05/22/2024
See the complete list of American Idol winners.
American Idol just wrapped its 22nd season, after months of looking for the latest aspiring singer to join its long history of superstars that have gained successful careers from the competition since it launched in 2002.
Throughout the show’s 22-year history, viewers have seen singers from all genres and of all ages take the crown–and also a mix of celebrity judges helping the contestants through the competition, starting with OGs Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul leading all the way up to the current panel of Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
On May 21, Abi Carter rose above the competition, beating finalists Jack Blocker and Will Moseley for the Season 22 crown. During the finale, she performed her original song “This Isn’t Over” and a rendition of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?”
Speaking to Billboard when the top 10 was announced, Carter said, “I want to be an artist. I’ve never felt so passionately about something. I went to school and got a psychology degree because I figured if I can’t express my emotions through something artistically, maybe I can just help other people express their emotions. I was going to be a family therapist.”
See below for a complete list of American Idol winners.
Season 1
The first season of American Idol premiered on June 11, 2002, and a 20-year-old Kelly Clarkson stood in front of judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson in Dallas, Texas to audition with Etta James’ “At Last” and Madonna’s “Express Yourself.” Season 1’s hosts were Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman.
Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson
Winner: Kelly Clarkson
Season 2
Seacrest became the lone host of the series following Dunkleman’s departure in season 2. The final two contestants were both male this season, with Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard both competing for the win. Studdard took the title after his winning song, “Flying Without Wings.”
Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson
Winner: Ruben Studdard
Season 3
The third season was won by Fantasia Barrino, who defeated Diana DeGarmo by a small margin of votes. Season 3 also introduced the world to Jennifer Hudson.
Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson
Winner: Fantasia Barrino
Season 4
Idol‘s fourth season crowned Carrie Underwood as the winner, and the then-21-year-old songstress went on to become a Grammy-winning country superstar. Bo Bice was the runner-up.
Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson
Winner: Carrie Underwood
Season 5
Though Taylor Hicks was named the winner, the fifth season of American Idol gave the music industry a number of other stars, including Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler and Katharine McPhee (the runner-up).
Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson
Winner: Taylor Hicks
Season 6
Jordin Sparks became the youngest winner of American Idol at age 17.
Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson
Winner: Jordin Sparks
Season 7
Season 7 was known for its David vs. David finale, as David Cook and David Archuleta faced off for the title. Despite the outcome, both contestants went on to release albums and kick off a career in music.
Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson
Winner: David Cook
Season 8
This marked the first season with a new judge, as the OG trio welcomed Kara DioGuardi to the panel. During the finale in 2009, Kris Allen won against Adam Lambert.
Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi
Winner: Kris Allen
Season 9
This was the first season without Paula Abdul, and the team brought on Ellen DeGeneres as a guest judge.
Judges: Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi
Winner: Lee DeWyze
Season 10
Simon Cowell also left the series this season, marking the first of many judge changes during the course of the show. The countrified finale saw Scotty McCreery win the title over Lauren Alaina. McCreery was the youngest male winner, at 17 (same age as Jordin Sparks).
Judges: Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler
Winner: Scotty McCreery
Season 11
This season, Idol brought on Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler as judges, and Jimmy Iovine as an in-house mentor. Phillip Phillips became the winner, beating Jessica Sanchez in the finale.
Judges: Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler
Winner: Phillip Phillips
Season 12
Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban replaced JLo and Tyler as judges this season. Season 12 became the first to have an all-female top five, marking the first female winner (Candice Glover) since season six.
Judges: Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban
Winner: Candice Glover
Season 13
Jackson left the show after 12 seasons, but returned as a mentor to help the contestants. Caleb Johnson was announced the winner of the season, with Jena Irene as runner-up.
Judges: Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez
Winner: Caleb Johnson
Season 15
American Idol: The Farewell Season, premiered on Fox on January 6, 2016, marking the final season on the network. Despite reports that the series would be ending, ABC announced that it would revive the show. Trent Harmon won, with La’Porsha Renae as the runner-up.
Judges: Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez
Winner: Trent Harmon
Season 16
The American Idol reboot premiered in March 2018 on ABC. Ryan Seacrest continued his role as the show’s host, with a new group of judges including Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. Maddie Poppe won the season, with her boyfriend Caleb Lee Hutchinson as the runner-up.
Judges: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan
Winner: Maddie Poppe
Season 17
Laine Hardy won the season with Alejandro Aranda as the runner-up. The 18-year-old Louisiana native didn’t originally plan on auditioning, but was convinced by the judges when he accompanied a friend to the audition.
Judges: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan
Winner: Laine Hardy
Season 18
Season 18 was temporarily after the Top 21 were revealed, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread. The show resumed production in late April, with Seacrest, the judges and contestants filming their parts virtually, from home. Just Sam was crowned as the winner, with Arthur Gunn finishing as the runner-up.
Judges: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan
Winner: Just Sam
Season 19
As the pandemic continued, American Idol season 19 blended virtual auditions with socially distanced in person performance following COVID-19 safety protocols. Chayce Beckham won the season, while Willie Spence was the runner-up and Grace Kinstler finished in third place.
Judges: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan
Winner: Chayce Beckham
Season 20
20-year-old Kentucky construction worker won America’s heart for season 20, beating out runner-up HunterGirl and third place competitor Leah Marlene.
Judges: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan
Winner: Noah Thompson
Season 21
Season 21 wrapped up with three incredibly talented contestants – Iam Tongi, Megan Danielle, and Colin Stough – competing for the win. At the end, it was Hawaiian native Tongi who moved audiences with his emotional story and heartfelt vocals, and he took home the trophy.
Judges: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan
Winner: Iam Tongi
Season 22
Abi Carter rose above the competition during the finale with a performance original song “This Isn’t Over” and a rendition of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?”
Judges: Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie
Winner: Abi Carter