Look back at the success of previous American Idol contestants.

Written by Danny Benbow

As American Idol comes to a close with Kris Allen taking the crown, we take a look back at the shows history and the success it’s given to some of its former contestants who us Brits may know of.

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Created as a spin-off for British talent show Pop Idol by Simon Fuller in 2001, the program follows the same format and searches for the next singing sensation through series of rounds which lead to live shows where contestants are eliminated each week by the general public. Hosted for eight seasons by Ryan Seacrest, Emmy Awards winning American Idol sees over ten thousand take part each year all eager to become the next American Idol.

Participants perform in front of judges; Simon Cowell, Grammy award winning record producer Randy Jackson, 80’s pop star choreographer Paula Abdul and newest addition songwriter Kara DioGuardi who mentor them and rate their performances during each show.

Some contestants have gone on to be successful after their appearance on American Idol.

Kelly Clarkson who was the shows first winner in 2002 has since gone on to release four albums worldwide selling over 20 million copies, had 16 singles with number ones in the USA as well as the UK making her the only American Idol winner to have a UK number one single. Her first album 'Thankful' went double platinum selling over 297, 000 copies in its first week alone and her second album 'Breakaway' in 2006 went five times platinum.

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Jennifer Hudson who became the sixth person eliminated in the 2004 series went on to win an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for best supporting actress in Dreamgirls. She also picked up a BAFTA for the film. Hudson has most recently won a Grammy Award for her self titled debut album released in 2008.

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Carrie Underwood who was the winner of the show in 2005 has become the most successful American Idol winner. Since she won the show she has added 13 Billboard Music Awards, four American Music Awards and two Grammies to her string of bows. She also performed the soundtrack to the 2007 movie Enchanted entitled Ever Ever After which earned her a Grammy Award nomination.

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Grammy Award nominated singer Jordin Sparks won the show in 2007 making her the youngest participant to win at the age of 17. Since winning American Idol she has gone on to release four top 20 singles including a duet with Chris Brown. Sparks is set to release her second studio album in July and has been on tour with Alicia Keys, Jesse McCartney and The Jonas Brothers.

Only time will tell whether Kris Allen will make his name and become bigger than those before him.

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