THEN AND NOW: People who came in second place on 'American Idol'

Meghan Cook,Gabbi ShawNov 5, 2022, 19:45 IST

Adam Lambert competed on season eight of "American Idol."Phil McCarten/Reuters; Leon Bennett/Getty Images

"American Idol" winners like Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson have gone on to incredible careers.
But runners-up like Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, and Katharine McPhee have also had huge success.

Justin Guarini took his singing skills to Broadway after "Idol."

Justin Guarini on "American Idol" (left) and on the "Idol red carpet in 2022 (right).Kevin Winter/ImageDirect/FOX; Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images

Clay Aiken has shifted his career focus from entertainment to politics.

Clay Aiken at the "American Idol" finale in 2003 (left) and on "The $100,000 Pyramid" in 2020.Reuters Photographer; Heidi Gutman/ABC via Getty Images

Diana DeGarmo has dabbled in Broadway, film, and TV.

Diana DeGarmo at the "American Idol" finale in 2004 (left) and at the 2022 American Theatre Wing Gala (right).Lucy Nicholson/Reuters; Bruce Glikas/Getty Images for American Theatre Wing

Bo Bice is still rocking out on stage.

Bo Bice on "American Idol" in 2005 (left) and on the red carpet in 2016.Kevin Winter/Getty Images; Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Katharine McPhee has found TV success on "Smash" and "Country Comfort."

Katharine McPhee on "American Idol" in 2006 (left) and on the red carpet in 2022 (right).Chris Pizzello/Reuters; Mark Von Holden/WWD via Getty Images

Blake Lewis has established himself as a music producer.

Blake Lewis at the "American Idol" finale in 2007 (left) and at a Hallmark Channel event in 2019 (right).Fred Prouser/Reuters; Paul Archuleta/Getty Images

David Archuleta is still performing.

David Archuleta on the "American Idol" red carpet in 2008 (left) and 2022 (right).Fred Prouser/Reuters; Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images

Adam Lambert went from auditioning with a Queen song to touring alongside the legendary band.

Adam Lambert competed on season eight of "American Idol."Phil McCarten/Reuters; Leon Bennett/Getty Images

Crystal Bowersox released a new album earlier this year.

Crystal Bowersox at the "American Idol" finale in 2010 (left) and performing in 2015 (right).Kevin Winter/Getty Images; Robb D. Cohen/AP Images

Lauren Alaina recently competed on "Beyond the Edge."

Lauren Alaina at the "American Idol" finale in 2011 (left) and on the red carpet in 2022 (right).Mario Anzuoni/Reuters; Johnny Louis/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Jessica Sanchez has been singing since she could talk.

Jessica Sanchez on the "American Idol" red carpet in 2012 (left) and at an event in 2016 (right).Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images; Joe Scarnici/Getty Images

Kree Harrison is still performing today.

Kree Harrison on the "American Idol" carpet in 2013 (left) and performing in 2021 (right).Kevin Winter/Getty Images; Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

Jena Irene Asciutto is delving into house music.

Jena Irene Asciutto at the "American Idol" finale in 2014 (left) and performing at a football game in 2016 (right).Danny Moloshok/Reuters; Dave Reginek/Getty Images

Clark Beckham hosts a series on YouTube where he breaks down "Idol" episodes.

Clark Beckham on "American Idol" in 2015 (left) and at an event in 2017 (right).Kevork DjansezianGetty Images; John Sciulli/Getty Images

ASE has two recent singles available for streaming.

ASE on "American Idol" in 2016 (left) and performing in 2017 (right).Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images; Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Caleb Lee Hutchinson recently appeared in one of Maddie Poppe's music videos.

Caleb Lee Hutchinson on "American Idol" in 2017 (left) and on the red carpet in 2022 (right).ABC/Eric McCandless; Christopher Willard:ABC via Getty Images

Alejandro Aranda now releases music under the name Scarypoolparty.

Alejandro Aranda auditioning for "American Idol" in 2018 (left) and performing in 2022 (right).Kelsey McNeal via Getty Images; Paul R. Giunta/Invision/AP

Arthur Gunn recently released an album and is touring around the world.

Arthur Gunn performing on "American Idol" in 2019.Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images

Willie Spence continued releasing music up until his death.

Willie Spence auditioning for "American Idol" in 2020 (left) and on the red carpet in 2022 (right).John Fleenor via Getty Images; Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images

Huntergirl made her Grand Ole Opry debut.

Huntergirl posing on the red carpet in 2022.Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images

20 of the most popular movies of the year, ranked from worst to best

Cookies on the Business Insider India website