RCA Records dropping season nine “American Idol” winner Lee DeWyze from his record deal as reported by celebrity news outlet TMZ provides an ample opportunity to reflect back on the past “American Idol” seasons, including the not so triumphant winners and the persevering rejects. At the very least DeWyze can take comfort in knowing other winners previously suffered his same fate. Looking at TMZ’s list of “American Idol” contestants dumped by record labels you will spot two more show success stories, season two champion Ruben Studdard and season five victor Taylor Hicks. On the other hand glancing through names of the rejected you will notice a few now well established musicians.
Chris Daughtry
Ironically the front man for the band DAUGHTRY competed on the fifth season of “American Idol,” the season won by the forgotten Taylor Hicks. The bald rocker made his way into the show’s final four before eventually getting eliminated. Undeterred by the rejection Chris Daughtry pressed forward on his own and landed a deal with RCA Records. Accolades collected by the celebrity over the past five years include placing on the Billboard 200 Albums of the Year chart three times, earning a spot on the Billboard Top Artists of the Year chart two years In a row, and netting two songs “It’s Not Over” and “Home” within the top five of the Billboard Hot 100.
Kellie Pickler
When you consider Kellie Pickler also participated in “American Idol’s” fifth season you can make a case for season five containing more talent than any other year. Pickles finished sixth on the show but the pretty blonde left a lasting impression on America. After signing with BNA Records Pickler found great success as a country artist. Eight of her songs placed on Billboard’s Country Songs chart, including five tracks within the list’s top 20. “Best Days of Your Life” Kellie’s most successful song even cracked the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100 peaking at spot 46.
Adam Lambert
Glambert appeared on “American Idol” season eight and proceeded all the way to the show’s season finale. However the neo-goth wearing singer lost the contest to Kris Allen. Yet since the season ended Lambert enjoyed more success than the winner, already landing three songs on the Billboard Hot 100 including the top 10 hit “Whataya Want from Me.” Besides his musical accomplishments the former Idol contestant garnered a great amount of mainstream publicity gracing the cover to Rolling Stone and getting VH1 to document his life in the channel’s “Behind the Music” series. At day’s end you can’t deny Adam Lambert’s personality fits well into celebrity stardom.