I watched all the seasons of AI except for season 2. I only watched the finale of season 2 because I had heard all the fuss over the final two contestants that year, Ruben Studdard (who won that year) and Clay Aiken (the runner up). I remember a lot of people who cried "foul" when Ruben was crowned AI that year, so many favored Clay. And, in season 2, Kimberly Locke placed 3rd, she was the "Danny Gokey" of that season. You could say season 2 was very similar to this years season. Since I didn't watch that season, I can't speculate as to why Clay didn't win, other than the fact that Ruben was so popular. Ruben was dubbed, "the velvet teddy bear", because he is a heavy set man with some
golden pipes.
As far as whether of not any of the finale songs chosen for the winner ("coronation songs") have become hits, here is what I found:
Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson's, "A Moment Like This" was quite successful.
Season 2 winner, Ruben Studdard's "Flying Without Wings" debuted at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Season 3 winner, Fantasia Barrino's "I Believe" was #1 on the charts.
Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood's "Inside Your Heaven" was #1 on the charts that year, soon followed by the hit "Jesus Take the Wheet" which launched her as a country singer.
Season 5 winner, Taylor Hicks' "Do I Make You Proud" did well, but Taylor had a difficult time staying
afloat. He only recently resurfaced with a new album and under a different label.
Season 6 winner, Jordin Sparks' "This is My Now" did well but "Tattoo" did much better
Season 7 winner, David Cook's " "The Time of My Life" debuted at #3 on the Hot 100
Some AI contestants, regardless of where they placed in the competition, have successful careers in the entertainment industry. Jennifer Hudson, as most of us know, has received an Academy Award for her performance in the motion picture, "Dreamgirls". So, I have no doubt that Adam Lambert will do just fine despite the fact that he didn't win AI. Kris Allen will do just as well. I hardly think he will slip into oblivion!
My congratulations to Kris, Adam, and to the whole top 13 for that matter!