Forbes has compiled a list of the top-earning American Idol musicians again as the show enters its final season and surprisingly, the top earner didn’t even win the competition during his season.
Season 8 runner-up, Adam Lambert, is the top-earner, making $10 million in 2015 mostly due to touring with Queen. In the second spot on Forbes’ list is Carrie Underwood, who was the top-earner on this list for the past two years, with $8 million. Rounding out the top three is Chris Daughtry with $6 million.
The impact of American Idol will go on for years to come after the show ends in May, as competitors proved they didn’t even need to take home the trophy to be successful in the business. Take Jennifer Hudson – who didn’t make the list this year - she’s a Grammy and Oscar winner. She only came in third place during the third season of the show.
At the bottom of the list is Phillip Phillips ($5 million) at No. 4 and Scotty McCreery and Kelly Clarkson tied at $4 million in earnings.