With the 9th season of American Idol coming to an end, which is also Simon Cowell‘s last ever episode, Forbes decided to come up with a list of the top earning Idol alums over the past year. A sign of how much the record industry is going down is that when David Cook first won the competition he made $2 million that year while last years winner Kris Allen made a mere $672,000 in comparison during his first year. Lets get to the list shall we…
10. Kris Allen, $672,000
The Arkansas native gained traction with Idol fans with his acoustic version of Kanye West’s Heartless. He engineered a stunning upset over Adam Lambert last year. He signed with Jive Records and released a self-titled album that reached No. 11 on the Billboard 200. He’s been performing in Las Vegas and touring nationally.
09. Clay Aiken, $800,000
The Raleigh, N.C., native maintains a loyal following six years after finishing second on Idol. He has sold 4 million albums and penned a New York Times best-selling memoir. Aiken recently finished a run in Broadway’s Spamalot.
08. David Archuleta, $1.4 million
Defeated in the seventh season by David Cook, Archuleta went on to release a self-titled album on Jive records that reached No. 2 on the Billboard charts. He has played more than 100 live shows since Idol. Twitter followers: 372,000.
07. Jordin Sparks, $1.8 million
Entering Idol competition at age 17, Sparks was the youngest winner in the show’s history. The season six winner broke out with No Air, a duet with R&B vocalist Chris Brown. She has toured with Alicia Keyes and the Jonas Brothers. Sparks’ second album, Battlefield, debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard charts.
06. Jennifer Hudson, $2 million
Hudson ranks lower this year, falling from No. 2 on the 2009 list, due to slowing album sales and a light touring schedule. Yet she remains one of the most successful Idol alums. She placed just seventh in the third season but went on to win an Oscar in 2006 for her role in Dreamgirls. Her 2008 self-titled album, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, has sold over 750,000 copies. Earlier this year she signed on as the latest spokeswoman for Weight Watchers.
05. David Cook, $2.3 million
Three years ago David Cook was tending bar in Tulsa, Okla. After winning Idol’s seventh season in 2008, his first single, The Time of My Life, debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot 100, followed by a debut album, David Cook, which went platinum. He continues a lucrative endorsement deal with Skechers shoes.
04. Kellie Pickler, $4.3 million
Pickler was one of the hardest working Idol alums this past year, working a 100-date concert schedule. The season five finalist has sold 1.3 million records, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
03. Chris Daughtry, $5.4 million
After playing with a series of bar bands traveling around North Carolina, Daughtry made it to Idol’s final four in the fifth season. Since leaving the show he has sold 5.7 million copies of his two albums: a Grammy-nominated self-titled debut in 2006 and Leave This Town, released last year. Followers on Twitter: 159,000.
02. Carrie Underwood, $7 million
The Muskogee, Okla.-born country pop singer has won four Grammys, 14 Billboard Music Awards and five American Music Awards. Underwood has sold 9.6 million albums.
01. Kelly Clarkson, $8 million
Idol’s first winner also happens to be the show’s highest-selling alum. Since season one, Clarkson has sold 10.6 million albums (along with 16.1 million digital tracks, according to Nielsen SoundScan). Her latest single, Already Gone, hit No. 3 on Billboard charts. Currently touring in New Zealand, she’ll play the Lilith Fair music festival this month. Clarkson, 28, is now working on her fifth album.
I was surprised that Adam Lambert didn’t make the list seeing as how his album sold more than Allen’s, but apparently he hasn’t gone on tour yet which is where artists make their money from ticket sales and merchandising – not from record sales. I wasn’t surprised at all with the top 2, Kelly Clarkson is the only American Idol to make a name for herself worldwide so she will forever be the most successful Idol album.
source: In Pictures: The Year’s Top-Earning ‘Idols’ [Forbes]
Not everybody is laughing at Russell Brand at this year’s Video Music Awards.
Jordin Sparks spoke out against the British comedian’s jokes about the Jonas Brothers and their purity rings before introducing T.I.’s performance.
“I just have one thing to say about promise rings. It’s not bad to wear a promise ring,” Sparks, 18, told the crowd, off-the-cuff, “because not everybody – guy or girl – wants to be a slut.”
The former American Idol’s comments were met by an audible cheer from the crowd.
During his opening monologue, Brand had poked fun at the Jonas Brothers, suggesting that they should be taking advantage of their celebrity to win dates. (Brand, himself, is a famous lothario in his native England.)
Sparks has long spoken publicity about holding onto her virginity. She, too, wears a purity ring.
Later, Brand returned to the stage to offer an apology of sorts.
“I didn’t meant to take it lightly,” the host said about his purity ring remarks. “I don’t want to piss off teenage fans.” Still, Brand, whose apology soon morphed into a series of off-color jokes, said, “Promise rings, I’m well up for it. [But] a bit of sex, it never hurt anybody.”
source: Jordin Sparks Defends Purity Rings on VMAs [people]
Teen pop sensation THE JONAS BROTHERS wear silver “purity rings” on their ring fingers symbolizing their vows to stay chaste until marriage — and they’re not the only ones! A new abstinence is sweeping Hollywood’s youth, despite what you might read in the tabloids.
“Dancing with the Stars” cutie JULIANNE HOUGH, 19, appeared on a recent cover of CosmoGIRL! declaring her virginity. “I want to be with that special person,” she told the mag. She also doesn’t drink or smoke.
Disney star MILEY CYRUS has also declared her wishes to remain pure, along with “American Idol” JORDIN SPARKS, and believe it or not, Victoria’s Secret model ADRIANA LIMA, who recently posed semi-nude with a palm frond on the cover of GQ magazine. “Sex is just for after marriage,” the gorgeous brunette told the mag. Sorry, guys!
I say… Give Miley time… just give her time.
Are you a celebrity virgin who was left off the list? Just give us a shout!
Sparks, who is only 18 and about to start the biggest tour of her life, is suffering from “an acute vocal cord hemorrhage,” according to officials.
The reigning “American Idol” winner canceled a concert at Penn State scheduled for last night, an Earth Day show on the National Mall in Washington, DC set for today and – most importantly – the first night of the Alicia Keys tour where she is the opening act Saturday night.
“Because of the risk of permanent vocal cord damage, Sparks has been ordered to strict vocal rest and will not be able to perform anywhere until her condition improves,” said a spokesman for the arena at Penn State.
Sparks, her family and reps from her management team at 19 Entertainment could not be immediately reached for comment yesterday.
A medical Web site for the University of Pennsylvania described bleeding in the vocal cord as “a serious problem . . . caused when a person who has laryngitis uses their voice at the height of infection.
“Some severe cases may require laser microsurgery.”
The description of the problem as “acute” also indicates the injury may be severe.
That no one from her family or record label was returning calls yesterday to explain the extent of her problems did not help calm the fears of fans either.
Calls to “pray for Jordin” were all over the “Idol” sites yesterday.
… Well, according to her vocal coach she is. Melissa Black, a vocal coach who claims she worked closely with Jordin Sparks three years ago, has come forward to set the record straight.
“Jordin was just 14 years old when she studied with me in 2004,†vocal coach Melissa Black told Star magazine. “Her mom, Jodi Sparks, and her grandmother, Pam Wiedmann — who acts as her manager — found me on the Internet. We were together for nine months of intense vocal work, with Jordin taking one 30-minute class a week…â€
Black says they haven’t spoken since Sparks stopped taking the classes, and she said mostly good things about her alleged former student. Nevertheless, Black admits, she was “hurt for a week†when the “Idol†winner said that she hadn’t had any formal training. “Jordin didn’t have to mention my name, but at least acknowledge you had training,†she told the tab. “But I’ve moved on, and I hold my head up high.â€
Isn’t it amazing, how once you become famous… every asshole in the world chimes in, wanting their meal ticket. You owe them for some damn thing, now pay up!
After yet another season of “American Idol,” it all comes down to tonight’s show. Will Jordin Sparks or Blake Lewis take home the trophy? It depends on whether the voters prefer the best singer or the best performer.
The “American Idol” season finale is tonight with Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis the last contestants standing.
Before the third and last song of last night, the “American Idol” judges were of a mind that the title still was up for grabs — and then Jordin Sparks, all of 17, blew everyone away.
Simon Cowell and Co. — who have no vote in deciding whether Sparks or rival Blake Lewis, 25, ends up the winner — couldn’t contain themselves. “You were the best singer tonight. You deserve it all, baby!” Randy Jackson gushed Tuesday. “You just wiped the floor with Blake,” added Cowell, who then told Sparks he was wrong for initially thinking she wasn’t good enough to win the Fox talent show. “I would say the best individual performance of the night was Blake on the first song,” Cowell said. “But, based on overall singing — Jordin.”
After the two “Idol” finalists took their last turns on stage, the choice facing viewer voters was crystallized: the most talented singer or the better entertainer. Sparks, the voice, and Lewis, the stylist, had their legions of fans in a frenzy all night at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.
Lewis, of Bothell, Wash., opened the show with a reprisal of his infectious interpretation of Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name.” The crowd was delirious but the judges were less impressed by Lewis’ voice than his performance as a whole. “Blake, you’re not the best singer in this competition. But you’re the best entertainer I think we’ve had,” Cowell said.
Usually, that’s what wins. That’s what sells, too. There are better singers in church and high choirs all over the country than on the Top 40.
The result was a real surprise, considering Doolittle – hands down the best singer there – had the blessing of Simon Cowell . Her departure clears the way for a final showdown between Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis.
“Congratulations to you two. My commiserations, Melinda, ’cause you are one heck of a singer,” said a glum Cowell, who covered his face with his hands upon hearing the news.
The acerbic judge had always made clear his affection for the 29-year-old backup singer-turned-diva from Brentwood, Tenn., who delivered knockout performances week after week.
Doolittle, who never hit a bad note during her “Idol” run, seemed resigned to her fate. She belted “I’m A Woman” before leaving the stage.
It’s tough to predict who’ll win next week’s finale. Sparks, 17, of Glendale, Ariz., rose from the bottom ranks to gain much momentum in later weeks, and few would deny her broad appeal to viewers of all ages. The bubbly beauty has charisma for miles – a true American idol, her fans argue.
But the 25-year-old Lewis, who hails from Bothell, Wash., has tricks up his sleeve. As this year’s hippest contender, the stylish beatboxer has wooed fans by taking risks with song arrangements and infusing even stale pop songs with contemporary flair.
He had a big “Idol” moment weeks ago when he mixed up Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name” to add fresh beats – a move that secured him a spot in the final four. Even Cowell loved it.
Wednesday’s show also featured performances by the band Maroon 5 and former contestant Elliott Yamin, who came in third last year.
Much to the dismay of the Gone Hollywood staff, it wasn’t Sanjaya Malakar. Chris Sligh, who completely butchered his performance, was given his walking papers.
Remaining Contestants:
gina glocksen
haley scarnato
blake lewis
jordin sparks
lakisha jones
chris richardson
melinda doolittle
phil stacey sanjaya malakar
Gwen Stefani coached the “American Idol” contestants this week with their “pop” song choices. Like the rest of us, she was not impressed with Sanjaya Malakar.
Rumor has it, that Sanjaya wanted to sing No Doubt’s “Bathwater” to Gwen’s dismay. She urged him to choose an 80s song instead. [no doubt, she felt he couldn't pull it off - yes, pun intended]
During dress rehearsals yesterday, Gwen still wasn’t happy with Sanjaya’s choice and went to the Executive Producer and demanded something be done. They apparently gave him Maroon 5′s “Sunday Morning” and the entire studio was left feeling very uncomfortable.
She should have asked him to sing “I’m Just a Girl.” That’s more his speed.
Here’s the song selections:
Blake Lewis – “Love Song” by the Cure
Chris Richardson – “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt
Chris Sligh – “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” by the Police
Gina Glocksen – “Just Like a Pill” by Pink
Haley Scarnato – “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper
Jordin Sparks – “Hey Baby” by No Doubt
Lakisha Jones – “Love Has a Mind of Its Own” by Donna Summers
Melinda Doolittle – “Sunset People” by Donna Summers
Phil Stacey – “Every Breath You Take” by the Police
Sanjaya Malakar – “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5
Sparks, who is only 18 and about to start the biggest tour of her life, is suffering from “an acute vocal cord hemorrhage,” according to officials.
“Jordin was just 14 years old when she studied with me in 2004,†vocal coach Melissa Black told Star magazine. “Her mom, Jodi Sparks, and her grandmother, Pam Wiedmann — who acts as her manager — found me on the Internet. We were together for nine months of intense vocal work, with Jordin taking one 30-minute class a week…â€
The “American Idol” season finale is tonight with Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis the last contestants standing.
The result was a real surprise, considering Doolittle – hands down the best singer there – had the blessing of Simon Cowell . Her departure clears the way for a final showdown between Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis. 
