American Idols: Then And Now

Not only does "American Idol" turn ordinary people into chart-topping singers, it also transforms folks of average style into fashion divas and glamour gods. Check out before and after pictures of your favorite contestants (and judges!) and see whose looks have improved the most -- and whose haven't changed at all -- since being touched by Idol's magic wand.

Season 1 "Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson long ago ditched the plain-Jane look she sported in 2002. She's still the sweet Texas songstress America fell in love with, but now with a little more attitude, makeup and sequins. Kelly is all over the place since the debut of her fifth studio album, "Stronger," on Oct. 24, 2011. She recently performed on SNL and appeared on VH1 Divas, plus she's no stranger to the Hot 100 chart.

Jennifer Hudson only finished seventh in Season 3 of "American Idol," but she sure looks victorious these days. The Grammy and Oscar winner keeps proving that women of all shapes and sizes can be sexy and fashion-forward. She recently released a new book and is currently featured in a Weight Watchers commercial campaign. Her 2011 sophomore album, "I Remember Me," debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

Adam Lambert has gone from boy next door to glam rocker since his time on "Idol" Season 8, pumping up the volume on his hair and adding eyeliner into his morning repertoire. Often identified as the first openly gay pop star to launch a career with a major U.S. label, big things are expected from Lambert this year with the debut of his sophomore studio album, "Trespassing" in March.

Once a fresh-faced Southern belle, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood is now a powerful country bombshell. She shows off her figure in fierce gowns, always with the stunning smile that stole America's heart. Although she hasn't released an album since 2009's "Play On," Underwood is one of country's top stars and in May, she surpassed Kelly Clarkson as "Idol's" biggest earner. She was recently nominated for a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

As the last female to win "American Idol" in Season 6, Jordin Sparks was a spunky 17-year-old with vocal chops beyond her years. Today, the youngest winner in "Idol" history rocks a sultry look and flowing locks that match her powerhouse pipes. Sparks set several "Idol" records in the past five years, even making her Broadway debut in 2010. Later this year, the 22-year-old will star alongside Whitney Houston in a remake of the '70s film "Sparkle."

At 16, David Archuleta became one of the youngest contestants to ever compete on "Idol," and he definitely looked the part. His Season 7 audition outfit was the epitome of high school boy, but now the fan favorite dresses like a pop singer who's seen international success. The now 21-year-old has recently put his showbiz career on hiatus to begin a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Season 5 runner-up Katharine McPhee hadn't changed much since "Idol," until she took style transformation to a new level late last year, trading in her brunette locks for glamorous blonde tresses. The combination of talent and a new 'do already brought Katharine new attention, as she is now starring on NBC's new show, "Smash."

The winner of the 2004 third season of "Idol," Fantasia Barrino, has traded in her once choppy, multi-colored hairdo for a more polished look with side-swept bangs. Barrino won a Grammy in 2011 for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance on "Bittersweet." She gave birth this past December to a boy, Dallas Xavier, and she will be leading the "Super Bowl Gospel Celebration" at Super Bowl XLVI.

For his "Idol" audition, David Cook was a little bit nerdy, with worn jeans, graphic tees and dark attire. With his new breezy rocker look, the Season 7 winner has reinvented himself. His 2008 post-"Idol" debut was certified platinum, and he released his second major label album, "This Loud Morning," in June of last year.

Season 10 "Idol" Scotty McCreery ditched his red cowboy boots and cliche country look for sleek blazers and skinny jeans since winning the competition in May 2011. His debut effort, "Clear As Day," was released in October. McCreery just headed out on tour, opening for Brad Paisley alongside The Band Perry.

"Idol" Season 10 runner-up Lauren Alaina has toned down her locks and her wardrobe since her 2011 audition, opting for a sleeker, more adult look as she launches her pop-country career. Alaina presented alongside "Idol" winner Scotty McCreery at the CMT Music Awards in June, and her debut album, "Wildflower" was released in October.

Back in 2003, Clay Aiken was a skinny, geeky kid who stunned "Idol" fans with his booming voice. Nine years later, he's all grown up and sporting a new set of pearly-white teeth. Since winning "Idol," Aiken has jumped from RCA to Decca records, released six albums, launched a charity, written a book, guest starred on "Scrubs" and launched a Broadway career as Sir Robin in "Spamalot." This year he will be a contestant on the upcoming season of "Celebrity Apprentice."

Kris Allen may not be in Arkansas anymore, but the Season 8 "American Idol" champ still has the small-town charm that made him a winner in 2009. He's lost the stubble and cleaned up his act a bit, but no amount of Hollywood sheen can hide his casual, guy-next-door demeanor. Allen's sophomore album is slated to drop in the spring.

Country starlet Kellie Pickler has returned to her blond roots after experimenting with brunette locks, and that's not the only thing that's changed about the - er, busty - singer who toured with Taylor Swift in 2009. She will release a new album titled "100 Proof" on Jan. 24.

Season 5 finalist Chris Daughtry looks about the same as he did in 2006, but his wardrobe has transformed since his time on "Idol." The Daughtry frontman now stays decked out in dark leather appropriate for a brooding rock star. His band's "Break the Spell" tour begins in March in support of its November album.

When Taylor Hicks first set foot in the audition room, he looked more like someone's chaperone than an actual contestant. The Season 5 winner has since kept his salt-and-pepper hair color intact but he's gotten a trim and updated his style. His most recent album, "The Distance" debuted in 2009, and he has since opened a restaurant, ORE, in Alabama.

Season 3 finalistDiana DeGarmolooked like an aspiring pop star from the start, sporting glittery tops and hip-hugging jeans. But after "Idol," the singer matured, and so did her career. Her album debut saw mediocre sales, but DeGarmo has made a name for herself on Broadway and recently joined the cast of CBS's "The Young and the Restless."

Season 4's Constantine Maroulis was known for his rocker attitude. Not much has changed. Constantine is still sporting dark shades and that same signature pose. The only difference is a tan and well-received past theater turns in Broadways hits like "The Wedding Singer" and "Rock of Ages."

It's been nine years since Ruben Studdard won Season 2, but aside from a few more pinstripes in his suits and a new wife at home, the sharply-dressed "velvet teddybear" looks exactly the same. What also hasn't changed is his large voice, which is in full form on his new single "June 28th (I'm Single)," a song from his fifth studio album, "Letters From Birmingham," due in March.

Long before she was the heartfelt judge bringing the perspective of a veteran in the music biz to the "Idol" panel, Jennifer Lopez was Jenny From The Block, frolicking around the Bronx in her music videos last millennium.

In the '90s, Ryan Seacrest looked more like an extra from "Saved By The Bell" thank the classy suited-up star he is today. It worked back then, but we prefer Seacrest's sleeker style, as the big-smiled "American Idol" host who makes pushing Simon Cowell's buttons look easy. Seacrest continues to host "E! News" and "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve," and on January 23, he will be interviewing Joe Biden on his radio talk show.

Steven Tyler's been rocking the scarves-and-spandex look since long before Ryan Seacrest was even born. Why mess with a good thing? An "Idol" judge since 2011, the Aerosmith frontman doesn't disappoint in plenty of spangled, stretchy, gauzy, feather-accented fabrics.

Despite his fluctuating weight, Randy Jackson hasn't changed much since his early days on TV's biggest show. The only judge remaining from the beginning of "Idol," Jackson still wears eye-catching suits from week to week, usually with an outlandish accessory to finish the look. Today's polka-dot tie is yesterday's striped pocket square.