by Ryan Henson

Created on: April 29, 2009

When American Idol premiered some 7 years ago, its aim was lofty: to find America's next superstar. Unbeknownst to anyone at the time, the fledgling reality show would far exceed this goal, creating its own Galaxy. Led by a pair of Billboard torching bombshells, Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, a veritable army of successful music, stage and screen stars have rolled off the assembly line of the hit-factory that is "Idol."

Though winning American Idol isn't always a ticket to supernova fame (See Taylor Hicks), the reverse is also true. Many also-rans have gone on to have as much success as former winners (Clay Aiken, for example has well surpassed the man who took his place in the winner's circle, Ruben Studdard). Jennifer Hudson, who finished 7th in her season, has even gone on to win an Academy Award. So who makes the cut of the top 5 most successful Idol finalists of all time?

5. Chris Daughtry (Finished 4th, Season 5) After getting the boot from Idol, Chris went on to form his own band (Daughtry) and drop one of the most successful albums in Idol alum history, the self titled "Daughtry." The album became the fastest selling album in Soundscan history, led by monster singles "It's Not Over" and "Home," and has gone platinum 4 times over. As of yet, Daughtry has only released one album, which leaves a question as to whether he will be able to match the longevity of other idols, and why he lands at #5.

4. Jennifer Hudson (Finished 7th, Season 3) Jennifer's, (like Daughtry's) recording career may be relatively short-lived, but she brings one thing to the table that no other Idol has, a little thing called an Oscar. Won in the best supporting actress category (for her role in Dream Girls) an Academy Award brings instant gravitas to any career. Jennifer followed up her screen success with a well received debut album ("Jennifer Hudson", 2008) which went gold in 6 weeks and drew a Grammy for best R&B album. The weight of the Oscar is enough to push her up to 4th. But she just hasn't developed a large musical body of work yet.

3. Clay Aiken (Runner-up, Season 2) Though he lost to Ruben Studdard (by a miniscule margin) in season 2, Clay Aiken went on to have astonishing success as a solo artist. He has released four albums, which have sold more than 6 million copies combined, more than any other American Idol non-winner, and eclipsed only by Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson. Clay's humble, charismatic personality and soaring alto have given his career the longevity

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