American Idol Past Winners

As American Idol gets ready to crown a winner from season 11, we take a look back at all the past winners.

Season One - Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson got everything started as she was crowned the first American Idol. She beat Justin Guarini with 58% of the 15.5 million votes. Kelly has come a long way with 5 albums under her belt, several music awards to her name and she's gearing up for the latest singing reality show. She's on 'Duets' set to premiere tonight, where stars teams up with aspiring singers.

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Season Two - Ruben Studdard

In season two it was the big teddy bear Ruben Studdard barely beating Clay Aiken with 50.6% of the 24 million votes. He's released 5 album but hasn't had much radio success since his Idol song, 'Flying Without Wings' went to #2 in 2003.

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Season Three - Fantasia

Fantasia beat Diana DeGarmo for season three with 51.2% of the 65 million votes. She's had a rocky life since, releasing just three albums. Her first song 'I Believe' went to #1. In 2008 she lost her home to foreclosure and last year she overdosed after a messy breakup.

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Season Four - Carrie Underwood

Season four gave us our country sweetheart. Carrie Underwood took 53.4% of the 63 million votes to beat Bo Bice. To say she's been on a roll ever since is an understatement. Carrie has released four albums, had ten #1 songs, a number of music awards including Entertainer of the Year and is currently on tour promoting her 'Blown Away' album. Here's to many more years of music from Carrie.

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Season Five - Taylor Hicks

Season five was the tale of two voice, kind of like the current season. In the end, it was Taylor Hicks' quirky attitude beating Katherine McPhee's pitch perfect voice with 56% of the 63.4 million votes. We haven't heard much from him since. He's released three album but hasn't had much mainstream success. Katherine on the other hand signed a record deal and is currently in the new NBC show 'Smash.'

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Season Six - Jordin Sparks

Jordin Sparks was the last female American Idol. She beat beatboxer Blake Lewis with 56.4% of the 74 million votes. She's had 2 albums out and a third is finished and waiting to be released. Jordin will star in the movie 'Sparkle' with the late Whitney Houston. The movie will be out this in August. She also sang a duet called 'Celebrate' with Whitney for the film. The song was released yesterday.

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Season Seven - David Cook

Season seven gave us the battle of the Davids. It was cutie David Archuletta against David Cook and in the end it was the older David winning 56% of the 97 million votes. His first album after Idol didn't do so well but his follow up has since been certified platinum for sales over 500,000. Cook just released his third album last June 'This Loud Morning.'

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Season Eight - Kris Allen

In a bit of an upset, Kris Allen beat Adam Lambert for season eight. It was a close race with Allen receiving 51.7% of the 100 million votes. Allen has released three albums since his win and has had three songs in the Top 20.

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Season Nine - Lee DeWyze

Paint salesman Lee DeWyze beat Crystal Bowersox in season nine of American Idol. He won 53.7% of the over 95 million votes. Ironically we haven't heard much from him since. His album only hit 19 on the charts and he's since left his record label. On a brighter note, he's engaged and planning to get married this year.

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Season Ten - Scotty McCreery

It's was the battle of the country singers for season ten. Scotty McCreery ended up beating cutie Lauren Alaina with 54% of the 122 million votes. Both have been successful in the country music world. Scotty's 'Clear as Day' album has already been certified platinum and his version of Tim McGraw's 'Please Remember Me' was used as this year's Idol swan song. Lauren Alaina released 'Wildflower' and has been on the road with Sugarland and Jason Aldean.

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Season Eleven - Phillip Phillips

Phillips beat Jessica Sanchez after a record 132 million votes. Phillips winning song 'Home,' which has become the best selling Idol song.

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Season Twelve - Candice Glover

After trying out three times, Candice Glover beat country singer Kree Harrison. She's the first female winner since Jordin Sparks and no one was more surprised than Candice herself.

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