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Life After Idol: A Chronicle of America's Favorite Losers  
PEOPLE 

Tags: American Idol, music, Sanjaya Malakar, TV, losers, Guarini, Clay Aiken, Hung, show

Not all American Idol contestants fade back into obscurity after their fifteen minutes (or less) of fame is up. There are a choice few which have carved out their own niche in American pop culture. Whether they astonished us with their talent, or left us (and our eardrums) stunned, here is a chronicle of notable post-Idol journeys.

	Justin Guarini (season one)- After losing to winner Kelly Clarkson, Guarini filmed the dazzling, superbly acted picture "From Justin To Kelly" (note the sarcasm), with none other than Clarkson herself. The film centered on the pair falling in and out of love via text-message while on spring break. Oh, and it was a musical too. After recovering from the sting of cinema failure, Justin recorded an album entitled "Stranger Things Have Happened", which was a success if and only if his goal was for no one in North America to hear it. To my knowledge, he has still not cut his hair.
	Corey Clarke (season 2)- His only post-Idol claim to fame was a false affair with Paula Abdul, propagated by Clarke himself. The only worse publicity stunt would have been an actual affair with Paula Abdul.
	Kimberly Locke (season 2)- This powerhouse followed her Idol stint with a hit song ("Eight World Wonder"). Not too shabby.
	Clay Aiken (season 2)- This dewey contestant remains one of Idol's most commercially successful. With the hit album "Measure of a Man" and a well-timed Christmas album, Clay won the hearts of googly-eyed teens and their mothers. Just as Clay's star was beginning to burn out, he was snapped back into the spotlight when his sexuality came into question. Some maintain that Kelly Ripa was the perpetrator of this attack, although her now infamous "We don't know where that hand has been" innuendo had no choice but to fade into Hollywood myth and lore. Aiken has also not yet cut his hair.
	William Hung (season 3)- This talented crooner wowed America with a soulful rendition of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs". He followed this success with an album which, suspicisouly enough, sold more than one copy! Expect great things from this wonderful vocalist, including a future in reality television.
	Jennifer Hudson (season 3)- This favorite of the judges came back strong with her appearance in 2006's "Dream Girls". Not only did her vocals amaze, but her acting chops won her an Academy Award. She also became something of a role model for her pride in being a curvaceous woman. Take that, Beyonce! She currently has several film projects in the works.
	Bo Bice (season 3)- After a close race with Carrie Underwood, this runner-up had a hit album entitled "The Real Thing". He also appeared on the soundtrack to "Blades of Glory". He remains humble, not having done anything stupid to have blown him out of the water. He has also not yet cut his hair.
	Kelly Pickler (season 4)- Famous for her blonde-related blunders ("I'm a mink!") and southern appeal, Ms. Pickler went on to a very successful country music career. Other moments in the limelight include her strained relationship with her father (it never fails to make the tabloids!) and her breast implants. With big hair and a new body, Kelly is quickly winning over the "over 40 and recently divorced womanizer" demographic, previously dominated by Dolly Parton.
	Chris Daughtry (season 4)- The contestant everyone assumed would win now enjoys commercial success as the lead singer of his band, cleverly called "Daughtry", forcing Scott Stapp to no longer serve a purpose.
	Elliot Yamin (season 4)- This contestant got his teeth fixed! He also released an album, which was peculiarly well-reviewed by critics. Uhm. He got his teeth fixed!
	Katherine McPhee (season 4)- Simon once praised her by saying she had one of the most beautiful voices ever heard on American Idol. Of course, she is a very successful solo artist. Jive offered her a recording contract after the show was over, something formerly reserved only for the winner. Did they have doubts over Taylor Hicks marketability? Hmm....
	Sanjaya Malakar (season 6)- A total phenomenon! After remaining on the show due to a legion of people encouraged to "Vote For The Worst" by a website titled just that, Sanjaya finally got kicked off, but not without his fair share of lasting impressions. A slew of celebs have been seen spoofing Sanjaya by wearing a faux-hawk wig. He also appeared on several daytime talk shows, and there are rumors he may be planning a duet with Britney Spears. Also worth mentioning: he is the only American Idol contestant known to have spurred a video-documented hunger strike. He also has not yet cut his hair.

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