Like every long-running television program out there, American Idol has had its ups and downs. But there was one period of time when the show was undeniably phenomenal, and that was after its inception in 2002. Surely a lot of Gen Z kids remember Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul gracing the screen every week for weeks on end. We also remember the participants they so harshly judged and gloriously praised.
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Regarding that last statement, American Idol saw a plethora of talent during the Simon Cowell days. Besides Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, the following stars are three of the most memorable musicians to win American Idol during its glory days.
David Cook
David Cook won Season 7 of American Idol in 2008. He was 26 years old at the time. Don’t feel old! Just relish what you have seen if you did see David Cook on the show. In the seventh season, David Cook beat out fellow contestant, David Archuleta, by a margin of 12 million votes. If you remember, their competition was fierce, so a margin of that magnitude was rather surprising at the time.
Following his 2007 win, David Cook went on to release a ton of music and performed with two bands, Axium and Midwest Kings. Cook might not have gone on to see chart-topping success, but his American Idol run exists as a piece of nostalgia representing simpler times.
Taylor Hicks
Who remembers Taylor Hicks? This guy absolutely dominated Season 5 of the show. And as a result, he was the winner. During a time when Simon Cowell seemingly had nothing nice to say about anyone on American Idol, Hicks was the only contestant who could catch a compliment. At the time, Hicks was the oldest contestant to win the show at 29 years old.
Following his American Idol win in 2006, Hicks ran away from the celebrity life and did not put out hoards of music like other contestants. His catalog is mainly known thanks to his songs “Do I Make You Proud” and “Heaven Knows”. Though, in 2017, the man made a small comeback with his single “Call Paul”.
Jordin Sparks
Contrary to Hicks, Jordin Sparks became and remains the youngest person to ever win American Idol. At the spry age of 17 years old, Sparks won Season 6 of the show in 2007. From the start, Sparks was a fan favorite and, to this day, remains one of the most popular and successful winners of the show.
After Sparks won over America in 2007, she continued to climb the ranks. She released her debut album, Jordin Sparks, shortly after her win. Sparks’ debut self-titled album cracked the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart upon its release.
Photo via FOX’s ‘American Idol’ Finale per Getty Images
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