Daughtry

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Kris Allen may have been crowned the winner last night, but Carrie Underwood is still in first place when it comes to paychecks.

According to a new study conducted by Forbes, Carrie is the top American Idol earner of 2009. She’s earned $14 million in the last year alone!

Since her Idol victory in 2005, Carrie’s played over 300 concerts, released two albums, and sold a total of 9.6 million copies and 10.7 million downloads. And on top of that, she’s won her fair share of awards in the country music genre, including Entertainer of the Year at the ACMs.

Coming in second place is Jennifer Hudson, who has done quite well for herself, without even having won Idol! She banked $5 million in the past year, and is just getting back on her feet with a new album after the untimely death of three of her family members.

Original Idol winner Kelly Clarkson is still bringing in the big bucks. She comes in at number three on the list, having made $4.2 million in the past year. Her latest single “All I Ever Wanted” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard earlier this year.

Wonder if Kris Allen will make the top ten next year! Last year’s winner David Cook sure did! He’s made $2 million since winning season 7.


Here are the Forbes’ top ten Idol winners:

1. Carrie Underwood - $14 million
2. Jennifer Hudson - $5 million
3. Kelly Clarkson – $4.2 million
4. Jordin Sparks - $3.1 million
5. Kellie Pickler - $2.3 million
6. Clay Aiken - $2.2 million
7. Chris Daughtry - $2 million
8. David Cook - $2 million
9. David Archuleta - $1.3 million
10. Taylor Hicks - $300,000