| Instead of plugging away for years on end, a short cut | | | | were absolutely blown away. |
| to instant fame and recognition is to get onto | | | | It was a major surprise on the night when America |
| American Idol and become a star. | | | | voted Ruben Studdard the winner, as Clay had been |
| While some winners have, quite frankly, disappeared | | | | the clear favorite. Since Idol, however, their fortunes |
| without trace, the likes of Jordin Sparks and Kelly | | | | have been reversed. While Studdard achieved |
| Clarkson have proved they have the talent to stay in | | | | moderate success, Clay has gone from strength to |
| the game. They have a lot to thank American Idol for. | | | | strength and is a major star on the radio and on |
| The one place in normal competition that nobody | | | | Broadway. |
| wants to end up in is second, but that doesn't seem to | | | | Who can forget the guy with the baby face and the |
| be the case with American Idol. Many of the losers on | | | | big big voice named David Archuleta? Coming second |
| the night have gone on to have successful careers, | | | | did him no harm whatsoever, and this guys star is still |
| often eclipsing the actual winners. | | | | rising. He's working hard and reaping his rewards. David |
| Here are a few names that you will know doubt | | | | is a true star who is going to be with us an awful long |
| recognize, even if you can't remember the ones who | | | | time. |
| actually beat them on American Idol. These guys have | | | | The big star of this season was the charismatic Adam |
| great careers thanks to finishing second. | | | | Lambert. His attitude and persona won him a legion of |
| As far back as the second season, runners up made | | | | fans and coming second to Kris Allen has done him no |
| their mark. Clay Aiken shuffled onto stage looking like a | | | | harm at all. His star is definitely in the ascendancy and |
| rabbit caught in headlamps, he looked so out of place | | | | he looks as if a long term career is guaranteed. |
| we felt sorry for him. Then he began to sing, and we | | | | |