From American Idol to Broadway

When "American Idol" debuted in 2002, it was subtitled "Search for a Superstar." the entire focus of the show was to find the next "big thing," a pop star that would take radio by storm and sell millions of records. The first season unearthed Kelly Clarkson, with radio darlings Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry being discovered in later seasons, but many Idol contestants have found more success on Broadway than on the charts.

The first "Idol" alum to hit the Great White Way was season two's Frenchie Davis. After being unceremoniously dumped by "Idol" over old topless photos, Davis was cast in the popular musical "Rent." She stayed with the production through 2007. She has also appeared in touring productions of "Dreamgirls" and is scheduled to join a touring production of "Ain't Misbehavin" later this year.

First season third place finisher Tamyra Gray made her Broadway debut as Priya in "Bombay Dreams." The show had a short run, but it wasn't the end of Gray on Broadway. She currently plays Mimi in "Rent" and is scheduled to stay with the show until it ends its run on June 1, 2008.

Season Three could have just as easily been called "Broadway Idol" as "American Idol." The season's top two finishers, Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo have both had successful runs on Broadway. DeGarmo took on the role of Penny Pengleton in "Hairspray" and Barrino received glowing reviews and the Best Replacement Star Broadway.com Award for her turn as Celie in "The Color Purple." Her initial contract was through October 2007, but critical acclaim and audience reaction led producers to extend her contract through January 2008. DeGarmo joined Hairspray in February 2006 and stayed through May. She rejoined the cast in September 2006. not have won the title, but his appearance on "American Idol"

In season four, Constantine Maroulis was a favorite to make the finals, but he was eliminate earlier than expected. He may not have won the recording contract, but the exposure he gained on the show landed him a role in the Broadway version of "The Wedding Singer."

The latest "American Idol" contestant to jump into Broadway is second season runner up Clay Aiken. Aiken, who has sold over 6 million CDs and co-wrote a book, plays Sir Robin, Maynard and the Guard in "Monty Python's Spam-a-lot." His debut on January 18 was sold out. He is scheduled to appear through May 4.