Forbes Ranks Top "American Idol" Earners

According to a Forbes ranking of the top earning “Idol” contestants, the music market is pretty well saturated with almost 100 "Idol" alumni and the odds are against this season’s winner raking in the dough.


Last year’s winner, Kris Allen, sold only 300,000 copies of his album, and if ratings and vote tallies are any indication, fans may have moved beyond voting for their favorites with their wallets.

Neither Bowersox nor DeWyze is expected to do as well as No. 1 on the Forbes list, Carrie Underwood.

The publication, which ranked "Idol" stars according to earnings made from June 2009 to May 2010, says the country singer raked in $13 million, making her the most financially successful artist launched from the show.

Coming in a close second was season one champ Kelly Clarkson, whose millions of records sold plus a successful tour helped her garner $11.7 million over the past year. Third place finisher on the list is Chris Daughtry, who earned $10.2 million.

Not too shabby for the man who finished fourth on season five of the show behind that year’s winner Taylor Hicks, who didn’t even rank on the Forbes list.

Story Courtesy of CNN

American Idol Winner Is Not Crystal?????

Ok, what the hell just happened?  I thought tonight's decision should've been a no brainer after all Crystal Bowersox wiped Lee Dewyze's butt with her killer performances last night.  So how did that translate into her losing the American Idol title???

I just cun't understand it.  There's a foul odor in the air and it sure smells of a fix.

Do you think Crystal was robbed of her title?

Will Paula Abdul Return For Idol Finale

It’s no secret that the producers of American Idol like to keep the names of performers on finale night under wraps.

But two things are certain — Crystal Bowersox or Lee DeWyze will be crowned the season 9 champ on Wednesday, and fans will see the last of Simon Cowell before he jumps over to X Factor in 2011.

But a source tells PEOPLE that a special send-off planned for the cranky judge will feature some Idol alums, including a special appearance by Paula Abdul.

And among the superstars taking the stage? Watch for a great performance by Christina Aguilera.

Story courtesy of  People