12 Most Influential American Idol Finalists

Next week, American Idol gears up for its 11th season and all signs point to it being another successful round.  I wanted to get out ahead of the pack a little with this slightly early post of the 12 finalists who have been the most successful and had the biggest impact on the entertainment world.  They have affected the recording industry, and they have made their mark in film (an Oscar nomination) and on stage and on other television shows.  You will notice that half of the winners of the past ten seasons aren't even on the list and a few who finished as low as 7th place did make the list.  Here are the 12 most influential American Idol finalists from a decade of the show:


1.   Kelly Clarkson


2.   Carrie Underwood


3.   Jennifer Hudson


4.   Chris Daughtry


5.   Jordin Sparks


6.   Adam Lambert


7.   Fantasia Barrino


8.   Clay Aiken


9.   David Cook


10.   Kellie Pickler


11.   David Archuleta


12.   Katherine McPhee