 American Idols
Taking a look back in time to when America crowned its first Idol to
today, we see a massive shifting of talent and criticism alike. Being a
reality show that took ordinary television to greater heights, it’s not
surprising that even Sri Lanka, we have our own renditions of the
so-called Pop/American Idol to our known Superstars! Here we look at the
first ever American Idol crowned in 2002 Kelly Clarkson to last years
winner Kris Allen, the latest to walk away with the title. Amid
controversies and the whole Simon Fuller scene, the Idol show has
progressed and brought down people to their knees when it comes to
seeking fame and fortune.
Kelly Clarkson
 Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24, 1982) is an American
singer-songwriter and occasional actress. Clarkson made her debut under
RCA Records after she won the first season of the television series
American Idol in 2002.
Clarkson has released four albums to date: her double-platinum debut
album Thankful (2003), her multi-platinum second album Breakaway (2004)
- won two Grammy Awards, My December (2007), and her latest album All I
Ever Wanted (2009). Her first four albums have sold over 10.4 million
copies in the United States. Eleven of Clarksons singles became Top
Twenty hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Her single, “My Life Would Suck
Without You”, advanced from No. 97 to No. 1 on the Hot 100 in its first
week of release, breaking the record for the largest leap to the top
position in chart history. In addition to her music, Clarkson had the
lead role in the movie From Justin to Kelly (2003) along with Justin
Guarini.
She played Brenda Lee in the television drama American Dreams and
appeared in the sitcom Reba. She also participated in comedy skits on
MADtv (2002) and Saturday Night Live (2005). Clarkson has toured
extensively worldwide as a solo act. After Clarksons appearance on the
CMT Crossroads and her duet version of “Because of You” (2007) with Reba
McEntire, they co-headlined the 2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour (2008).
Clarkson held the distinction of having the highest-selling American
Idol album in the United States until November 2009, when Carrie
Underwood claimed that title by a narrow margin of 100,000 albums.
Clarkson, however, remains the highest-selling American Idol alum
overall, with over 23 million albums sold worldwide.
Kris Allen
 Kristopher Neil “Kris” Allen (born June 21, 1985) is an American
singer-songwriter from Conway, Arkansas, and the winner of the eighth
season of American Idol.Prior to Idol, he self-released a 2007 album
entitled Brand New Shoes. Allens Idol coronation song, “No Boundaries”
and his version of “Heartless” both charted within the Top 20 of the
Billboard Hot 100. Allens post-Idol self-titled album was released on
November 17, 2009, through Jive Records. The album debuted at #11 on the
U.S. Billboard 200 shifting over 80,000 copies.
The albums lead single, “Live Like Were Dying”, was released on
September 21, 2009, and has so far peaked at #25 in the U.S. Allens
interest in music began very early. He began playing the viola in
elementary school and went on to play the instrument in the Mills
University Studies High School orchestra, eventually winning a spot in
the Arkansas all-state orchestra.
Additionally, he taught himself to play the guitar at age 13, and
also plays the piano. His musical influences, as stated in his Idol
confessionals, include the Beatles, Jamie Cullum, Jason Mraz, John Mayer
and Michael Jackson. He has described his decision to audition for
American Idol as a “last hurrah” before giving up his pursuit of a music
career. Allen married his girlfriend of seven years, Katherine “Katy”
OConnell, on September 26, 2008. The two began dating back in Allens
junior year of high school.
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