American Idols: Then & Now Photos

104442-kelly_clarkson_617_4091

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 loved at first sight, but now she has a little more attitude, and plenty more makeup and sequins.

104427-adam_lambert_617_4091

Adam Lambert celebrates free expression and flamboyance — and it shows. Between his time on “Idol” Season 8 and the November release of his debut album, the singer cranked up the volume on his hair, and definitely hired a stylist who knows the meaning of “glam.”

104430-clay_aiken_617_4091

Back in 2003, Clay Aiken was the skinny, geeky kid who stole the hearts of “AI” fans with his booming voice. Since then, the runner-up has a more grownup style — and new set of pearly-white teeth, to boot.

104428-carrie_underwood_617_4091

Once a fresh-faced Southern belle, “Season 4” winner Carrie Underwood is now an in-control country bombshell. She’s unafraid to show off her figure, and in place of her girlish smile is a more fierce and fabulous gaze.

104447-ryan_seacrest_617_4091

In the 90s, Ryan Seacrest looked more like an extra from “Saved By The Bell.” It worked back then, but we prefer Seacrest’s sleeker style today, as the big-smiled “American Idol” host in crisp suits who makes pushing Simon Cowell’s buttons look easy.

104438-jordin_sparks_617_4091

As the last female to win “American Idol” in Season 7, Jordin Sparks was a spunky teen with vocal chops beyond her years. Today, Sparks — who turned 20-years-old in December — is all grown up, with a sultry look and flowing locks that match her powerhouse pipes.

104443-kris_allen_617_4091

Kris Allen may not be in Arkansas anymore, but the reigning “American Idol” still has the small-town charm that made him a winner in 2009. Although he’s lost the stubble and cleaned up his act a bit, no amount of Hollywood sheen can hide his casual, guy-next-door demeanor.

104436-fantasia_617_4091

The winner of the third season of “AI” in 2004, Fantasia Barrino has since traded in her once choppy, multi-color hairdo for a more womanly look. Fans can watch the made-over singer in action on her new VH1 reality show, “Fantasia For Real.”

104448-simon_cowell_617_4091

Simon Cowell is as famous for his style consistency as he is for his smug commentary. The British master of snark, who recently announced he was leaving “Idol” to bring the “The X Factor” to the U.S., is sporting the same V-neck sweaters and open-necked button-down shirts he’s always worn.

104437-jennifer_hudson_617_4091

Jennifer Hudson didn’t even come close to wining 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.

104429-chris_daughtry_617_4091

As far as anyone can tell, Season 5 finalist Chris Daughtry‘s face hasn’t changed a bit since his time on “Idol.” What’s definitely transformed, though, is his wardrobe. The frontman now stays decked out in dark leather appropriate for a brooding rock star.

104449-taylor_hicks_617_4091

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 upgraded his look in more subtle ways, shortening the length of his hair and donning manlier get-ups.

104441-kellie_pickler_617_4091

They say blondes have more fun, but not according to Kellie Pickler. The country upstart is now a brunette, and that’s not the only thing that’s changed about the — er, busty — singer, who toured with Taylor Swift in 2009 and is gearing up to entertain troops at the Persian Gulf as part of a USO tour.

104446-ruben_studdard_617_4091

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.

104440-katherine_mcphee_617_4091

Holy makeover! Season 5 runner-up Katharine McPhee hadn’t changed much in recent years, but she took style transformation to a new level late last year when she traded in her brunette locks for more glamorous blonde tresses. That’s already brought Katharine more attention as she gears up to promote her sophomore album “Unbroken.”

104432-david_archuleta_617_4091

At 16, David Archuleta became one of the youngest contestants to ever compete on “Idol,” and he definitely looked the part. His audition outfit was what any teenage boy would pick out for himself, but now the fan favorite dresses like a pop singer who’s seen international success.

104435-elliot_yamin_617_4091

In 2006, Elliott Yamin went on the third season of “Idol” looking like a “Making the Band” reject. Over time, Yamin grew out his hair, capped his teeth and has recruited fans post-“Idol,” most recently with his sophomore album, “Fight for Love.”

104434-degarmo_617_4091

Season 3 finalist Diana DeGarmo looked like an aspiring pop star from the start, sporting glittery tops and hip-hugging jeans. But in 2009, the singer grew up, and so did her career. DeGarmo now flaunts a more sophisticated look as she promotes her acoustic EP, “Unplugged in Nashville.”

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.

104439-kara_dioguardi_617_4091

Songwriter/music mogul Kara DioGuardi made a head-turning debut as an “Idol” judge last season, vamping up her style for her new status as a household name. The New York native has gone from a punk-lite look to more feminine style, with polished hair and form-fitting dresses.

104433-david_cook_617_4091

For his “Idol” audition, David Cook looked more like a musical theater nerd — his worn jeans, graphic tees, and dark attire made him a perfect candidate to hang out with the drama club at lunch. With his breezy rocker look, the season seven winner is now sitting at a different table.

104431-constantine_617_4091

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 theater turns in Broadways hits like “The Wedding Singer” and “Rock of Ages.”

104450-william_hung_617_4091

William Hung never competed on Season 3, but his off-key rendition of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs” during his audition made him more recognizable than some Idol winners. The boldly-patterned shirts he wore tucked into his pants helped too. Since then, his style has become more Martin and less Urkel.

104444-paula_abdul_617_4091

Paula Abdul may no longer be an “Idol” judge, but she will forever be and talked about — in a good way. Abdul, who started her music career as a pop star and coreographer, has transformed from a hair-teased ’80s icon to a full-grown woman with an eye for out-the-box attires and a love for oversized gowns.