American Idols: Where Are They Now?

"American Idol" returns to U.S. television Tuesday for an eighth marathon search for the nation's best undiscovered singers.

Over the years, America's most-watched TV show has found plenty of new talent, as well as some unlikely heroes. Following is a look at where some of the most memorable
"American Idol" contestants are now.

KELLY CLARKSON

Former cocktail waitress and first winner in 2002 who went on to worldwide sales of more than 20 million albums and eight Top 10 hits on Billboard Hot 100. Double Grammy and four-time American Music Award winner. Currently working on fourth album due out in March.

CLAY AIKEN

Runner-up in 2003 but one of most successful males in "American Idol" history. Four studio albums and a Broadway run in "Monty Python's Spamalot." Came out as a homosexual in September, after the birth of his son with female friend and record producer Jaymes Foster.

JENNIFER HUDSON

Placed seventh in 2005 then won best supporting actor Oscar, Golden Globe and SAG award for her role as Effie White in "Dreamgirls" (2006). Also appeared in "The Secret Life of Bees" and the movie version of "Sex and the City." Debut album in 2008 brought four Grammy nominations. Her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew were murdered in Chicago in October.

TAYLOR HICKS

Gray-haired, soul music winner in 2006 but debut album disappointed. Played role of Teen Angel in "Grease" on Broadway in 2008 and currently on U.S. national tour in that role. Album "The Distance" due out on his own label in March.

SANJAYA MALAKAR

Top 12 finalist in 2007 at age 17, best known for variety of hairstyles and pitchy singing. In 2008, mocked himself in an insurance commercial. Releases a memoir in January and a five-track EP called "Dancing to the Music in My Head."

DAVID COOK

Rock guitarist and 2008 winner. Debut album in November entered at No. 3 on Billboard charts and is currently in 10th spot. Plans a U.S. tour in 2009 and will play for U.S. troops in Iraq in January.

WILLIAM HUNG

Chinese-American civil engineering student who shot to fame in 2004 after toneless audition performance of "She Bangs." Released three albums, appeared in TV commercials, starred in 2005 movie "Where is Mama's Boy" and makes occasional appearances in Hong Kong and the United States.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD

2005 winner, country singer and one of most successful Idol contestants. Multiple Grammy and Country Music Association Award winner with sales of more than 11 million records worldwide. Inducted as member of Grand Ole Opry in May 2008. Third album expected in late 2009.

JORDIN SPARKS

In 2007 became youngest winner, at age 17. Debut album spawned three hit singles including "No Air" with Chris Brown which is in the running for a 2008 Grammy. Opening act for Alicia Keys on the U.S. leg of her 2008 tour. Spoke out at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards in defense of the Jonas Brothers and their purity rings.

FANTASIA BARRINO

Fiery R&B singer and 2004 winner whose debut album was Grammy-nominated. Starred in a TV biopic of her own life as a teen single mom and won rave reviews as star of "The Color Purple" on Broadway in 2007, a role she will reprise in a planned movie adaptation of the stage musical.

DAVID ARCHULETA

Baby-faced piano player and 2008 runner-up, who released a best-selling single "Crush" in August 2008 and a debut album in November that peaked at No. 2 on Billboard album charts. Expected to appear in Nickelodeon's "iCarly" show in early 2009.

CHRIS DAUGHTRY

Placed fourth in 2006 but made chart-topping rock album with his band, "Daughtry," and become fourth most-successful Idol contestant in terms of record sales. His song "Home" was used as an

Idol's losing theme song in 2007. Won three American Music Awards in 2007.

Let's see who will be the next risinging star from American Idol. Watch American Idol on Fox starting this Tuesday and a second episode on Wednesday. Check your local listings for time and channel.

Source: Reuters.com