The victor was crowned during a live two-hour finale on Monday. By Patrick Shanley The 16th season of American Idol came to a close on Monday night when Maddie Poppe was crowned the winner of the ...

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.

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).

The eight-time Grammy winner won the fourth season of “American Idol.” Roberts received prizes that include a recording contract.