Ranking the American Idol Winners

There have been six seasons of American Idol and six American Idol Winners. Each and every Idol that won deserved their win, they were the best of their season. They each have great singing abilities and they also found a way to get into the hearts of the viewing public. This article is ranking the American Idol Winners. Here is how I rank each winner.

6) Ruben Studdard - Ruben was the Season 2 winner. He is known as the Velvet Teddy Bear. His album "Soulful" debuted at #1, selling well over 1 million albums. I like Ruben's voice and I am sure he will have long career.

5) Fantasia Barrino - Fantasia was the winner of season 3. Her first album "Free Yourself" sold over 2 million copies and she got 4 Grammy nominations. She has also is in the Broadway Musical the Color Purple. Though I never did care for her voice she does have a strong fan base and is in it for the long haul.

4) Jordin Sparks - Jordin is the season 6 winner. Her new album will be released in November. Jordin is also the youngest American Idol winner. Season 6 was by far the worst of the seasons. However Jordin's star status showed from the start. I was rooting for Melinda Doolitle but Jordin was next on my list. I think Jordin will gain popularity and climb the musical charts.

3) Kelly Clarkson - Kelly was American Idol's first American Idol winner. I do like Kelly a lot and listen to her music. The only reason she is third on my list is I like a couple others more. Kelly's success however has been great and stood the test of time. Her CDs are well sold and she has won awards for them. She also has a 2007 CMA nomination for Musical Event of the year. Kelly Clarkson was the first American Idol and she is still going strong.

2) Carrie Underwood - Carrie was the winner of season 4. I was rooting for Carrie to win and was thrilled when she did. This was the first season I even voted. Carrie's Debut album is the best selling CD of any American Idol so far. In 2006 Carrie had 4 Grammy nominations and got awards for "Best new Artist" and "Best Female Country Vocal Performance". Carrie is on a long ride in country music and will just continue to rise to the top.

1) Taylor Hicks - Taylor Hicks was the winner of Season Five. This season was the season with the most talented group of prospective idols. Taylor won fans over with his soulful voice, good guy attitude and because he loves so much what he does. Taylor had 2 independent CDs before American Idol, "In Your Time" (1997) which has sold out and had to be repressed and "Under the Radar" (2005). His single "Do I Make You Proud" was the #1 selling single of 2006. Taylor's self titled album "Taylor Hicks" was released on December 12^th of 2006 and debuted at #2. By January 17^th Taylor's album had reached platinum status. February 21, 2007 Taylor launched his first national solo tour, in Jacksonville, FL; he performed a total of 53 headline concerts from February to May. Then he did a summer tour that just ended at the end of September. He has made nearly 2 million in concert sells. July 10^th he released an inspirational memoir called "Heart Full of Soul". Taylor's music may not be main stream but his popularity is undeniable. Taylor Hicks will be around for a long time. He is currently writing his sophomore album.

American Idol has also had a lot of successful people other than just the winners. Season 2 saw runner up Clay Aiken and he has been hugely successful. Runner up Bo Bice from season 4 and season five has saw success with Chris Daughtry, who has sold almost 3 millions copies of his CD, runner up Katherine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Paris Bennit,Elliot Yamin and Bucky Covington. I have saw Bucky in concert and he is definitely having great country music success. There are others who have gone on to have success in music, film or Broadway that I have not mentioned. American Idol is introducing America to some great talents.