Kelly Clarkson, Season 1 In 2002, Clarkson became the very first winner of American Idol. Since her victory, she’s released 10 studio albums and won three Grammys from 17 nominations.

We’ve ranked the 23 “American Idol” winners based primarily on sheer talent, but with an obvious nod toward their success after the show (new winner Jamal Roberts excepted from that criteria).

“American Idol” has a new champion. The long-running singing competition series crowned the winner of Season 23 on Sunday, after drawing 26 million fan votes, the most since the reality ...

Left: 'American Idol' season 9 winner singer Lee Dewyze performs on ABC's 'Good Morning America' at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park on July 9, 2010 in New York City.