American Idol has been on the air, creating new superstars since 2002. Since then it's winners have gone on to varying degrees of success. This is a list of the top earning American Idol Alumni as of 2013. These numbers are based on album sales, concert tickets sales and various other merchandise sales.
It is not surprising that such a nationally televised event is able to create music superstars, but it is amazing that American Idol can make legitimate success stories. These top grossing performers include, Kelly Clarkson (winner of the very first season of American Idol), Daughtry, Taylor Hicks and the most grossing artist of all, Carrie Underwood.
This list only compiles the earnings from 2013 and will be updated by year.
http://www.ranker.com/list/top-earning-american-idol-alumni/ranker-music,
Carrie Underwood
$31 Million
Daughtry
$4 Million
Katharine McPhee
$1 Million
Kellie Pickler
$1.5 Million
Kelly Clarkson
$7 Million
Taylor Hicks
$2.5 Million
Fantasia
$1.5 Million
Adam Lambert
$5 Million
Scotty McCreery
$3 Million
Phillip Phillips
$5 Million