List of American Idol finalists

Each season, the final round of competition features ten to fourteen singers.

A total of 178 contestants have reached the finals of their season.

First season-winner Kelly Clarkson currently holds the record for the highest-selling album sales worldwide, with more than 25 million copies, while fourth season-winner Carrie Underwood currently holds the record for the highest-selling album sales in the United States, with more than 13 million copies.

As of 2025, seven finalists have died: Michael Johns (d. 2014), Rickey Smith (d. 2016), Leah LaBelle (d. 2018), Nikki McKibbin (d. 2020), Willie Spence (d. 2022), C. J. Harris (d. 2023), and Mandisa (d.

[1] In addition, two semifinalists have also died: season 7's Joanne Borgella (d. 2014) and season 3's Marque Lynche (d. 2015; brother of Michael Lynche).

Kelly Clarkson , first season winner
Ruben Studdard , second season winner
Fantasia Barrino , third season winner
Carrie Underwood , fourth season winner
Taylor Hicks , fifth season winner
Jordin Sparks , sixth season winner
David Cook , seventh season winner
Kris Allen , eighth season winner
Lee DeWyze , ninth season winner
Scotty McCreery , tenth season winner
Phillip Phillips , eleventh season winner
Candice Glover , twelfth season winner
Caleb Johnson , thirteenth season winner
Nick Fradiani , fourteenth season winner
Trent Harmon , fifteenth season winner
Maddie Poppe , sixteenth season winner
Laine Hardy , seventeenth season winner
Iam Tongi , twenty-first season winner