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Carrie Underwood Is Top 'Idol' Moneymaker

Raking in $14 million last year, Carrie Underwood is sitting pretty at No. 1 on Forbes 'American Idol's' 2008 Top Earners list. The Season 4 winner has sold almost ten million albums and had one of the most successful country tours of '08, both on her own and as a co-headliner with Keith Urban.

Coming in at No. 2 is Jennifer Hudson, who only placed sixth on 'Idol' but went on to win an Oscar and a Grammy. The R&B singer and actress made $5 million in 2008. Hudson is followed by Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson, who earned $4.2 million last year. Rounding out the Top 5 are Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks ($3.1 million) and Season 5's country cutie Kellie Pickler ($2.3 million).

Forbes' rankings come from album sales, concerts, merchandising and other sources of income. See their full list of 'American Idol's' 2008 Top Earners here.

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Marlene

While Carrie is okay ADAM LAMBERT ROCKS! This guy has unbelievable talent plus charisma. He can sing anything and when he sang Whole Lotta Love by Zeppelin he proved just how versatile he is. Carrie on the other hand is just another blonde female singer who is pretty and is getting where she is by her looks. Adam will out do her as the most money making Idol ever. ADAM IS GONNA WIN TONIGHT!

May 20 2009 at 5:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Marlene's comment
sweetiepie

Well, you were wrong he did not win. Kris did. He is way better the adam,he makes you feel like he is singing right to you. But, Carrie underwood is the best american idol out of any of them.She has a great voice,all her songs are amazing,she puts out great videos,has amazing concerts & most of all is a wonderful role model to young girls. She also did not win based on her looks, she CAN sing.Singing is what got her were she is not looks. She deserves it. Next idol i like is David cook, he is so cute has a fantastic voice & has a wonderful heart!!

May 26 2009 at 9:23 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
JUDY

Too bad that you think that. I really like Adam and believe that he is a major talent but I love Kris, he sings to you not at you like Adam does. Adam needs to learn to give himself in that meaningful way. People compare him to Freddie Mercury but Freddie gave his soul to his audience, it was not a performance of "look at me, look at me". Kris is soulful and even if he doesn't win, I will buy his cds.

May 20 2009 at 1:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rosa

it is because she has cross-genre appeal. I think that is one of the strengths Adam Lambert has going for him, his voice is so strong he can rock out and flip to a pop sound. Too bad people wont vote for him because he is gay, seriously check it out: http://www.newsy.com/videos/idol_finale_full_of_subplots

May 20 2009 at 12:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply