American Idol alumni in film, television and theater

This page lists only acting roles and other projects undertaken in film, television and theater in the post-Idol career of American Idol contestants. It does not include guest musical performances or interviews on TV shows, or any pre-Idol work. It is also not intended to be a comprehensive list of all acting roles, appearances, awards nominated or won by any particular alum. Where there are multiple entries, only the more significant may be listed. Please see the appropriate links and references for individual alum for such more complete lists.

Season 1

The first season of American Idol saw its first and only attempt at expanding the Idol franchise into the film industry. The winner Kelly Clarkson and runner-up Justin Guarini played the leads in the musical comedy, From Justin to Kelly, but the film failed both critically and at the box office.^[1] There have been no further film ventures with American Idol contestants.

Clarkson has also been a coach on The Voice, voiced characters in three animated movies, and began hosting The Kelly Clarkson Show in September 2019. Guarini has starred in several musical productions, including in a non-musical production of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet as Paris in 2013. He was the host of Idol Tonight and Idol Wrap on TVGN (TV Guide Network). Tamyra Gray has starred in several musical products including Rent in 2008. Jim Verraros has starred in gay-theme films, while semi-finalist Kristin Holt has begun a career as a TV show host.

Idol Contestant	Film	Television	Theater
Kelly Clarkson[2] (Winner)	From Justin to Kelly(2003) as Kelly Taylor The Star (2017) as Leah the Horse[3] UglyDolls (2019) as Moxy Trolls World Tour (2020) as Delta Dawn	American Dreams (2003–04) as Brenda Lee (season 1-2, 2 episodes) King of the Hill (2004) as herself (season 8, episode 8) Reba (2007) as Kelly (season 6, episode 8) Canadian Idol (2007) guest mentor (top 5 week) Duets (2012) Mentor/Judge The Crazy Ones (2013) as herself (Pilot) Kelly Clarkson's Cautionary Christmas Music Tale (2013) herself/host Nashville (2014) as herself (season 2, episode 11) The Voice (2018–2021, 2023) as coach The Kelly Clarkson Show (2019–present) host Winner - Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host, Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment (Daytime Emmy)[4][5] Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around... (2021) as herself American Song Contest (2022) co-host
Justin Guarini[6][7] (Runner-up)	From Justin to Kelly (2003) as Justin Bell Nominated Worst Actor (Razzie)[8] Fast Girl (2008) as Darryl K. Sands	Run of the House (2003) as Paul Hanson (1 episode) Idol Tonight and Idol Wrap (2006–2009) Host[9][10] Gone Country (2009) Contestant Sketched Out TV (2009, web series) Performer[11]	Good Vibrations (2004) as Jan[12] Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (2010–2011, Broadway) as Carlos American Idiot (2011, Broadway) as Will Rent (2011, Regional) as Roger Davis[13] Chicago (2011, Regional) as Billy Flynn[14] Ghost Brothers of Darkland County (2012, Regional) as Drake[15] Romeo and Juliet (2013, Broadway) as Paris Wicked (2014, Broadway) as Fiyero[16] Mamma Mia! (2016, Regional) as Sam Carmichael[17] In Transit (2016, Broadway) as Trent[18] Once Upon a One More Time (2023, Broadway) as Prince Charming[19]
Nikki McKibbin[20] (3rd place)	The Scorned (2005, television film) as singer	Fear Factor (2005) Contestant "Battle of the Network Reality Stars (2005) Contestant Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew (2008) as herself Sober House (2009) as herself
Tamyra Gray[21][22] (4th place)	The Gospel (2005) as Rain Walker Rachel Getting Married (2008) as singing friend	Boston Public (2003) as Aisha Clemens (7 episodes) Tru Calling (2004) as Carly Anders (1 episode) What I Like about You (2004) as Danielle (2 episodes)	Bombay Dreams (2004–2005, Broadway) as Priya[23] Rent (2007–2008, Broadway) as Mimi Marquez Twist (2011, Regional) as Della[24] Once on This Island (2018–2019, Broadway) as Papa Ge[25]
Christina Christian[26] (6th place)	Celia: The Queen (2008, documentary) as young Celia Cruz	CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2003) as Kenisha Jones (Season 3, Episode 16) Burn Notice (2009) as female bartender
Ryan Starr[27] (7th place)	Ring of Darkness (2004, television film) as Stacy	What I Like About You (2003) as Pam (2 episodes) CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2003) as Sophia Renatta (Season 4, Episode 4) The Surreal Life (2004) as herself (12 episodes) Gimme My Reality Show! (2008) Contestant[28]
Jim Verraros[29] (9th place)	Eating Out (2004) as Kyle Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds (2006) as Kyle Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild (2008)

Season 2

The winner of season 2, Ruben Studdard, teamed with the fifth-place finisher Trenyce and the disqualified semi-finalist Frenchie Davis to star in the touring production of Ain't Misbehavin', the recording of which won a Grammy nomination. The runner-up Clay Aiken enjoyed two successful stints on Broadway in the musical Spamalot. Davis also had some success on Broadway, as did Hollywood round auditioner Josh Strickland who starred as Tarzan in musical of the same name.

Kimberley Locke and Kimberly Caldwell have both pursued a career as TV hosts aside from their music.

Idol Contestant	Film	Television	Theater
Ruben Studdard[30] (Winner)	Lifted (2010) as Pastor Johnson	All of Us (2005) as grown Bobby The Biggest Loser (2013) contestant[31]	Ain't Misbehavin' (2008, national tour)[32] as Fats Waller Nominated - Best Musical Show Album (Grammy)[33]
Clay Aiken[34] (Runner-up)		Scrubs (2005) as Kenny (Season 4, episode 17) 30 Rock (2009) as himself (Season 3, episode 22) Phineas and Ferb (2010) as himself (voice) Drop Dead Diva (2011) as Tyler Callahan Celebrity Apprentice (2012) Candidate Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2013) as himself (Season 15, Episode 7)	Spamalot (2008–2009, Broadway) as Sir Robin[35] Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2013, regional) as Joseph[36]
Kimberley Locke[37] (3rd place)		Little Talent Show (2006) Host Gospel Dream (2009) Host Rick & Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in All the World (2009) as Steamroom Sally (voice)
Josh Gracin[38] (4th place)		The Young and the Restless (2006) as Jake
Trenyce[39] (5th place)	Friends & Lovers: The Ski Trip 2 (2008) as Unique		Dreamgirls (2006, regional)[40] as Deena Jones Love in the Nick of Tyme (2007, national tour) as Portia[41] Ain't Misbehavin' (2008, national tour)[42] as Charlaine Nominated - Best Musical Show Album (Grammy)[33] Thriller – Live (2010–2011, London, European tour) Vocalist[43]
Carmen Rasmusen[44] (6th place)	Pride & Prejudice (2003) as Charlotte Lucas Racing Ace (2005) as Marilyn	Fear Factor (2006) Contestant
Kimberly Caldwell[45] (7th place)	Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (2007) as Kimberly Caldwell Deception (2012) as Paige Matthews	Life on a Stick (2005) as Kimberly Idol Tonight and Idol Wrap (2007–2009) Host[9][10] P. Diddy's Starmaker (2009) Host Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp (2011) Host[46] Best Ink (2012) Host[47]
Rickey Smith (8th place)			OZ, the Musical (2009, national tour) as Tinman[48]
Corey Clark[49] (9th, disqualified)		Primetime Live (2005) as himself
Vanessa Olivarez (12th place)			Hairspray (2005, Toronto)[50] as Tracy Turnblad Nominated - Outstanding Performance by a Female in a Principal Role - Musical (Dora Award)[51]
Frenchie Davis[52][53] (Semi-finalist)	We Are Family (2011) as JoJoDean Dumbbells (2012)[54]	The Voice (2011) Contestant[55]	Rent (2003–2007, Broadway) as Mrs Jefferson and others Ain’t Misbehavin' (2008, national)[32] Nominated - Best Musical Show Album (Grammy)[33]
Ashley Hartman[56] (Semi-finalist)	Abominable (2006) as Karen Herdberger	The O.C. (2003–2007) as Holly Fischer (9 episodes) Victoria Secret TV (2008) Host The Grammy's Style Studio (2009–2010) Host

Season 3

Season 3 winner, Fantasia had a critically and commercially successful stint in musical theater notably starring in The Color Purple.^[57] She was in her own TV show for one season and also acted in movies. The runner-up, Diana DeGarmo also found success in musical theater starring in Broadway musicals including Hair and Hairspray.

Seventh-place finisher, Jennifer Hudson, became one of the most successful American Idol contestants when she landed a part in the film adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls, and then won major awards as supporting actress including an Oscar. She has since starred in many major films including Sex and the City and Sing. Eleventh-place finisher, Matthew Rogers has a steady career as a TV show host. Alan Ritchson who was often featured in audition and Hollywood rounds pursued a career as a TV and film actor and auditioner William Hung briefly landed some acting roles due to his exposure on the show.

Idol Contestant	Film	Television	Theater
Fantasia[58] (Winner)	Life Is Not a Fairy Tale (2006, television film) as herself The Color Purple (2023) as Celie Nominated Best Actress (Golden Globe, BAFTA)	American Dreams (2004) as Aretha Franklin (Season 2, 1 episode) The Simpsons (2005) as Clarissa Wellington (1 episode) Fantasia for Real (2010–2011) as herself	The Color Purple (2007, Broadway) as Celie Won Theatre World Award for debut theatre performance[59] After Midnight (2013, Broadway) performer
Diana DeGarmo[60][61] (Runner-up)	The First Ride of Wyatt Earp (2012) as Dora Hand	The Fairly OddParents (2006) as Cosmo (singing voice) The Young and the Restless (2011–2012) as Angelina[62] Planet 360 (2013) as co-host[63]	Hairspray (2006–2007, Broadway) as Penny Pingleton The Toxic Avenger (2009, off-Broadway) as Sarah Hair (2010, Broadway) as Sheila Franklin 9 to 5[64] (2010–2011, National Tour) as Doralee Rhodes Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2014, regional)[65] The Marvelous Wonderettes (2016, Off-Broadway) as Suzy Simpson[66] Into the Woods (2023, regional) as the Witch[67]
Jasmine Trias (3rd place)[68]		North Shore (2004) as herself (1 episode) Your Song (2006–2007) as Charry and Joanne (2 episodes)
LaToya London (4th place)			Issues, We All Got 'Em (2006, national tour) as Chastity[69] Beehive (2006, regional)[70]) Nominated Ensemble Performance (LADCC Awards[71] The Color Purple (2007–2010, national tour) as Nettie[72] Nominated Best supporting female - Equity (NAACP Theatre Awards)[73]
Jennifer Hudson[74][75] (7th place)	Dreamgirls (2006) as Effie White Won Best Supporting Actress (Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA, SAG)[76] Sex and the City (2008) as Louise The Secret Life of Bees (2008) as Rosaleen Daise Winnie Mandela (2011) as Winnie Mandela The Three Stooges (2012) as Sister Rosemary Black Nativity (2013) as Naima Cobbs Lullaby (2014) as Nurse Carrie Chi-Raq (2015) as Irene Sing (2016) as Young Nana Noodleman (voice) Cats (2019) as Grizabella Respect (2021) as Aretha Franklin	Jennifer Hudson: I'll Be Home for Christmas (2009) Host Majors & Minors (2011) Mentor[77] Smash (2013) as Veronica Moore Empire (2015) as Michelle White Confirmation (2016) as Angela Wright Hairspray Live! (2016) as Motormouth Maybelle The Voice UK (2016) Mentor/Judge The Voice (2017) Mentor/Judge Baba Yaga (2021) Producer Won Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program (Daytime Emmy Award)[78] The Jennifer Hudson Show (2022-present) Host Nominated Outstanding Daytime Talk Series (Daytime Emmy Award) Hair (2004, Actor Fund concert)[79] The Color Purple (2015–2016, Broadway) as Shug Avery A Strange Loop (2022, Broadway) Producer Won Best Musical (Tony Award)[80]
Jon Peter Lewis (8th place)		The Voice (2013) Competitor)
Amy Adams (10th place)			Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2005, national tour) as the Narrator[81]
Matthew Rogers[82] (11th place)		American Idol Extra (2006–2007) Co-host Really Big Things (2007–2008) Host There Goes the Neighborhood (2009) Host Coming Home (2011) Host
Matthew Metzger[83] (Semi-finalist)		All My Children (2005) as Duke Buchanan (2 episodes) One Life to Live (2006) as Duke Buchanan (1 episode)
Katie Webber[84] (Semi-finalist)	Rent (2005) as Dancer[85]		Wicked (2005–2008, Broadway) as Witch's Mother Rock of Ages (2010–2011, Broadway) as waitress Catch Me If You Can (2011, Broadway) Ensemble Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (2022, Broadway) Rhonda [86]
Alan Ritchson[87] (Hollywood rounds)	Steam (2007) as Roy Spring Break '83 (2011) as Brad The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) as Gloss Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) as Raphael Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016) as Raphael	Smallville (2005–2010) as Aquaman (4 episodes) CSI: Miami (2010) as Paul Arnett (Season 8, episode 19) Blue Mountain State (2010–2011) as Thad Castle (26 episodes) 90210 (2011) as Tripp Willinson Titans (2018) as Hank Hall / Hawk Reacher (2022-present) as Jack Reacher
LaKeta Booker[88][89] (Hollywood rounds)		Beyond the Gates (2025) Recurring co-star, as Receptioner
William Hung[90] (Auditioner)	Where's Mama's Boy? (2005) as the godson Chinaman's Chance (2008) as Ting	George Lopez (2005) as himself (1 episode) Arrested Development (2006) as himself (2 episodes)

Season 4

A number of season 4 Idol alumni including Anthony Fedorov have been involved in musical theater, but the most successful is the sixth-place finisher Constantine Maroulis. Maroulis has been active on Broadway and was nominated for a Tony Award for his role in Rock of Ages.^[91] The winner Carrie Underwood made her acting debut in a film, starring in Soul Surfer.^[92]

Idol Contestant	Film	Television	Theater
Carrie Underwood[93] (Winner)	Soul Surfer (2011) as Sarah Hill	Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special (2009) Host Sesame Street (2010) as Carrie Underworm[94] How I Met Your Mother (2010) as Tiffany Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (2011) as herself The Sound of Music Live! (2013) as Maria von Trapp
Bo Bice (Runner-up)		Rock of Ages (2023, regional)[95]
Vonzell Solomon[96] (3rd place)	Still Green (2007) as Chelsea		Simply Ballroom (2008, national tour) Vocalist[97] OZ, the Musical (2009, national tour) as Glinda/Aunt Em[48] Burn the Floor (2010–2011)[98] Vocalist
Anthony Fedorov[99] (4th place)		Fear Factor (2006) Contestant Little Talent Show (2006) Judge	The Fantasticks (2007, off-Broadway) as Matt[100] Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2009–2011, national, Japan) as Joseph[101][102] Rent (2012, off-Broadway) as Roger[103] The Sound of Music (2012, regional) as Rolf[104]
Scott Savol (5th place)			OZ, the Musical (2009, national tour) as Lion[48] The Lord Will Make A Way (2009–2010, national tour)[105]
Constantine Maroulis[106][107] (6th place)	Rock of Ages (2012) as Record Executive[108]	Little Talent Show (2006) Host The Bold and the Beautiful (2007) as Constantine Parros Teachers (2008) as Constantine Maroulis American Idol Extra (2008) Co-host Law & Order (2010) as Fabio Scalia (Season 20, episode 19)	The Wedding Singer (2006, Broadway) as Sammy Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (2007, off-Broadway) as young soldier[109] Rock of Ages (2009–2011, Broadway and national tour) as Drew Bowie Nominated - Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical (Tony)[91] The Toxic Avenger (2012, National) as Melvin/Toxie[110] Jekyll & Hyde (2012, National, Broadway) as Dr. Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde[111] Next to Normal (2024, regional) as Dan Goodman[112]
Anwar Robinson[113] (7th place)	Friends & Lovers: The Ski Trip 2 (2008) as Owen	Friends and Lovers (2010) as Owen	Rent (2007–2008, national tour) as Tom Collins[114]
Nadia Turner[115] (8th place)	Lord Help Us (2007) as Kayla Brooks
Nikko Smith[116] (9th place)	The Agonist
Jessica Sierra[117] (10th place)	Jessica Sierra Superstar (2007, adult) as herself[118]	Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew (2008–2011) as herself
Mikalah Gordon[119] (11th place)		The Unit (2005) as Lila Lee (Season 3, 1 episode) The Tyra Banks Show (2006) Correspondent American Idol Extra (2006–2007) Co-host Living with Fran (2007) as Brianna Hollywood 411 (2009- ) Correspondent	OZ, the Musical (2009, national tour) as Dorothy[48]
Melissa Lawson (Hollywood rounds)		Nashville Star (2008) Contestant (Winner, Season 6)[120]

Season 5

The season 5 runner-up Katharine McPhee has established a career as a film and TV actress, and starred in the TV series Smash and Scorpion. Eleventh-placed finisher Kevin Covais also has a steady career as an actor with many acting roles in film and TV. Other Season 5 contestants who also pursued an acting career include Lisa Tucker. The winner, Taylor Hicks had enjoyed a stint in theater, while seventh-place finisher Ace Young also had a couple of major acting roles on Broadway.

Idol Contestant	Film	Television	Theater
Taylor Hicks[121] (Winner)		The Choice (2012) Contestant Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2013) as himself (Season 15, Episode 7) State Plate (2016–2017) HOST on the INSP Network	Grease (2008–2009, Broadway and national tour) as Teen Angel[122]
Katharine McPhee[123] (Runner-up)	The House Bunny (2008) as Harmony You May Not Kiss the Bride (2011) as Masha Nikitin Shark Night 3D (2011) as Karen The Tiger Rising (2022) as Caroline Horton	CSI: NY (2009) as Dana Melton/Odessa Shaw (Season 5, episode 20) Community (2009) as Amber (Season 1, episode 18) Smash (2012–2013) as Karen Cartwright Scorpion (2014–2018) as Paige Dineen The Masked Singer (2021) contestant (season 6)[124]	Waitress (2018–2020, Broadway and West End) as Jenna Hunterson[125][126]
Elliott Yamin[127] (3rd place)		The Bold and the Beautiful (2007) as himself Lincoln Heights (2007) as himself (Season 2, episode 3)
Chris Daughtry[128] (4th place)	Trolland (2016)	CSI: NY (2008) as Machiavelli Taylor (Season 5, episode 8) The Passion (2016) as Judas Iscariot The Masked Singer (2019) contestant (season 2)[129]
Paris Bennett[130] (5th place)	Mama, I Want to Sing! (2008) as Elyse
Kellie Pickler (6th place)		90210 (2011) as Sally[131] Dancing with the Stars (2013) contestant (winner, season 16)[132] Pickler & Ben (2017–2019) co-host
Ace Young[133][134] (7th place)	Section B (2011) as Ryan	Half & Half (2005) as Ace (Season 4, episode 6) Bones (2008) as Tommy Sour (Season 3, episode 14) American Idol Extra (2009) Co-host Planet 360 (2013) as co-host[63]	Grease (2008–2010) as Kenickie (Broadway), Danny Zuko (National Tour)[135] Hair (2010, Broadway) as Berger Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2014) as Joseph[65]
Lisa Tucker[136] (10th place)	The Hustle (2008) as Keisha	The O.C. (2006) as herself (Season 3, Episode 23) Zoey 101 (2007–2008) as Pucci (Season 3-4, 5 episodes) The Game (2009) as Lisa Perkins (Season 3, 3 episodes) The Vampire Diaries (2011) as Greta Martin (Season 2, 3 episodes)
Kevin Covais[137] (11th place)	College (2008) as Morris Hooper Labor Pains (2009) as Greg Division III: Football's Finest (2011) as Allen Schwartz Touchback (2011) as Todd White Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014) as Dorky Driver	Ghost Whisperer (2009) as P.A. (Season 4, episode 20) The Great State of Georgia (2011) as Lewis Good Luck Charlie (2012–14) as Victor (8 episodes)
Ayla Brown[138] (Semi-finalist)		The Early Show (2010) Correspondent[139]	Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2008) as The Narrator[140]
Kinnik Sky[141] (Semi-finalist)		House of Payne (2008) as Nurse Jones Hard Rock Cafe Presents (2011) Host
Becky O'Donohue[142] (Semi-finalist)	I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007) as Darla Mardi Gras: Spring Break (2010) as Cousin Janice	Trick It Out (2007) Host[143] ER (2007) as Sophia (Season 4, episode 20) House (2009) as Karamel (Season 5, episode 22) Psych (2010) as Molly Gogolack (Season 5, episode 3) Minute to Win It (2010) Contestant
Brianna Taylor[144] (Hollywood rounds)		The Real World (2008) Contestant (Season 18) Real World/Road Rules Challenge (2009) Cast member (Season 12)
Jes Hudak[145] (Hollywood rounds)		Platinum Hit (2011) Contestant[146]

Season 6

The winner, Jordin Sparks has taken roles both in theater and film. She appeared opposite Whitney Houston in the film Sparkle.^[147] Semifinalist Jared Cotter has worked as a host in a handful of TV shows.

Idol Contestant	Film	Television	Theater
Jordin Sparks[148][149] (Winner)	Sparkle as Sparkle Anderson	The Suite Life on Deck (2009) as herself (1 episode) Big Time Rush (2010) as herself (2 episodes) Team Umizoomi (2011) as Blue Mermaid (voice)[150] Majors & Minors (2011) Mentor[77] The Masked Dancer (2021) Contestant[151]	In the Heights (2010, Broadway) as Nina Rosario Waitress (2019, Broadway) as Jenna Hunterson
Blake Lewis[152] (Runner-up)		Free Radio (2008) as himself (Season 1, episode 4) Durarara!! (2011) as Kasuka Heiwajima (voice)[153]
LaKisha Jones[154] (4th place)		The Winner Is (2013)[155] Contestant	The Color Purple (2007–2008, Broadway) as Sofia and church soloist
Sanjaya Malakar[156] (7th place)		Idol Stars: Where Are They Now (2008) Host[157] I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! (2009) Contestant Hell's Kitchen (2010) as himself	Freckleface Strawberry (2011, off-Broadway) as Danny[158]
Gina Glocksen[159] (9th place)		American Idol Extra (2008) Co-host	Ballroom with a Twist (2011, national tour) Vocalist[160]
Chris Sligh[161] (10th place)	October Baby (2011) as bmac
Brandon Rogers[162] (12th place)	Missing Audrey (2010) as Ben	Bones (2008) as Broadway wanna-be (Season 3, episode 14) Valley Peaks (2009, web TV) as Matt
Sabrina Sloan[163][164] (Semi-finalist)		Boston Legal (2007) as Singer #1 (Season 4, episode 10) Up All Night (2012) as Singer #7 (Season 1, episode 24)	Gulls (2008, regional) as Nina[165] Princess and the Black Eyed Pea (2008, regional) as Princess Quelie[166] Dreamgirls (2008, regional) as Lorrell Robinson[167] Rent (2009, regional) as Mimi[168] In the Heights (2010, Tour) Vanessa[169] Catch Me If You Can (2011, Broadway) Ensemble Hamilton (2017, Angelica Tour / 2019 And Peggy Tour) Angelica Schuyler[170]
Jared Cotter[171] (Semi-finalist)		The Sauce (2007–2008) Host No. 1 Countdown: Pop (2008) Host[172] You Rock, Let's Roll (2008) Host The Challenge (2009- )[173] Host
Sundance Head[174] (Semi-finalist)		The Voice (2016) Winner

Season 7

Idol Contestant	Film	Television	Theater
David Cook[175] (Winner)		Best Week Ever (2008) as himself (2 episodes)[176] Free Radio (2009) as himself (Season 2, episode 2) Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (2010) as himself	Kinky Boots (2018, broadway) as Charlie Price[177]
David Archuleta[178] (Runner-up)		iCarly (2009) as himself Hannah Montana (2009) as himself Nandito Ako (2012) as Josh Bradley[179]
Syesha Mercado[180][181] (3rd place)	Dreams (2011) as Mia		Dreamgirls (2009–2010, national tour) as Deena Jones[182] Once on This Island (2012, regional) as Ti Moune[183] The Book of Mormon (2012–2014, regional and Broadway) as Nabulungi[184]
Jason Castro[185] (4th place)		The Bold and the Beautiful (2010) as himself (2 episodes)
Brooke White[186] (5th place)	Change of Plans (2011, television film) as Sally Danville[187] Banner 4 July (2013, television film) as Desiree	Miss America (2010) Judge
Carly Smithson[188] (6th place)		Hell's Kitchen (2010) as herself	Viva Elvis (2011, Las Vegas)[189] Singer
Kristy Lee Cook[190] (7th place)		Outdoor's 10 Best (2010) Host[191] Wanted: Adventure Host (2010) Judge Goin' Country (2011) Host
Chikezie[192] (10th place)		General Hospital (2009) as K.Z. (1 episode)	Thriller – Live (2011, UK tour) Vocalist[193]
David Hernandez (12th place)			Ballroom with a Twist (2009–2011, national tour) Vocalist[194] Dancing Queen (2012, regional)[195]
Adore Delano (appeared as Danny Noirega)		RuPaul's Drag Race (2014) RuPaul's Drag All-Stars (2016) Ex on the Beach (2019)
Colton Swon (Hollywood)		The Voice (2013) Third place (as part of The Swon Brothers)

Season 8

Idol Contestant	Film	Television	Theater
Kris Allen[196] (Winner)		Best Week Ever (2009) as himself[197] Gigantic (2011) as himself[198]
Adam Lambert[199] (Runner-up)		Majors & Minors (2011) Mentor[77] Project Runway (2011) Judge[200] Pretty Little Liars (2012) as himself[201] Glee (2013) Elliot "StarChild" Gilbert[202] The Rocky Horror Picture Show Event (2016) Eddie[203]
Danny Gokey[204] (3rd place)	Truth Be Told (2011) as himself
Alexis Grace (11th place)			Chicago (2012, regional) as Roxie Hart[205]
Jackie Tohn[206] (Semi-finalist)	Monster of the House (2011, television film) as Jackie	Memphis Beat (2010) as Delilah Boswell (1 episode) For a Green Card (2010–2011) as Jackie CSI: NY (2011) as Ainsley McCrea (1 episode) Platinum Hit (2011) Contestant[207] GLOW (2017) as Melrose
Arianna Afsar (Semi-Finals)	Martian Land (2015) as Miranda		Hamilton (Chicago production, 2016) as Eliza Hamilton (Original cast)
Jamar Rogers (Hollywood rounds)		The Voice (U.S.) (2012) Contestant[208]
John Twiford (Hollywood rounds)			Jesus Christ Superstar (national tour, 2009–2010) as Judas Iscariot

Season 9

Idol Contestant	Film	Television	Theater
Lee DeWyze (Winner)		Hell's Kitchen (2012) as himself
Crystal Bowersox (Runner-up)		Body of Proof (2011) as Zoe Reese[209]	Always…Patsy Cline (2013) as Patsy Cline[210]
Siobhan Magnus (6th place)			The Reluctant Dragon (2013, regional)[211]
Katie Stevens (8th place)		Faking It (2014) as Karma[212]
Paige Miles (11th place)			Beehive - the 60s Musical (2011)[213]
Alex Lambert[214] (semi-finalist)		If I Can Dream (2010, web series) as himself[215]
Todrick Hall (Semi-finalist)		The X Factor (2012) as backup singer[216] Todrick (2015, MTV)[217] as himself RuPaul's Drag Race (2016)[217] as guest judge The Masked Singer (2021) contestant (season 6)[218]	Hairspray (2010) as Seeweed[219] Memphis (2010, Broadway) Ensemble[220] Kinky Boots (2016) as Lola[221]
Jermaine Sellers[222] (Semi-finalist)	Leave It on the Floor (2011) as Dancer	Sunday Best (2007) Contestant
John Park (Semi-finalist)		Superstar K2 (2010) Contestant (runner-up)[223]
Chris Golightly (Semi-finalist)		Superstar K3 (2011) Contestant[224]
Luke Edgemon (Hollywood rounds)		Glee (2011) as Flint Wilson (Warblers)[225] The Voice (2013) Contestant
Samuel Larsen[226] (Hollywood rounds)		The Glee Project (2011–2012) Winner (season 1), guest mentor (season 2)[227] Glee (2012) as Joe Hart
Tori Kelly (Hollywood rounds)	Sing (2016) as Meena	The Masked Singer (2020) contestant (season 4)[228]

Season 10

Idol Contestant	Film	Television	Theater
Scotty McCreery (1st place)	Five More Minutes (2021) Writer/executive producer (TV movie) Five More Minutes: Moments Like These (2022) Executive producer (TV movie)	Hart of Dixie (2012) as himself
Lauren Alaina (2nd place)	The Road Less Traveled (2017) as Charlotte (TV Movie)[229] Roadhouse Romance (2021) as Callie (TV Movie)	Nashville (2017) as herself (1 episode) Dancing with the Stars (2019) contestant (season 28)
Haley Reinhart (3rd place)		90210 (2011) as herself[230] Hell's Kitchen (2012) as herself F Is for Family (2015–2021) Bill Murphy
James Durbin (4th place)		Different Is The New Normal (2011) as himself[231] Dr. Drew's Lifechangers (2011) as himself[232] NY Ink (2012) as himself[233]
Stefano Langone (7th place)		Dr. Drew's Lifechangers (2011) as himself[232]
Paul McDonald (8th Place)		Parenthood (2012)[234]
Pia Toscano (9th Place)		So You Think You Can Dance (2011) as herself[235]

Season 11

Idol Contestant	Film	Television	Theater
Phillip Phillips (Winner)[236]		Pure Genius 2016) as self[237] Hawaii Five-0 (2018) as Voss[238]
Jessica Sanchez (Runner-up)[239]		Glee (2013) as Frida Romero
Heejun Han (9th place)		K-pop Star (2013)[240] contestant

Season 15

Idol Contestant	Film	Television	Theater
Nick Fradiani (Winner)			A Beautiful Noise (2023, Broadway) as Neil Diamond[241]

Season 16

Idol Contestant	Film	Television	Theater
Gabby Barrett (3rd place)	Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025) as Isabella[242]