Following its debut in 2002, the television show American Idol became a pop culture phenomenon in the United States. Millions have tuned in to watch aspiring singers compete for a recording contract, and by the early 2020s it was one of the longest-running reality competition shows. And while winning the series did not guarantee stardom, a number of its champions have become hugely successful, including Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Below is a list of all American Idol winners.