"
American Idol" has been known to churn out pop stars who have taken over the global market. Singing talent, along with good looks and an outgoing personality, is what determines the success of "American Idol" winners and, if they're lucky, some of the contestants.
Recently, Forbes magazine reported on the top 10 highest paid "Idol" contestants.
Carrie Underwood - $20 Million
Carrie Underwood is the highest paid "Idol" this year and it's no surprise. She is the first country "Idol" to top the country and pop charts, and to take home multiple Billboard and CMT Music Awards. Then there are the lucrative endorsements she has with Hersey's and Vitamin Water.
Chris Daughtry - $6 Million
He was eliminated in the top four on "American Idol," but it was probably the best thing that happened to him as he embarked on a successful recording career. He is the front man of Daughtry; their hit single "It's Not Over" stayed in the top 10 for a few months.
Adam Lambert - $6 Million
Coming in second place was a total shock for "American Idol" viewers, but that didn't stop him from performing on the American Music Awards and topping the charts with his hit single "Whataya Want from Me."
Fantasia Barrino - $4 Million
The Season 3 "Idol" winner has had a stint on Broadway and her very own VH1 reality show, "
Fantasia For Real." Fantasia Barrino's 2010 album "Back to Me" earned her a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
Jordin Sparks - $3 Million
Jordin Sparks is one of the youngest "Idol" winners, topping the charts with the single "No Air" featuring Chris Brown, and "One Step at a Time." In 2010, she made her debut in the Broadway production of "In the Heights."
Kelly Clarkson - $2.5 Million
She is the first "American Idol" and probably the most famous worldwide for her killer pipes, but Kelly Clarkson lands on the middle of the list. Doesn't matter as she topped the charts with her hits "Since You Been Gone" and "Behind These Hazel Eyes" earned her a Grammy Award-Best Pop Vocal Album for "Breakaway."
Jennifer Hudson - $2 Million
After an early elimination from "Idol," Jennifer Hudson became a successful actor winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in her acting debut in "Dreamgirls." Currently, her album "I Remember Me," is enjoying commercial success on the Billboard charts.
Kellie Pickler - $1.8 Million
Another country singer from "Idol" who was eliminated early in the top 10, she managed to top the Billboard Hot Country song charts with her signature hit "Red High Heels." Kellie Pickler has become a popular TV personality and has won several CMT Music Awards.
Clay Aiken - $1.5 Million
He may have finished as runner up on Season 2 of "Idol," but Clay Aiken has enjoyed a successful music career and Broadway performance in "Monty Python's Spamalot." He regularly appears on TV and has toured nationwide.
David Archuleta - $1 Million
The baby of the bunch made it tenth on the list, but David Archuleta remains one of the teen favorites as he won Best American Idol album at the 2010 "Teen Choice Awards."
