Country singers are steadily gaining popularity on reality singing competition shows — especially American Idol — bringing the Southern flair to millions each week.
To date, Carrie Underwood is considered the most famous country star to come off the Fox show, having sold millions of records and receiving several Grammy Awards. Kelly Clarkson, the first winner of Idol ever, is another very famous Southern belle with similar success. (She’s currently working on a country album!)
Yet, there are several more country singers that left a big impression during their time on the competition show. Although some haven’t seen much musical success after their Idol stint, others continue to make strides.
Can you guess which country singer became the first with a Las Vegas residency, or which one was a hit on Dancing with the Stars? The answers may surprise you!
See which country singers stole our hearts on American Idol below and find out what they are up to now.
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14. Josh Gracin
A former member of the United States Marine Corps, Gracin auditioned during the second season and came in fourth. He went on to release four albums. In 2015, he went through a messy divorce with his wife, whom he wed in 2001 and has four children with.
13. Skylar Laine
The Mississippi native came in fifth during season 11. Now, she resides in Nashville and is still working toward a career in country music.
12. Danny Gokey
Gokey, a Wisconsin native who lost his wife four weeks before his audition, finished third during season 8. He released a country album in 2010, but then switched over to the Christian music genre with 2014's Hope in Front of Me.
11. Casey James
The Texas singer came out third during the ninth season even though he'd been bashed by Simon Cowell for a "bad audition." He released his debut album in 2012 and opened for Taylor Swift on some dates of her Red tour in 2013.
10. Kree Harrison
Originally from Texas, she was the runner-up on the twelfth season. Although she didn't have much success after Idol, Harrison's vocal ability can't be denied.
Go to the next page to find out what one unexpected Idol winner is up to now!
9. Bucky Covington
Hailing from North Carolina, Covington finished in eighth place during the fifth season. His career hasn't taken off much since, but fans can still relive some of his Idol performances online.
8. Janelle Arthur
A native of Tennessee, Arthur auditioned for Idol three times. She made it furthest in season 12, during which she came in fifth place. She released her debut single, "What You Asked For," in 2014.
7. Lauren Alaina
The Georgia native auditioned when she was only 15 and blew the judges away. She was the runner-up on season 10 and released her debut album in 2011. She announced that a second is on its way, but it hasn't been released thus far.
6. Paul McDonald
The Alabama native came in eighth place during season 10. He went on to marry Twilight actress Nikki Reed, whom he divorced in 2015. In 2012, the couple released an EP together titled The Best Part. Two years laters, he released his own single, "Bright Lights," and has been recording his debut album.
5. Taylor Hicks
After the Alabama native won the fifth season, he went on to do some great work. His 2006 single "Do I Make You Proud" reached No. 1 on Billboard. Hicks, who released two albums after Idol, also appeared in the Broadway musical Grease in 2008. He was also the first Idol to land a Las Vegas residency (2013–2014) and earned $2.5 million in 2013, according to Forbes.
Go to the next page to see who topped the list!
4. Kellie Pickler
Pickler, a North Carolina native, finished in sixth place during the fifth season and has released four albums since. In 2013, she won Dancing with the Stars along with pro partner Derek Hough.
3. Scotty McCreery
The North Carolina native stole many hearts when he appeared on the show. He was crowned the winner of season 10 and his 2011 debut went platinum. He then released a Christmas record and his third album, See You Tonight, in 2013. McCreery is now a student at North Carolina State University.
2. Kelly Clarkson
Since becoming the first Idol winner in 2002, the Texas star has sold millions and won three Grammy Awards. And she's still releasing smash records!
1. Carrie Underwood
After winning the fourth season of Idol, the Oklahoma native became a multi-platinum-selling artist and Grammy Award winner. She's also the top earning American Idol winner ever, according to Forbes.
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