When it started off in 2002, American Idol described itself as “search for a superstar”, the reality singing competition instantly became earned its place in the pop culture canon. Millions fell in love with the idea, the style, the judges, and the search for singers.

The show has revolutionized the singing reality scene and successfully spawned some of the Hollywood music industry’s biggest stars. The show has produced a range of talented champions – many of them continue to create amazing music for us all.

Here’s a look at some of the winners and what they are up to these days, apart from choosing self-quarantine.

Kelly Clarkson – the first ever winner

After being dubbed the original "American Idol" in 2002 at the age of 20, Kelly Clarkson signed a record deal with one of the best studios out there, RCA Records. After winning, she went on to release her debut album, "Thankful," and star in the movie "From Justin to Kelly" with "Idol" runner-up Justin Guarini.

Clarkson has also gone on to win multiple Grammys (including best pop vocal album in 2006 and 2013) and other awards.

The singer also served as a coach on the reality show "The Voice" and she is now the host of her own talk-show, "The Kelly Clarkson Show."

Carrie Underwood

A 22-year old college student who became a sensation after winning the American Idol in 2005, Carrie Underwood, released multiple studio albums soon after her win. She was dominating the charts, went on to win seven Grammy Awards and over a dozen other music awards.

Currently, Underwood is still creating amazing music and performing around the US.

Phillips Phillips

Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips, 25, and his guitar captured America's heart in 2012 -- the year in which he walked off the "American Idol" stage a winner. Phillips' best known song Home was such a hit, it was even used during Olympics coverage for the women's gymnastics team. Phillips' song also has the distinction of being the best-selling song by any "American Idol" contestant. In total, he's sold more than 1.4 million copies of his two albums.

Clay Aiken

While Clay Aiken didn’t make it as the winner in 2003, and that broke hearts of many of his fans, he didn’t at all fall off the radar. He may have lost to Rubben Studdard, but his fans stayed loyal to him and his six albums managed to reach more than 5 million of people. He not just achieved success in music, but also starred on Broadway in 2008.

That’s not it, Clay Aiken pivoted away from music as well, for a bit, entering politics in 2014. He has made many guest appearances in some of the loved American TV shows like The Office, 30 Rock, and even Phineas and Ferb.

Jordin Sparks – the Youngest to win.

Jordin Sparks rose to fame after winning season 6 of American Idol. Only 17 years old at the time, Sparks was the youngest winner in the series history. The 26-year-old singer has released three studio albums since her "Idol" days, and was nominated for a Grammy for her pop hit “No Air” in 2009.

Sparks too, like many other winners of American Idol, made it on Broadway. She also made it on the big screen in the movie Sparkle.

Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert finished as the runner-up for season eight of "American Idol." The 34-year-old singer has sold 2.5 million albums and 5 million singles worldwide, and his hit single "Whataya Want from Me" was nominated for a Grammy in 2011.

He sang Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody in his first audition at American Idol and collaborated with the rock band itself, and the group has been busy touring the world.

Collated by Verus Ferreira