In the two decades’ worth of history of American Idol, there have been contestants who have won the interest of fans more so than others. Some of these ended up winning the reality singing competition, while others proved themselves to be memorable by either defying judges like Simon Cowell or just by possessing a charismatic quality that made them instant hits.
With American Idol now in its nineteenth season, there are more than enough contestants that have showcased their talents. However, only a certain amount of them can boast about remaining clear in memory, whether this is for all the right reasons or maybe even controversial.
Justin Guarini
There’s never been another finale of American Idol quite like the first one. Justin Guarini had fans on the edge of their seats each time he performed, with stunts like his leap down the stairs and flair for theatrics keeping him in firm contention of the winners’ spot.
Although he was the runner-up, Guarini had already amassed a fan following, to the point where he was roped in to play the lead with winner Kelly Clarkson in the rom-com From Justin to Kelly. Guarini also landed praise from Oprah Winfrey for his staying power, and the singer continues to be praised for making American Idol the hit it eventually became.
David Archuleta
Nice guys don’t finish last, especially not when they’re David Archuleta. The singer was the odds-on favorite to win the season he appeared in, although he ended up second. Archuleta was memorable simply for his boyish persona and likable character.
His young age also made him extremely impressive considering the range he offered, along with representing how big-time dreams can come true as Archuleta found fame by being himself. His immense popularity landed him on Forbes’ list of breakout stars, and the lack of drama surrounding him was certainly a breath of fresh air for the series.
Kellie Pickler
Known for her sweet Southern charm, Kellie Pickler won the hearts of everyone that watched the fifth season of American Idol. Her quirky personality led to more than a few laughs, as even the judges fell prey to the singer’s likable nature.
Of course, quite a fair few fans Pickler for her later victory in Dancing with the Stars, as she wowed viewers with not only her performance but a return of her charisma from her American Idol days.
Sanjaya Malakar
Even though it’s been a decade and a half, the image of the crying girl being overcome with emotion for Sanjaya Malakar’s performance is hardly forgotten. Malakar’s rise in the series is notorious for how he defied all of Simon Cowell’s savage critique by remaining in contention.
Known for his good looks, hairstyle, and charisma, Malakar was hardly a hit with the judges but became America’s favorite all the way into the top-10. Each week, Malakar’s performances would be singled out to see if he could win the judges over as he did the fans, which is a kind of hook American Idol still hasn’t replicated.
William Hung
There have been many sentimental favorites for viewers on American Idol, with William Hung perhaps the first. Known mainly for his perceived lack of talent, Hung nevertheless gave a spirited audition and was brought back on the show due to his popularity.
By Hung’s own ission, he proved even anyone can taste success through perseverance. Hung has since become a technical crime analyst, but his name frequently pops up for memorable performances on American Idol for how he owned Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs” for his audition.
Phillip Phillips
Phillips remains in fans’ minds for being the embodiment of the “boy on the guitar” list of winners that American Idol saw for a number of years. Another reason why he’s so memorable is for how Phillips overcame great odds to see the competition through, having almost quit after a kidney stone operation left him in great pain.
Phillips happens to be one of the few to never be in danger of being eliminated, as he avoided the bottom positions throughout his time on the show, with his coronation song “Home” proving Phillips’ popularity when it had the most s for any American Idol winner.
Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert remains the winner in the minds of many fans of the eighth season of American Idol, with the finale still controversial for Kris Allen’s victory when Lambert had been the talk of the town for the entire season.
Lambert was noted for his penchant for donning eye-catching outfits that he incorporated in his performances. The singer was also a natural on stage for the way he interacted with audiences, and the openness with which he presented himself made Lambert easily one of the most genuine personalities to appear in the series.
Katherine Mhee
Interestingly enough, while Katharine Mhee came runner-up to Taylor Hicks on American Idol, she’s become a mainstay in pop culture. Mhee’s time in the series was already a springboard for her, as her popularity became known as “Mheever” back then.
She’s retroactively turned into a far more memorable American Idol contest due to Mhee’s successful transition into acting, having appeared in the TV series Scorpion and Country Comfort. Her name also frequently pops up in gossip magazines and through the paparazzi, with Mhee listed as among the highest-earning American Idol alums.
Jennifer Hudson
Despite being touted as one of the best singers to appear in the series, Jennifer Hudson only placed seventh. Still, she’s more relevant than most, being the only American Idol alum to win an Oscar for acting. On the show, she remains memorable for having one of the most powerful voices heard in the competition.
Hudson’s stay in the series also surrounds Simon Cowell’s issues with her, with the former having proven the latter wrong by going much farther than Cowell gave her credit for. This journey to prove herself became Hudson’s main appeal for viewers.
Kelly Clarkson
It’s not just that she’s the winner of the first season, but Kelly Clarkson is still the breakout star from American Idol. The singer is the standard-bearer for success in regards to the series, having drawn viewers from around the world by proving that a contestant can become the next superstar.
Kelly Clarkson’s popularity with the youth at the time allowed the show to quickly become a rating juggernaut, something she’s still credited for. Her performances on the show continue to be highlighted to this day thanks to Clarkson’s original delivery and captivating journey to victory.