Being first is not everything. At least it is true when it comes to all these American Idol contestants who had made it big even without winning the American Idol title. With some who are even more famous than the winner. Big applause to them!!!
Katherine Hope McPhee was the runner-up to Taylor Hicks on the fifth season of American Idol. McPhee's self-titled debut album sold 116,000 copies its first week, debuting at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. The first single from the album was the Top 40 hit, "Over It".
Chris Daughtry was the fourt-place finalist on the fifth season of American Idol. He formed a band called Daughtry and came out with their self-titled debut album and outsold Idol winner Taylor Hicks' debut effort. His famous songs include "It's Not Over" and "Home".
Clay Aiken was the second-place finisher of American Idol, season 2. So far, he already had three albums in hand and had also won numerous awards in American Music Awards, Billboard Awards and more.
Elliott Yamin was the third-place finalist of American Idol, season 5. His famous song "Wait For You" from his debut album "Movin' On", has been every radio's favourite song.