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  • THEN AND NOW: 15 of the most memorable 'American Idol' contestants and auditionees

THEN AND NOW: 15 of the most memorable 'American Idol' contestants and auditionees

Meghan CookAug 23, 2022, 21:13 IST

Jennifer Hudson on the "American Idol" red carpet in 2004 (left) and on the Tony Awards red carpet in 2022 (right).Chris Walter/WireImage/Getty Images; Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

  • "American Idol" has been airing for 20 years across two networks, and it's created some major stars.
  • Winners and runners-up have gone on to successful careers, but so have other memorable contestants.
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Season-two finalist Trenyce found success in music and on the stage.

Trenyce auditioning for "American Idol" in 2003 (left) and on the red carpet in 2019 (right).Fox; Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for Homeboy Industries

"She Bangs" singer William Hung is now a motivational speaker.

William Hung performing in 2004 (left) and on the red carpet in 2022 (right).Kevin Winter/Getty Images; Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images
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Season-three finalist Jasmine Trias is a platinum-selling artist.

Jasmine Trias at the "American Idol" finale in 2004 (left) and singing at an LA Clippers game in 2019 (right).Lucy Nicholson/Reuters; Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

"EGOT" winner Jennifer Hudson went on to massive success after placing seventh on season three.

Jennifer Hudson on the "American Idol" red carpet in 2004 (left) and on the Tony Awards red carpet in 2022 (right).Chris Walter/WireImage/Getty Images; Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
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Season-four contestant Constantine Maroulis went on to become a big name on Broadway.

Constantine Maroulis on the "American Idol" red carpet in 2005 (left) and on a red carpet in 2021 (right).Fred Prouser/Reuters; Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Season five's Kellie Pickler is now a singer, radio host, and Hallmark heroine.

Kellie Pickler on the "American Idol" red carpet in 2006 (left) and on stage at a SiriusXM event in 2022 (right).Fred Prouser/Reuters; Amy Harris/Invision/AP
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Chris Daughtry placed fourth on season five, but he went on to make it big.

Chris Daughtry on a red carpet in 2006 (left) and performing in 2022 (right).Max Morse/Reuters; Lorne Thomson/Redferns/Getty Images

Melinda Doolittle was a backup singer before "Idol" launched her to fame.

Melinda Doolittle on the "American Idol" red carpet in 2007 (left) and at an event in 2021 (right).Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock; Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Alzheimer's Association
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Season six's Sanjaya Malakar is now a pastry chef.

Sanjaya Malakar on the "American Idol" red carpet in 2007 (left) and on the red carpet in 2016 (right).M. Tran/FilmMagic/Getty Images; Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Anoop Desai from season eight has made it big in music and Hollywood.

Anoop Desai on the "American Idol" red carpet in 2009 (left) and at a premiere in 2022 (right).Mario Anzuoni/Reuters; Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Netflix
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Scott MacIntyre, who competed on season eight, still has a large following today.

Scott MacIntyre on the "American Idol" red carpet in 2009 (left) and on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" in 2018 (right).AP Photo/Chris Pizzello; Randy Holmes via Getty Images

"General" Larry Platt was an activist long before his "American Idol" audition went viral.

"General" Larry Platt at the 2010 Grammys (left) and at a taping of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" in 2018 (right).Mario Anzuoni/Reuters; Randy Holmes via Getty Images
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Todrick Hall was eliminated on season nine, but now his hit singles have millions of streams.

Todrick Hall on the "American Idol" red carpet in 2010 (left) and at a 2021 charity event (right).Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images; Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

Season nine's Katie Stevens has taken her talents to TV.

Katie Stevens on the "American Idol" red carpet in 2010 (left) and at the 2022 ACM Awards (right).Mario Anzuoni/Reuters; Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images for ACM
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Season-14 finalist Jax recently made a big impact with her song "Victoria's Secret."

Jax at an "American Idol" event in 2015 (left) and at the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards (right).Jonathan Alcorn/Reuters; MIKE BLAKE/Reuters
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