Top 10 Best American Idol Contestants Ever

10. Kris Allen

Kristopher Neil "Kris" Allen is an American musician and singer-songwriter from Conway, Arkansas, and the winner of the eighth season of American Idol. Prior to Idol, he self-released a 2007 album entitled Brand New Shoes.
9. David Cook

David Roland Cook is an American rock singer-songwriter, who rose to fame after winning the seventh season of the reality television show American Idol. Prior to Idol he released an independent album entitled Analog Heart.
8. Katharine McPhee

Katharine Hope McPhee is an American pop singer, songwriter and actress. She gained fame as the runner-up on the fifth season of American Idol.
7. Kellie Pickler

Kellie Dawn Pickler is an American country music artist and television personality. She gained fame as a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol, and finished in sixth place.
6. Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Kate Hudson is an American singer, actress and spokesperson. She rose to fame in 2004 as a finalist on the third season of American Idol, coming in seventh place.
5. Jessica Sanchez

Jessica Elizabeth Sanchez is an American singer and songwriter originally from Chula Vista, California. She was the runner-up on the eleventh season of the reality show American Idol, and is currently signed to 19 Recordings and Interscope Records.
4. Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Brianne Clarkson is an American singer and songwriter. In 2002, she rose to fame after winning the first season of American Idol, and has since been established as "The Original American Idol."
3. Chris Daughtry

Christopher Adam "Chris" Daughtry is an American musician and actor, best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the rock band Daughtry and as the fourth-place contestant on the fifth season of American Idol.
2. Carrie Underwood

Carrie Marie Underwood is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She rose to fame as the winner of the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. Underwood has since set and broken several records throughout her career.
1. Adam Lambert

Adam Mitchel Lambert is an American singer, songwriter, and stage actor. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana and raised in San Diego, California, he performed in amateur theatrical productions as a child, a path he pursued into adulthood, appearing in professional productions in the U.S. and abroad. In 2009, Lambert came to prominence when he became the runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol.