RANKING THE AMERICAN IDOL WINNERS

All Idols are not created equal. That wasn’t necessarily the fault of American Idol, but more a function of what segment of the public kept watching the show and voting. Here’s a look at how all the show’s winners stack up according to talent, success and how well they have worn the Idol crown: 1. Kelly Clarkson (2002) If there was ever any question about the original Idol being the best, her stunning, tear-filled version of “Piece by Piece” this season shows how undeniable her stardom has been. 2. Carrie Underwood (2005) There’s a reason Underwood is the undisputed Idol sales champion. Her powerful voice seems to connect with everyone. 3. Phillip Phillips (2012) Though he is currently suing to get out of his Idol contract, the “Home” singer’s distinctive vocals give him perhaps the brightest future of all. 4. Fantasia (2004) The Broadway star is in the midst of an R&B resurgence, with a new single “No Time for It” that shows off her powerful, soulful vocals. 5. David Cook (2008) The rocker became the template for future Idols with the way he reinvented songs to suit his cool voice. 6. Jordin Sparks (2007) She’s turning to acting now, but the “Battlefield” singer is still looking for ways to connect to her pop audience. 7. Candice Glover (2013) Despite having a great, gospel-influenced voice and winning personality, Glover’s Idol success hasn’t translated into chart success. 8. Scotty McCreery (2011) The country singer may have just left his label, following a couple of misses, but fans will always want him to lock them doors and turn the lights down low. 9. Ruben Studdard (2003) “The Velvet Teddy Bear” still has soulful vocals, made even sharper now after hooking up with legendary producer David Foster. 10. Kris Allen (2009) Ever an example of how Idol voters tend to go with safe and likable over artistic, Allen will always be connect- ed to runner-up Adam Lambert, one of the show’s biggest successes. 11. Caleb Johnson (2014) The hard rocker boomed his way through the contest, but not quite into many music fans’ hearts. 12. Lee DeWyze (2010) DeWyze has turned his career to-

ward indie-folk on his recent album. 13. Taylor Hicks (2006) The big-voiced big personality never quite clicked outside the show. 14. Nick Fradiani (2015) The blandness of his debut single does not bode well for his post- Idol future.