9 Amazing Singers We Discovered Thanks to Talent Shows

1. Kelly Clarkson

The world fell in love with Kelly on the very first season of American Idol. Not only was she incredible… she was just like us. An average girl yet an extraordinary talent, we will never forget her breaking down in the last song. Kelly is still on top of the charts today because of her humble attitude and captivating voice.

2. Carrie Underwood

That face, that charm… that angelic voice, Carrie Underwood is one of the most successful singers to come from talent show fame. She got her start on American Idol and it was clear even that her shining personality would take her just as far as her remarkable singing talent.

3. Kellie Pickler

Kellie was so sweet and so spunky, a welcome breath of fresh air. Now you can find Kellie on country radio along with many of the other chart toppers on our list. She also had a stint on the hit show Dancing with the Stars.

4. Jordin Spark

The lovely and talented Jordin Sparks won American Idol season six. It’s been six long years since Jordin took home the number one spot and Sparks went on to record mega hits such as No Air as preformed with Chris Brown, as well as love songs like Tattoo and Battlefield.

5. Fantasia Barrino

Perhaps one of the most celebrated voices of TV talent show fame, Fantasia came from a difficult background making her story of success even more amazing. Lifetime even made a movie about her and it’s still one of the biggest fan favorites for the network today.

6. Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks was sort of the George Clooney of American Idol. The silver fox won American Idol in season five and went on to record songs on Grammy winning CDs and even make a stint in Broadway, starring in such classics as Grease.

7. Ruben Studdard

The Velvet Teddy Bear, otherwise known as Ruben Studdard, not only recorded many songs after leaving Idol, he also starred in the hit TV show Biggest Loser where he lost a whopping 112. Though he looks very different now, he’s still recognizable thanks to that big, teddy bear smile.

8. David Archuleta

Arguably the most depressing send-home ever, David Archuleta didn’t go home with first place but American Idol still made him an instant star. David was a favorite among the younger set for his good looks and adorable charm, going on to record songs with Miley Cyrus and even appearing on her hit TV series Hannah Montana- WAY back-in-the-day.

9. Adam Lambart

Adam was the most flamboyant musician to be featured on Idol to date… and somehow, that worked for him. Adam went on to be a pop culture icon, record dozens of great songs, preform with Queen and most notably, advocate for LGBT rights.