‘American Idol’ Runner-Ups — See Where They Are Now

Justin Guarini (Season One)

Justin was an early favorite during Idol's debut season, and although he was beat by Kelly Clarkson, he secured a record deal with RCA anyway. After releasing two albums, 2003's Justin Guarini and 2005's Stranger Things Have Happened, Justin shifted gears and began focusing on Broadway musicals.

Since 2010, he's appeared in hit Broadway productions like Wicked, Mamma Mia, and most recently, In Transit. He's 38 years old.

Clay Aiken (Season Two)

Clay was no match against "velvet teddy bear" Ruben Studdard in 2004, but the North Carolina native went on to have an impressive career anyway, one that surpassed even Ruben's. After six studio albums, eleven tours, and a New York Times bestselling book, in 2014, Clay shifted his career from music to politics. He ran for congress in 2014, but was defeated by a Republican candidate. He's currently 38 years old.

Diana DeGarmo (Season Three)

It wasn't a surprise when Diana was defeated by Fantasia Barrino, but she took her loss in stride and went on to release one studio album and two EPs. Over the years she appeared in Broadway productions like West Side Story and Godspell and acted in small independent films. In 2013, she married fellow Idol alum Ace Young. Today, she's 29.

Bo Bice (Season Four)

With his long hair and rock roots, Bo was an early frontrunner, but he ultimately lost to Carrie Underwood. After Idol he released his debut album, The Real Thing, on RCA Records to minor success. After being dropped by the label, Bo started his own independent label where he released two more albums. These days he mostly tours with his band, SugarMoney. He's 41 years old.

Katherine McPhee (Season Five)

Although she came in second to Taylor Hicks, she ended up being the true winner of the season. Since her loss, she went on to release four successful albums that included the hit singles "Over It" and "Had It All."

Katherine has also pivoted into a successful actress, appearing in movies like Shark Night 3D and TV shows like Smash. She currently has a recurring role on the TV show Scorpion and is busy working on her fifth album. She's 32.

Blake Lewis (Season Six)

Although most Idol runner-ups went on to have careers that spanned film and Broadway, Blake stayed loyal to his underground/independent roots. After his loss to Jordin Sparks, he released his debut, _ A.D.D. (Audio Day Dream)_, in 2007, and released two more studio albums on an independent label. Today he's still releasing music independently. He's 35 years old.

David Archuleta (Season Seven)

At just 17, David was one of the youngest contestants in Idol history. After losing to David Cook in 2008, David went on to release several moderately successful albums, however, he took a break in 2011 to do missionary work in Chile. After announcing his return in 2015, he's been quietly working on a new single and video. Today, he's 26 years old.

Adam Lambert (Season Eight)

In one of the biggest upsets in Idol history, Adam lost to Kris Allen during his season in 2009. Of course, Adam went on to have a successful post-Idol career anyway. He's released three successful albums — 2009's For Your Entertainment, 2012's Trespassing, and 2015's The Original High. When he's not touring with Queen, he's a vocal advocate for the LGBT community. He's 35 years old.

Crystal Bowersox (Season Nine)

Although she wowed the judges with what judge Simon Cowell called "authenticity," the folk singer lost to rock crooner Lee DeWyze. After releasing her debut album, Farmer's Daughter, in 2010, Crystal went the indie route for her follow-up, 2013's All That for This. Today she's 31 and still touring around the country.

Lauren Alaina (Season Ten)

After losing to Scotty McCreery, Lauren went on to have moderate success within the country world. She released her debut album, Wildflower, in 2011 and her follow-up, Road Less Traveled, in January 2017. In February 2017, she got her first ACM nomination for New Female Vocalist of the Year.

Later this year, she's also set to go on tour with Martina McBride and will release her first film, _ The Road Less Traveled_. She's 22 years old.

Jessica Sanchez (Season 11)

After losing to Phillip Phillips in 2012, Jessica went on to have a recurring role on Glee before releasing her debut album in 2013. Today, she has a popular YouTube channel where she releases cover versions of songs and is busy working on new collaborations and singles. She's 21 years old.

Kree Harrison (Season 12)

After losing to Candice Glover, Kree became the first runner-up to not be immediately signed to a label. In 2015, she signed to an independent label and released her debut album, This Old Thing in 2016. Today she's performing in small shows around the country. She's 26

Jena Irene Asciutto (Season 13)

After her loss to Caleb Johnson, Jene signed to Detroit-based label Original 1265 Records and released her debut, Innocence, in 2016. Earlier this year, she dropped her latest single, "Floating Down the River." She's 20 years old.

Clark Beckham (Season 14)

After being defeated by Nick Fradiani, Clark went on to release his debut album, Champion, in 2015. Today he still tours and performs live across the country. He's 24.

La'Porsha Renae (Season 15)

During Idol's final season, La'Porsha lost to Trent Harmon. After the finale, she was signed to Big Machine and Motown Records. She ignited controversy in 2016 when she said she "didn't agree with the [LGBT] lifestyle." Her debut album is set to be released in March 2017. She's 23 years old.

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