Citation : March 17, 2007
Post-‘Idol’ success not guarantee
By Cynthia Hager
Poca High School
Winners like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood have made “American Idol” what it is today. But what about the other “superstars” the program has created? Some have benefited greatly — branching out to careers in a variety of genres and even on Broadway — but others are just one-hit wonders.
Season one brought us Kelly Clarkson, who set the bar for all future Idols. Today, she has won many awards — including two Grammys — and her popularity continues to grow in the pop world. She will release her third album, “My December,” later this year.
Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken finished first and second in season two. Though Aiken was runner-up, he was arguably the more famous of the two. His third album, “A Thousand Different Ways,” was released in September and debuted at no. 2 on the Billboard chart. Studdard, who put out a gospel album in 2004, went back to R&B with October’s “The Return.”
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Josh Gracin and Kimberley Locke also had hits after season two. Gracin went country and Locke pursued R&B, but both had songs from their debut albums land on the music charts. Both are set to release their second album on May 1.
From season three, Diana DeGarmo, Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia Barrino have all found success. DeGarmo, the season’s runner-up, recently starred in “Hairspray” on Broadway, and Hudson won an Oscar for her role in “Dreamgirls.”
Winner Barrino’s debut album earned four Grammy nominations in R&B categories, but her second album was not nearly as successful. She has also written a memoir, which was turned into a TV movie, and will soon star on Broadway in “The Color Purple.”
Season four brought us country sweetheart Carrie Underwood, who has become a country superstar after winning numerous awards — including three Grammys and four CMA Awards. Her hits include “Before He Cheats” and “Jesus Take the Wheel.”
Runner-up Bo Bice released two successful singles and an album after the show, but several medical problems have made it difficult for him to pursue his career. He hasn’t had a new release in a while, but there’s still time.
Season five brought us Chris Daughtry. He wasn’t the winner, but his songs “It’s Not Over” and “Home” are currently on the charts, as well as everyone’s iPod. His rock edge has really made America fall in love with him.
Fellow competitor Kellie Pickler is heating up the country world with her songs “Red High Heels” and “I Wonder.” She recently returned to “Idol” to perform, looking and sounding better than ever.
Season five runner-up Katharine McPhee has had modest success, but winner Taylor Hicks is an “American Idol” joke. He won the competition more for his “dancing” than his musical ability and now he’s failing to make his mark in the music world.
His win may be part of the reason the judges are now constantly reminding everyone that this is “a singing competition” and should not be judged on looks or other abilities. But will viewers listen? Will the next Idol be a dud like Hicks or a superstar like Clarkson or Underwood? It’s up to us to decide.
source:
http://sundaygazettemail.com/section/Ne ... 2007031621
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