done the show proud.

Carrie Underwood:
Carrie Underwood also makes the list of most successful American Idol contestants. Carrie won the title in season four, which aired in 2005. Although Kelly has sold more albums than Carrie, she has also had more time to garner success since the launch of her stardom. Carrie's debut album "Some Hearts" sold over seven million copies, making it the best selling solo female debut in country music history. In addition, Carrie now holds the honor of having the best selling album of any past American Idol contestant.

Carrie has won four Grammy Awards, five AMA Awards, eight ACM Awards, five CMA Awards and fourteen Billboard Music Awards. In 2009, she made history when she won the ACM Award for Entertainer of the Year making her only one of seven females to ever

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