American Idol isn’t quite the cultural juggernaut it once was, especially with 2/3 of the original judging cast now replaced with sort of bizarre choices, but there’s something American Idol is still good for: extremely hot contestants. It’s a time worn strategy to placate guys roped into watching the show by their significant others, and we definitely think it’s the highlight of the show. We went through the casts from all ten seasons of American Idol to find the 50 hottest contestants of all time. Enjoy.
Appeared on: Season 7
Where is she now? Carly Smithson appeared on Season 7 of American Idol and made it to the Top 5. Her Irish accent made Carly standout but couldn’t pull enough votes to crown her the Season 7 Idol champ. Since leaving Idol, Carly has joined the band has Fallen Angel, and has been touring as their lead singer.
Appeared on: Season 3
Where is she now? This Hawaiian native auditioned for Idol while working at her parents IHOP. After fighting her way through Hollywood week, Camile found herself in the Top 24 but was voted out after Elton John week. Camile has since released an album called Koy, with her first single showing up on iTunes in October of 2010. She plans to release the title track this year.
Appeared on: Season 4
Where is she now? You may not remember Celena Rae from Carrie Underwood’s season of Idol but she was there, just a quick elimination. Celena found herself in the Top 24 but was one of the first sent packing after her performance of Faith Hill’s When the Lights Go Down. Celena has recorded an album but hasn’t had any singles make the airwaves.
Appeared on: Season 9
Where is she now? This Colorado native fell off the Idol stage with her version of the Patsy Cline hit, I Fall to Pieces. Scott was a surprise exit, as judges Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi were both big fans of her style. Since appearing on Idol, Lilly has continued to pursue her music career but hasn’t quite been able to land her dream record deal.
Appeared on: Season 2
Where is she now? Olivia Monjac appeared on Season 2 of American Idol and sealed her early exit by attempting the Celine Dion song, Because you Loved Me. Olivia appeared on the early wild-card round but couldn’t convince the judges to put her through. Since her short-lived Idol days…we aren’t sure what Olivia is doing…if you know, please let us know.
Appeared on: Season 7
Where is she now? This Saudi Arabian-born singer wowed us with her big voice and tiny body during Season 7 of American Idol. After leaving Saudi Arabia, by way of the Philippines, Ramiele now calls Miramar, Florida home. Since her Idol days, Ramiele has recorded 2 albums, including a Christmas album, but none have managed to score her a hit on the Billboard charts. In 2009, Ramiele was working in Vegas and performing the National Anthem at sporting events.
Appeared on: Season 9
Where is she now? Michelle was voted off Idol just before the Top 10 shows started after performing the Creed hit, With Arms Wide Open. Since falling short of the big Idol stage, Michelle has remained in LA and continues working on her music career.
Appeared on: Season 6
Where is she now? Since Sabrina was cut from American Idol, she has graduated from college and toured with several national companies for both Hairspray and In the Heights. She currently performs under the stage name Sabrina Scherff.
Appeared on: Season 3
Where is she now? Jasmine became the first Top 3 finalist of Filipino decent during Season 3 of Idol. After her successfull Idol appearance, Jasmine toured in the Pacific Islands and hosted a television series based in Hawaii. Since 2009, she has been performing with Hawaii’s showband The Society of Seven at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Appeared on: Season 6
Where is she now? After singing her “Heart” out Gina Glocksen was eliminated from Season 6 of American Idol. Following a brief stint with Extra as a Season 7 reporter, she headed back home to Chicago. Last we knew she was back performing with her local band.
Appeared on: Season 7
Where is she now? Asia’h tugged on America’s heart-strings when Idol showed us that she had suffered the loss of her father just two days before her audition. After sailing through the first few rounds, Asia’h was eliminated at the Top 16 mark. Since her Idol days she has worked with Babyface and also appeared in the original cast of Hair Show.
Where is she now? Heather is one of the few contestants on our list who didn’t actually make it into the top 24. I mean…she’s blonde and her last name is Cox – how could we not put her on the list?
Appeared on: Season 8
Where is she now> This Texas-cutie couldn’t quite cut it on the Idol stage but back in Texas, she is happy at home.
Where is she now? After being eliminated from American Idol, Stephanie spent the summer watching her Idol friends tour, as she just missed the cut. Following a couple of years with no real public life, Edwards was arrested in 2010 for a public fight but rebounded landing a gig as a lead singer in Southern Nights, a Savannah music club review.
Where is she now? After being eliminated too early on her season of American Idol, Jennifer Hudson told the Idol stage to kiss-it and grabbed her own record deal, movie deal, won an Oscar, got married had a baby and oh yea, shed about 65 pounds. Jennifer used Idol to leap to the next level and hasn’t looked back.
Where is she now? Amanda didn’t last long on the big Idol stage, being eliminated after her performance of River Deep, Mountain High by Tina Turner. Amanda has attempted a modeling career but after her Idol fame wore off….so did the interest in booking her.
Where is she now? Christina appeared on Season 1 of Idol, which honestly most people didn’t even start watching until the top 3 or 4 anyway. Info on Christian is scarce, if you know what she’s up to these days let us know in the comments.
Where is she now? Tamyra may have fallen short of the title of American Idol but she’s still remained part of the Idol family. Gray has co-written several songs, including I Believe, an Idol hit. Gray married Color Me Badd singer, Sam Watters in 2005 and the couple had their first child in 2010.
Where is she now? Kady blew the judges away with her audition in Dallas, earning top-notch praise from Simon Cowell but it wasn’t enough to take home the title of American Idol. Over the last couple of years, Kady has spent her time writing songs, mostly for country radio. In 2010 she began touring with Andrea Young, a fellow singer-songwriter.
Where is she now? Since her departure from American Idol, Carmen hasn’t worked much into the music industry. Carmen married the former Governor of Utah’s son and they now have two children together.
Appeared on: Season 9
Where is she now? Didi came to the audition for Idol after her college roommate passed away unexpectedly. Benami made it into the Top 10 and performed on the Summer American Idol tour but has since taken some time off to work on her song-writing.
Appeared on: Season 7
Where is she now? White was a nanny for young twins when she auditioned for Idol. Brooke was the Carole King of her season, leading the piano charge on-stage. Since her exit from Idol, Brooke has released two albums and several singles but hasn’t had a ton of success so far.
Appeared on: Season 2
Where is she now? There’s not much to tell about Hadas. She appeared on Season 2, got voted off and then tried to pose for Playboy. Hadas did release a couple of singles but they never amounted to much. Now she’s just another pretty face.
Appeared on: Season 9
Where is she now? Katelyn worked her way into the Top 24 but couldn’t save herself for the Top 12. Since she was eliminated, Katelyn has been living in LA and Nashville, working to land a record deal.
Appeared on: Season 4
Where is she now? Lindsey had one of the more famous fights with former judge Simon Cowell, but it wasn’t enough to save her. In 2007 she signed a record deal but since that went south she hasn’t been involved in the music industry.
Appeared: As an American Idol judge
Where is she now? Paula famously left American Idol after Season 8 and was ultimately replaced by Ellen DeGeneres. Paula recently hosted her own reality series on CBS, Live to Dance. It opened to strong ratings but quickly plummeted and was eventually canceled.
Appeared on: Season 4
Where is she now? After starting her season as a “contender” Jessica fell from Simon’s good graces and ultimately spent her days bucking the Idol system. Jessica has bounced from label to label and done a few minor tours but nothing major since 2008. In 2010, Jessica released a new single and will release a full studio album in 2011.
Appeared on: Season 9
Where is she now? Rodriguez is still pursuing a music career, but still remains unsigned.
Where is she now? She was Tim Tebow’s girlfriend for a brief time before appearing on Idol. Since her Idol days, Janell has attempted to land a record deal but hasn’t had much success.
Where is she now? Becky didn’t last long on idol but she did manage to use her gorgeous body to land a few modeling and hosting gigs since. Most recently in 2010, she appeared on the USA network series Psyche.
Appeared on: Season 4
Where is she now? Mikalah used her sultry-side to flirt with Simon but that couldn’t save her in the end. Most recently Gordon appeared on the CMT reality series, Gone Country 2.
Appeared on: Season 1
Where is she now? She is the original Idol and one of the biggest sellers in pop (with a little country flair) music over the last decade. She’s had hit after hit, earned Grammy’s and even toured with Reba McEntire. Kelly has a new album due out soon but can currently be heard singing with Jason Aldean on a duet, Don’t you wanna stay?, from his recently released album.
Appeared on: Season 7
Where is she now? Cook was the horseback riding country girl from season 7. While she wasn’t that great of a vocalist, Kristy did manage to land a record deal after her Idol exit. In late 2010, Kristy inked a deal with Broken Arrow Records but we’ve yet to see any new music from her.
Appeared on: Season 8
Where is she now? You either loved her or hated her during season 8 of American Idol. Megan Joy, had the quirky voice and was covered in tattoos but her infectious smile couldn’t save her from elimination. Megan has recorded two albums and will mark her silver screen debut this weekend in the comedy Hall Pass.
Appeared on Season: 6
Where is she now? She had legs and she knew how to use them. No doubt you remember when Haley debuted her short-shorts and Simon announced to the world that he loved them but now, Haley isn’t hanging around the music business anymore.
Appeared on: Season 3
Where is she now? She’s battled fame, fortune, drugs, bankruptcy and a few flawed singles but through it all, Fantasia has kept her voice. Fantasia has managed to stay with her music and earlier this month (February 2011) she took home her first Grammy award for R&B Female Vocal Performance. Fantasia is currently in talks to portray Aretha Franklin in an upcoming biopic.
Appeared as an American Idol Judge, Seasons 8, 9
Where is she now? After two seasons of judging on American Idol, Kara DioGuardi left the series to head back to song-writing and is now going to be hoisting her own song-writers reality television show Going Platinum, on Bravo. Kara will be joined by singer/song-writer Jewel for the first season.
Appeared on Season: 2
Where is she now? Kimberly was known for her great voice and equally good looks but was sent home a little early for her Idol fan-base. She was engaged to American Idol champ David Cook for a while but called it off and is now promoting her latest album and single, Desperate Girls & Stupid Boys.
Appeared on: Season 3
Where is she now? Latoya was involved in one of the toughest seasons of female competition with Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia but was eliminated early. Since her days on Idol, she has gotten divorced, recorded a studio album and is now touring with The Color Purple’s national company.
Appeared on: Season 1
Where is she now? Now, who really watched Idol during Season 1? In case you didn’t, allow us to introduce the gorgeous Ryan Starr. The talented Miss Starr worked her connections but never could seem to land a record deal. She has done some modeling but hasn’t managed to find a place in the industry she wanted to pursue.
Appeared on: Season 7
Where is she now? The gorgeous Amy Davis worked to launch a music career even after she was eliminated from American Idol. She worked as a model and television host but for the past few years has been out of the spotlight.
Appeared on: Season 8
Where is she now? We all remember that she couldn’t really sing but she did have the you know what to walk into the Idol audition with a bikini-off. She also came back to the season finale and forced a bikini-off contest with then-judge Kara DioGuardi.
Appeared on: Season 5
Where is she now? She finished as a runner-up to Taylor Hicks but captured the attention of millions of fans with her great voice and amazing looks. Since her days on Idol, Katharine has recorded several albums, gotten married and even had a few minor television roles. She has a new album due out in 2011.
Appeared on: Season 5
Where is she now? She was the silly country-girl and in that respect, not much has changed. Kellie has toured with some of the biggest acts in country music, dated bad boys like Kid Rock, and released several #1 singles. Kelly recently tied the knot with her boyfriend Kyle Jacobs. The two gave up their elaborate wedding plans and opted for a private beach-wedding.
Appeared on: Season 4
Where is she now? We’re not sure what Nadia has been doing lately but in the years following her Idol appearance she released 2 studio albums, both to limited success. Nadia also participated in a USO tour shortly after her time on Idol was over.
Appeared as an American Idol Judge, Season 10
Where is she now? Jennifer Lopez makes it to the top ten, not only because she is one of the most beautiful women in the world but also because she jumped on board what seemed to be the Titanic and dodged the iceberg. She has been an interesting addition to the show through the auditions and Hollywood rounds and we can’t wait for the live shows to start.
Appeared on: Season 7
Where is she now? After recording her first studio album, Syesha worked on several tours, opening for acts around the country. Beginning in 2009 and running through December 2010, she toured with the theatre company for Dreamgirls.
Appeared on: Season 4
Where is she now? Carrie Underwood is one of the most celebrated artists in Country Music and the top-selling Idol of all-time. Carrie jumped from the Idol stage to the top of the country charts and hasn’t fallen. Last year Carrie married hockey player Mike Fisher, and seems to be rolling right into the next phase of her life.
Appeared on: Season 6
Where is she now? It was a shocking vote when Alaina exited early from season 6 of American Idol. Since then, she has worked hard to model and contnues to write songs. Alaina had said during the audition process that Idol was her last chance to pursue her music career. After 6 years of struggling in LA, she had decided to pack it in.
Appeared on: Season 2
Where is she now? Shortly after Ashley was eliminated from American Idol she landed a modeling contract. This California girl has modeled, hosted a reality series for MTV, and stayed busy acting. She is one of the few contestants to pose for Maxim magazine.
50. Carly Smithson
Appeared on: Season 7
Where is she now? Carly Smithson appeared on Season 7 of American Idol and made it to the Top 5. Her Irish accent made Carly standout but couldn’t pull enough votes to crown her the Season 7 Idol champ. Since leaving Idol, Carly has joined the band has Fallen Angel, and has been touring as their lead singer.
49. Camile Velasco
Appeared on: Season 3
Where is she now? This Hawaiian native auditioned for Idol while working at her parents IHOP. After fighting her way through Hollywood week, Camile found herself in the Top 24 but was voted out after Elton John week. Camile has since released an album called Koy, with her first single showing up on iTunes in October of 2010. She plans to release the title track this year.
48. Celena Rae
Appeared on: Season 4
Where is she now? You may not remember Celena Rae from Carrie Underwood’s season of Idol but she was there, just a quick elimination. Celena found herself in the Top 24 but was one of the first sent packing after her performance of Faith Hill’s When the Lights Go Down. Celena has recorded an album but hasn’t had any singles make the airwaves.
47. Lilly Scott
Appeared on: Season 9
Where is she now? This Colorado native fell off the Idol stage with her version of the Patsy Cline hit, I Fall to Pieces. Scott was a surprise exit, as judges Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi were both big fans of her style. Since appearing on Idol, Lilly has continued to pursue her music career but hasn’t quite been able to land her dream record deal.
46. Olivia Monjac
Appeared on: Season 2
Where is she now? Olivia Monjac appeared on Season 2 of American Idol and sealed her early exit by attempting the Celine Dion song, Because you Loved Me. Olivia appeared on the early wild-card round but couldn’t convince the judges to put her through. Since her short-lived Idol days…we aren’t sure what Olivia is doing…if you know, please let us know.
45. Ramiele Malubay
Appeared on: Season 7
Where is she now? This Saudi Arabian-born singer wowed us with her big voice and tiny body during Season 7 of American Idol. After leaving Saudi Arabia, by way of the Philippines, Ramiele now calls Miramar, Florida home. Since her Idol days, Ramiele has recorded 2 albums, including a Christmas album, but none have managed to score her a hit on the Billboard charts. In 2009, Ramiele was working in Vegas and performing the National Anthem at sporting events.
44. Michelle Delamor
Appeared on: Season 9
Where is she now? Michelle was voted off Idol just before the Top 10 shows started after performing the Creed hit, With Arms Wide Open. Since falling short of the big Idol stage, Michelle has remained in LA and continues working on her music career.
43. Sabrina Sloan
Appeared on: Season 6
Where is she now? Since Sabrina was cut from American Idol, she has graduated from college and toured with several national companies for both Hairspray and In the Heights. She currently performs under the stage name Sabrina Scherff.
42. Jasmine Trias
Appeared on: Season 3
Where is she now? Jasmine became the first Top 3 finalist of Filipino decent during Season 3 of Idol. After her successfull Idol appearance, Jasmine toured in the Pacific Islands and hosted a television series based in Hawaii. Since 2009, she has been performing with Hawaii’s showband The Society of Seven at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
41. Gina Glocksen
Appeared on: Season 6
Where is she now? After singing her “Heart” out Gina Glocksen was eliminated from Season 6 of American Idol. Following a brief stint with Extra as a Season 7 reporter, she headed back home to Chicago. Last we knew she was back performing with her local band.
40. Asia’h Epperson
Appeared on: Season 7
Where is she now? Asia’h tugged on America’s heart-strings when Idol showed us that she had suffered the loss of her father just two days before her audition. After sailing through the first few rounds, Asia’h was eliminated at the Top 16 mark. Since her Idol days she has worked with Babyface and also appeared in the original cast of Hair Show.
39. Heather Cox
Appeared on Season: 5Where is she now? Heather is one of the few contestants on our list who didn’t actually make it into the top 24. I mean…she’s blonde and her last name is Cox – how could we not put her on the list?
38. Kendall Beard
Appeared on: Season 8
Where is she now> This Texas-cutie couldn’t quite cut it on the Idol stage but back in Texas, she is happy at home.
37. Stephanie Edwards
Appeared on: Season 5Where is she now? After being eliminated from American Idol, Stephanie spent the summer watching her Idol friends tour, as she just missed the cut. Following a couple of years with no real public life, Edwards was arrested in 2010 for a public fight but rebounded landing a gig as a lead singer in Southern Nights, a Savannah music club review.
36. Jennifer Hudson
Appeared on: Season 3Where is she now? After being eliminated too early on her season of American Idol, Jennifer Hudson told the Idol stage to kiss-it and grabbed her own record deal, movie deal, won an Oscar, got married had a baby and oh yea, shed about 65 pounds. Jennifer used Idol to leap to the next level and hasn’t looked back.
35. Amanda Avila
Appeared on: Season 4Where is she now? Amanda didn’t last long on the big Idol stage, being eliminated after her performance of River Deep, Mountain High by Tina Turner. Amanda has attempted a modeling career but after her Idol fame wore off….so did the interest in booking her.
34. Christina Christian
Appeared on: Season 1Where is she now? Christina appeared on Season 1 of Idol, which honestly most people didn’t even start watching until the top 3 or 4 anyway. Info on Christian is scarce, if you know what she’s up to these days let us know in the comments.
33. Tamyra Gray
Appeared on: Season 1Where is she now? Tamyra may have fallen short of the title of American Idol but she’s still remained part of the Idol family. Gray has co-written several songs, including I Believe, an Idol hit. Gray married Color Me Badd singer, Sam Watters in 2005 and the couple had their first child in 2010.
32. Kady Malloy
Appeared on: Season 7Where is she now? Kady blew the judges away with her audition in Dallas, earning top-notch praise from Simon Cowell but it wasn’t enough to take home the title of American Idol. Over the last couple of years, Kady has spent her time writing songs, mostly for country radio. In 2010 she began touring with Andrea Young, a fellow singer-songwriter.
31. Carmen Rasmusen
Appeared on: Season 2Where is she now? Since her departure from American Idol, Carmen hasn’t worked much into the music industry. Carmen married the former Governor of Utah’s son and they now have two children together.
30. Didi Benami
Appeared on: Season 9
Where is she now? Didi came to the audition for Idol after her college roommate passed away unexpectedly. Benami made it into the Top 10 and performed on the Summer American Idol tour but has since taken some time off to work on her song-writing.
29. Brooke White
Appeared on: Season 7
Where is she now? White was a nanny for young twins when she auditioned for Idol. Brooke was the Carole King of her season, leading the piano charge on-stage. Since her exit from Idol, Brooke has released two albums and several singles but hasn’t had a ton of success so far.
28. Hadas
Appeared on: Season 2
Where is she now? There’s not much to tell about Hadas. She appeared on Season 2, got voted off and then tried to pose for Playboy. Hadas did release a couple of singles but they never amounted to much. Now she’s just another pretty face.
27. Katelyn Epperly
Appeared on: Season 9
Where is she now? Katelyn worked her way into the Top 24 but couldn’t save herself for the Top 12. Since she was eliminated, Katelyn has been living in LA and Nashville, working to land a record deal.
26. Lindsey Cardinale
Appeared on: Season 4
Where is she now? Lindsey had one of the more famous fights with former judge Simon Cowell, but it wasn’t enough to save her. In 2007 she signed a record deal but since that went south she hasn’t been involved in the music industry.
25. Paula Abdul
Appeared: As an American Idol judge
Where is she now? Paula famously left American Idol after Season 8 and was ultimately replaced by Ellen DeGeneres. Paula recently hosted her own reality series on CBS, Live to Dance. It opened to strong ratings but quickly plummeted and was eventually canceled.
24. Jessica Sierra
Appeared on: Season 4
Where is she now? After starting her season as a “contender” Jessica fell from Simon’s good graces and ultimately spent her days bucking the Idol system. Jessica has bounced from label to label and done a few minor tours but nothing major since 2008. In 2010, Jessica released a new single and will release a full studio album in 2011.
23. Ashley Rodriguez
Appeared on: Season 9
Where is she now? Rodriguez is still pursuing a music career, but still remains unsigned.
22. Janell Wheeler
Appeared on: Season 9Where is she now? She was Tim Tebow’s girlfriend for a brief time before appearing on Idol. Since her Idol days, Janell has attempted to land a record deal but hasn’t had much success.
21. Becky O’Donohue
Appeared on: Season 5Where is she now? Becky didn’t last long on idol but she did manage to use her gorgeous body to land a few modeling and hosting gigs since. Most recently in 2010, she appeared on the USA network series Psyche.
20. Mikalah Gordon
Appeared on: Season 4
Where is she now? Mikalah used her sultry-side to flirt with Simon but that couldn’t save her in the end. Most recently Gordon appeared on the CMT reality series, Gone Country 2.
19. Kelly Clarkson
Appeared on: Season 1
Where is she now? She is the original Idol and one of the biggest sellers in pop (with a little country flair) music over the last decade. She’s had hit after hit, earned Grammy’s and even toured with Reba McEntire. Kelly has a new album due out soon but can currently be heard singing with Jason Aldean on a duet, Don’t you wanna stay?, from his recently released album.
18. Kristy Lee Cook
Appeared on: Season 7
Where is she now? Cook was the horseback riding country girl from season 7. While she wasn’t that great of a vocalist, Kristy did manage to land a record deal after her Idol exit. In late 2010, Kristy inked a deal with Broken Arrow Records but we’ve yet to see any new music from her.
17. Megan Joy
Appeared on: Season 8
Where is she now? You either loved her or hated her during season 8 of American Idol. Megan Joy, had the quirky voice and was covered in tattoos but her infectious smile couldn’t save her from elimination. Megan has recorded two albums and will mark her silver screen debut this weekend in the comedy Hall Pass.
16. Haley Scarnato
Appeared on Season: 6
Where is she now? She had legs and she knew how to use them. No doubt you remember when Haley debuted her short-shorts and Simon announced to the world that he loved them but now, Haley isn’t hanging around the music business anymore.
15. Fantasia
Appeared on: Season 3
Where is she now? She’s battled fame, fortune, drugs, bankruptcy and a few flawed singles but through it all, Fantasia has kept her voice. Fantasia has managed to stay with her music and earlier this month (February 2011) she took home her first Grammy award for R&B Female Vocal Performance. Fantasia is currently in talks to portray Aretha Franklin in an upcoming biopic.
14. Kara DioGuardi
Appeared as an American Idol Judge, Seasons 8, 9
Where is she now? After two seasons of judging on American Idol, Kara DioGuardi left the series to head back to song-writing and is now going to be hoisting her own song-writers reality television show Going Platinum, on Bravo. Kara will be joined by singer/song-writer Jewel for the first season.
13. Kimberly Caldwell
Appeared on Season: 2
Where is she now? Kimberly was known for her great voice and equally good looks but was sent home a little early for her Idol fan-base. She was engaged to American Idol champ David Cook for a while but called it off and is now promoting her latest album and single, Desperate Girls & Stupid Boys.
12. Latoya London
Appeared on: Season 3
Where is she now? Latoya was involved in one of the toughest seasons of female competition with Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia but was eliminated early. Since her days on Idol, she has gotten divorced, recorded a studio album and is now touring with The Color Purple’s national company.
11. Ryan Starr
Appeared on: Season 1
Where is she now? Now, who really watched Idol during Season 1? In case you didn’t, allow us to introduce the gorgeous Ryan Starr. The talented Miss Starr worked her connections but never could seem to land a record deal. She has done some modeling but hasn’t managed to find a place in the industry she wanted to pursue.
10. Amy Davis
Appeared on: Season 7
Where is she now? The gorgeous Amy Davis worked to launch a music career even after she was eliminated from American Idol. She worked as a model and television host but for the past few years has been out of the spotlight.
9. Bikini Girl (Katrina Darell)
Appeared on: Season 8
Where is she now? We all remember that she couldn’t really sing but she did have the you know what to walk into the Idol audition with a bikini-off. She also came back to the season finale and forced a bikini-off contest with then-judge Kara DioGuardi.
8. Katharine McPhee
Appeared on: Season 5
Where is she now? She finished as a runner-up to Taylor Hicks but captured the attention of millions of fans with her great voice and amazing looks. Since her days on Idol, Katharine has recorded several albums, gotten married and even had a few minor television roles. She has a new album due out in 2011.
7. Kelly Pickler
Appeared on: Season 5
Where is she now? She was the silly country-girl and in that respect, not much has changed. Kellie has toured with some of the biggest acts in country music, dated bad boys like Kid Rock, and released several #1 singles. Kelly recently tied the knot with her boyfriend Kyle Jacobs. The two gave up their elaborate wedding plans and opted for a private beach-wedding.
6. Nadia Turner
Appeared on: Season 4
Where is she now? We’re not sure what Nadia has been doing lately but in the years following her Idol appearance she released 2 studio albums, both to limited success. Nadia also participated in a USO tour shortly after her time on Idol was over.
5. Jennifer Lopez
Appeared as an American Idol Judge, Season 10
Where is she now? Jennifer Lopez makes it to the top ten, not only because she is one of the most beautiful women in the world but also because she jumped on board what seemed to be the Titanic and dodged the iceberg. She has been an interesting addition to the show through the auditions and Hollywood rounds and we can’t wait for the live shows to start.
4. Syesha Mercado
Appeared on: Season 7
Where is she now? After recording her first studio album, Syesha worked on several tours, opening for acts around the country. Beginning in 2009 and running through December 2010, she toured with the theatre company for Dreamgirls.
3. Carrie Underwood
Appeared on: Season 4
Where is she now? Carrie Underwood is one of the most celebrated artists in Country Music and the top-selling Idol of all-time. Carrie jumped from the Idol stage to the top of the country charts and hasn’t fallen. Last year Carrie married hockey player Mike Fisher, and seems to be rolling right into the next phase of her life.
2. Alaina Alexander
Appeared on: Season 6
Where is she now? It was a shocking vote when Alaina exited early from season 6 of American Idol. Since then, she has worked hard to model and contnues to write songs. Alaina had said during the audition process that Idol was her last chance to pursue her music career. After 6 years of struggling in LA, she had decided to pack it in.
1. Ashley Hartman
Appeared on: Season 2
Where is she now? Shortly after Ashley was eliminated from American Idol she landed a modeling contract. This California girl has modeled, hosted a reality series for MTV, and stayed busy acting. She is one of the few contestants to pose for Maxim magazine.
