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Though American Idol has been the proverbial stepping-stone for a majority of its contestants, two women in particular have risen above the rest on their respective seasons to find themselves in direct competition with one another for the title of most successful American Idol Alum. These two women are: Season One victor Kelly Clarkson, and Season Four winner Carrie Underwood. While Kelly Clarkson dabbles in a predominately pop/rock sound, Carrie Underwood has remained faithful to her roots and excelled in Country music.

Insofar as measure of success, Clarkson and Underwood have sold more records, and brought home more awards in comparison to their Idol peers.

Since becoming the first American Idol winner in 2002, Kelly Clarkson has produced four albums: Thankful (went Platinum twice), Breakaway (six times Platinum), My December (Platinum), and All I Ever Wanted (Recently released in March 2009). Clarkson has sold over ten million records. Furthermore, she has taken home four American Music Awards, twelve Billboard Music Awards, and two Grammys (for Best Female Vocal and Best Female Album).

On the other hand, Carrie Underwood has been slightly more successful with only two albums to date. Her first album, Some Hearts went Platinum seven times, and her sophomore album Carnival Ride went Platinum twice. Together, she has sold over nine million copies. She has established herself among the top of the country music pyramid with five American Music Awards, fourteen Billboard Music Awards, and four Grammys (for Best New Artist, and three time Best Female Country Vocal).

These two women have become prominent artists in the music industry by allowing their affiliation with Idol to run its course. Though their first albums sounded a little more "pop" and contrived, they have transformed themselves into respectable artists by experimenting with their product and delivering a sound that was natural and functional with their preference and style. The fan base Clarkson and Underwood began to develop on Idol have shown to be extraordinarily devoted, and furthermore, their personal and artistic growth has strengthened and developed an even grander fan base.

Currently in the midst of its eighth season, American Idol will continue to create new pop sensations. But once the season comes to an end, a winner has been announced, and a new season and idol contender threatens to seize the American Idol limelight, it is up to these artists to create an image that will be successful and timeless.

Learn more about this author, Jen M. Hernandez.
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