I don't want to mention names, but thanks to certain people (ahem, me) we know what happened to the contestants from American Idol season one. Some of them became famous singers, others found success behind the music. American Idol season two, the sophomore year, produced even better results. Not only have Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, and Kimberly Locke - first, second, and third place winners respectively - enjoyed success on the airwaves, but many other contestants have also gone on to great fame in music, stage, and television.
Josh Gracin: Due to previous obligations, Josh Gracin returned to Marine life immediately after he was voted off American Idol. His military commitment prevented him from touring with the other American Idol contestants. This, however, did not hurt his chance for fame. With the help of Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, Gracin was signed to Lyric Street Records and released his first album in July of 2004. This was a certified Gold Record.
A few months later, Gracin was honorably discharged from the military; the government gave him permission to put down his ammunition and pick up a microphone for good. He sang on movie soundtracks and on a Jim Brickman album in 2005 and produced both a single and his third child in 2006. His newest album, All About Y'all, is set to be released in spring 2007. There is also speculation that Gracin may replace the lead singer of the band Lonestar, who is allegedly leaving sometime this year.
Frenchie Davis: Despite being one of the better known idols from season two, Frenchie Davis was disqualified before the finals after photos of her posing topless surfaced on the Internet. Regardless of this, Davis was able to stick a proverbial tongue out at Idol producers by finding her own fame. After getting the boot on American Idol, Davis found her feet, first on the red carpet and then on the stage.
In 2003, she served as both the Grammy correspondent for Entertainment Tonight and a cast member of the musical Rent where she sang solo and with an ensemble in various acts. Davis then went on to find fame in the stage production of Dreamgirls. Though she has since returned to her role in Rent, it is rumored she will leave in May, 2007.
Kimberly Caldwell: After America rewarded her with seventh place, Kimberly Caldwell went on to pose for Maxim, and served as a Fox news correspondent for 54321, a short-lived extreme sports show. Becoming well versed in the correspondent’s role, she also procured a job as an American Idol reporter for Fox News Live, Ryan on Air, Showbiz Tonight, and the TV Guide Channel. Rumors are circulating that Caldwell has her hopes set on becoming an anchorwoman for the Fox network.
Article comments
1 - TV and Film Guy
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2 - lauren
Season Two was my favorite season by far. There was a lot of talent, but I will never forget Clay Aiken. He was superior every single night, and such a joy to watch him get better and better looking too. That was fun.
No one before or since has captured my attention, but I thought Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry were very good.
Nice to see a lot of them did well. I think many are far better than those out there with platinum cds. They must have good PR people!!!