Paula Abdul is best known for her hit songs and dancing in the 1990s, and for judging American Idol in the 2000s.
Crystal Bowersox landed a spot on the ninth season of American Idol and became the first runner-up.
With hits such as "Vision of Love" and "I Don't Wanna Cry," pop diva Mariah Carey holds the record for most No. 1 debuts in Billboard Hot 100 history.
Kelly Clarkson is an American Idol winner who went on to record several top ten hits including "Breakaway," "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and "Because of You."
Simon Cowell is a record producer and television personality known for his scathing critical remarks as a judge on the television show, "American Idol."
With her own talk show, Ellen DeGeneres is one of America's most well-known comedians, also serving as a prominent gay/lesbian role model.
In 2009, singer Lee DeWyze beat out the American Idol judges' clear choice, Crystal Bowersox, thanks to the audience's majority vote.
Songwriter Kara DioGuardi has worked on popular hits for a laundry list of pop stars including Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson and Ashlee Simpson.
Taylor Hicks is an American singer-songwriter who rose to fame after his win on the fifth season of American Idol.
Jennifer Hudson is an Oscar and Grammy-winning actress and singer known for roles in Dreamgirls and Sex and the City.
Record producer and musician Randy Jackson is notable mostly as a judge on the talent-search TV show American Idol
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Singer and guitarist Casey James became a household name when he appeared and placed third on the ninth season of American Idol.
Adam Lambert is an American singer best known for his finalist position in the eighth season of American Idol in 2009. His huge vocal range and glam-rocker style made him a standout. Lambert came in second place.
Singer Kimberley Locke made a hugely successful run on American Idol and ended up placing third (behind runner-up Clay Aiken and winner Ruben Studdard).
Actress and singer Jennifer Lopez is one of Hollywood’s leading ladies who’s also forged a successful pop and dance music career.
Michael Lynche was a contestant on the ninth season of American Idol. He was the second finalist to receive the "judge's save."
Hip-hop artist Nicki Minaj was featured in seven songs on Billboard's Hot 100 at the same time, even before the release of her debut album in 2010.
Singer Kellie Pickler appeared on American Idol in 2006 and has since released several hit country albums, including Small Town Girl and 100 Proof.
Ryan Seacrest is known for hosting the popular televised competition American Idol, the annual TV special Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve and the radio program American Top 40.
Ruben Studdard is a R&B, pop, and gospel singer. He rose to fame as winner of the second season of American Idol.
The lead singer of popular rock band Aerosmith with hits like “Dream On” and “Walk This Way,” Steven Tyler has also served as a judge on American Idol.
Carrie Underwood was the winner of American Idol's fourth season and went on to win multiple Grammy and Academy of Country Music Awards.
Grammy-award winning country music singer, songwriter and guitarist Keith Urban was named the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year in 2006.