'American Idol' Winners: Which Singer Won Every Season?

The first season of American Idol premiered on June 11, 2002, and a 20-year-old Kelly Clarkson stood in front of judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson in Dallas, Texas to audition to Etta James' “At Last” and ” Express Yourself' by Madonna. Season 1 hosts were Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman.

Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson

Winner: Kelly Clarkson

Seacrest became the show's sole host after Dunkleman left in Season 2. The final two contestants were both men this season, with Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard competing for the win. Studdard took the title after his winning song, “Flying Without Wings.”

Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson

Winner: Reuben Standard

The third season was won by Fantasia Barrino, who narrowly defeated Diana DeGarmo. Season 3 also introduced the world to Jennifer Hudson.

Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson

Winner: Fantasia Barrino

IdolIts fourth season crowned Carrie Underwood as the winner, and the then-21-year-old singer went on to become a Grammy-winning country superstar. Bo Bice was second.

Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson

Winner: Carrie Underwood

Although Taylor Hicks emerged victorious, his fifth season American Idol gave the music industry a host of other stars, including Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler and Katharine McPhee (runner-up).

Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson

Winner: Taylor Hicks

Jordin Sparks became the youngest winner American Idol at the age of 17.

Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson

Winner: Jordin Sparks

Season 7 was known for the finale David vs. David, as David Cook and David Archuleta faced off for the title. Despite the result, both contestants went on to release albums and launch careers in music.

Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson

Winner: David Cook

This marked the first season with a new judge, as the OG trio welcomed Kara DioGuardi to the panel. During the final in 2009, Kris Allen beat Adam Lambert.

Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi

Winner: Chris Allen

This was the first season without Paula Abdul, and the team brought in Ellen DeGeneres as a guest judge.

Judges: Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi

Winner: Lee DeWyze

Simon Cowell also left the series this season, marking the first of many judge changes over the course of the series. The classy final saw Scotty McCreery win the title against Lauren Alaina. McCreery was the youngest male winner, at 17 (the same age as Jordin Sparks).

Judges: Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler

Winner: Scotty McCreary

This season, Idol brought on Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler as judges and Jimmy Iovine as an in-house mentor. Phillip Phillips emerged victorious, defeating Jessica Sanchez in the final.

Judges: Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler

Winner: Phillip Phillips

Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban replaced JLo and Tyler as judges this season. Season 12 became the first to have an all-female top five, marking the first female winner (Candice Glover) since season six.

Judges: Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban

Winner: Candice Glover

Jackson left the show after 12 seasons, but returned as a mentor to help the contestants. Caleb Johnson was named the season winner, with Jena Irene as runner-up.

Judges: Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez

Winner: Caleb Johnson

American Idol: The Farewell Season, premiered on Fox on January 6, 2016, marking its final season on the network. Despite reports that the series would end, ABC announced that it would be reviving the show. Trent Harmon won, with La'Porsha Renae as runner-up.

Judges: Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez

Winner: Trent Harmon

The American Idol The reboot premiered in March 2018 on ABC. Ryan Seacrest continued in his role as host of the show, with a new panel of judges including Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Maddie Poppe won the season, with boyfriend Caleb Lee Hutchinson as runner-up.

Judges: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan

Winner: Mandy Pope

Laine Hardy won the season with Alejandro Aranda as runner-up. The 18-year-old Louisiana native didn't originally plan on auditioning, but was convinced by the judges when he accompanied a friend to the audition.

Judges: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan

Winner: Lane Hardy

Season 18 was temporarily after the Top 21 was revealed as the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread. The show resumed production in late April, with Seacrest, the judges and contestants filming their parts virtually from home. Just Sam was crowned winner, with Arthur Gunn finishing as runner-up.

Judges: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan

Winner: Only Sam

As the pandemic continued, American Idol Season 19 combined virtual auditions with socially distanced in-person performances in accordance with COVID-19 safety protocols. Chayce Beckham won the season, while Willie Spence was second and Grace Kinstler finished third.

Judges: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan

Winner: Chase Beckham

The 20-year-old Kentucky worker won America's heart for season 20, beating runner-up HunterGirl and third-place finisher Leah Marlene.

Judges: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan

Winner: Noah Thompson

Season 21 concluded with three incredibly talented contestants – Iam Tongi, Megan Danielle and Colin Stough – competing for the win. In the end, it was Tongi from Hawaii who moved the audience with his emotional story and heartfelt vocals and took home the trophy.

Judges: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan

Winner: Iam Tongi

Abi Carter rose above the competition during the finale with an original song “This Isn't Over” and a cover of “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish.

Judges: Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie

Winner: Abby Carter