American Idol has produced massive stars.
The show is set to return in 2026 on ABC. You can find out who the returning judges are!
The reality TV singing competition has launched some of the biggest careers in music over the past two decades, beginning with the very first winner, Kelly Clarkson, back in 2002.
Over the years, Idol has not only crowned winners, but also introduced audiences to many other contestants who went on to become household names, even without taking the title.
From hit singles and sold‑out tours to acting roles, TV gigs, product endorsements, and business ventures, these singers have found incredible success beyond the Idol stage.
We’ve rounded up the wealthiest American Idol stars of all time, ranked by their estimated net worth. Some of the names might surprise you!
10. Kellie Pickler (Season 5)
Net worth: $4 million
After her American Idol run, Kellie Pickler enjoyed success in the country music space with songs like “Red High Heels” and several albums, and also later won Dancing With the Stars. She’s also starred in Hallmark Channel movies, as well as hosting a talk show Pickler & Ben.
(TIE) 8. Lauren Daigle (Season 9 and 11)
Net worth: $6 million
While Lauren did not make it far in her run on American Idol (both times), she did find great success as a Contemporary Christian singer-songwriter, including her Platinum-selling How Can It Be, and Look Up Child, one of the highest-charting Christian albums ever.
(TIE) 8. Elliott Yamin (Season 5)
Net worth: $6 million
After coming in third place, Elliott Yamin launched his hit “Wait For You” in 2007, and went on to release four studio albums and a string of hit singles.
7. Jordin Sparks (Season 6)
Net worth: $8 million
Jordin Sparks has notched several radio hits like “No Air” and “Battlefield” since her win on American Idol, and has also starred in several movies and films over the years, plus endorsement deals and her own fragrance line.
6. Chris Daughtry (Season 5)
Net worth: $8 million
Following his run on Idol‘s fifth season, Chris Daughtry went on to make several records with his band Daughtry, garnering Grammy nominations, commercial success and critical acclaim.
5. Katharine McPhee (Season 5)
Net worth: $14 million
Along with releasing a string of records after her 2007 No. 2-charting debut over the years, Katharine McPhee has also starred in a bunch of TV shows and movies, including Smash and Scorpion.
4. Jennifer Hudson (Season 3)
Net worth: $30 million
In addition to a successful music career, Jennifer Hudson made history after winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Dreamgirls, becoming the youngest African-American to win in a competitive acting category, and going on to star in films like the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect.
3. Adam Lambert (Season 8)
Net worth: $45 million
Along with a successful decade-plus long career in pop music following his debut For Your Entertainment, Adam Lambert went on to become the touring frontman with Queen, and has been electrifying audiences live ever since.
2. Kelly Clarkson (Season 1)
Net worth: $50 million
The Original American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson has gone on to have an incredibly successful music career, including hits like “Since U Been Gone” and “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” as well as making a successful venture back into television, including awards show hosting gigs and acting as a coach on The Voice and her own show, The Kelly Clarkson Show.
1. Carrie Underwood (Season 4)
Net worth: $120 million
After taking the win on Season 4, Carrie Underwood went on to become a chart-topping country music superstar with tons of hits to her name, including “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats,” winning her several Grammys, among many other awards. She’s also scored massive endorsements with the likes of companies like Target and Nintendo, as well as releasing her own fitness clothing brand.
Over the years, plenty of talented stars have judged and mentored the contestants all the way to the top. And one by one, they have eventually left the show to go on and do other things – including every original judge from the U.S. series.
We’ve put together all of the judges who have since departed from American Idol, along with the explanations they’ve given for why they left the show.