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All 18 'American Idol' runners-up, ranked from least to most successful

Gabbi ShawApr 17, 2021, 00:24 IST

Adam Lambert.Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic/Getty

  • "American Idol" has produced 18 winners and 18 runners-up.
  • In some cases, the runners-up have been more successful than the winners.
  • We've ranked all runners-up based on Spotify streams, chart success, social media followers, and career paths.
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Arthur Gunn is the most recent runner-up, and as such, hasn't had time to do much. He lost to Just Sam.

Arthur Gunn. Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty Images

No shade to Bo Bice - almost anyone competing against Carrie Underwood would come up short. He placed second during season four in 2005.

Bo Bice. Chris Polk/FilmMagic/Getty Images
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Crystal Bowersox was the runner-up on season nine of "Idol" in 2010. She lost to Lee DeWyze.

Crystal Bowersox. Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Jena Irene Asciutto was the runner-up of season 13, losing to Caleb Johnson in 2014.

Jena Irene Asciutto. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
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Kree Harrison was the runner-up to season-12 winner Candice Glover in 2013.

Kree Harrison. Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images

During season 14, Clark Beckham came in second, losing the top spot to Nick Fradiani in 2015.

Clark Beckham. Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty Images
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Blake Lewis lost to Jordin Sparks during season six in 2007.

Blake Lewis. Jason Merritt/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Caleb Lee Hutchinson came in second during season 16 in 2018, losing to his girlfriend, Maddie Poppe.

Caleb Lee Hutchinson. Eric McCandless/Walt Disney Television/Getty Images
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Alejandro Aranda, who goes by Scarypoolparty, was the runner-up of season 17 in 2019. He lost to Laine Hardy.

Alejandro Aranda. Eric McCandless/Getty Images

Jessica Sanchez was season 11's runner-up, losing to Phillip Phillips in 2012.

Jessica Sanchez. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
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Diana DeGarmo finished behind Fantasia during season three in 2004, losing by just 2%.

Diana DeGarmo. Mathew Imaging/FilmMagic/Getty Images

La'Porsha Renae was the last runner-up of "American Idol" before it went on a two-year hiatus. She lost season 15 to Trent Harmon in 2016.

La'Porsha Renae. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
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Justin Guarini is the original "Idol" runner-up, losing to Kelly Clarkson during the very first season back in 2002.

Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini. SGranitz/WireImage/Getty Images

David Archuleta became a teen idol after he lost season seven to David Cook in 2008.

David Archuleta. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
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Katharine McPhee lost to Taylor Hicks in 2006 during season five.

Katharine McPhee. Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Lauren Alaina was the runner-up of season 10, finishing behind Scotty McCreery in 2011.

Lauren Alaina. Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic/Getty Images
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When Clay Aiken lost to Ruben Studdard during season two in 2003, hearts broke around the country.

Clay Aiken. SGranitz/WireImage/Getty Images

Adam Lambert is easily the most successful "Idol" runner-up. He lost to Kris Allen during season eight in 2009.

Adam Lambert. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
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