From Idols To Grammys: Idol Stars Who Have Been Nominated And Won A Grammy

For the past 20 years, numerous American Idol contestants have achieved success in the music industry, earning them nominations and wins at the Grammy Awards.

While the music industry continues to grieve over the passing of Grammy-winning Christian singer Mandisa Hundley, we take a look at American Idol contestants who have received Grammy awards and have been honored with Academy Award nominations.

Kelly Clarkson and Ruben Studdard

The first “Idol” winners to get Grammy-nominated were Kelly Clarkson, who won in Season 1, and Ruben Studdard, who won in Season 2, both in 2004. Two years later, Clarkson made history as the first-ever “Idol” winner to win a Grammy, taking home two statuettes, and later in 2013, made history as the first “Idol” winner to win the award twice. 

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood, who was the winner of Season 4, is the “Idol” contestant with the most Grammy wins and nominations, having garnered eight wins and 16 nominations overall. 

Jordin Sparks and Fantasia Barrino

The only other winners to receive a Grammy nomination are Fantasia Barrino, the winner of Season 3, and Jordin Sparks, the winner of Season 6.

Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert, the only “Idol” runner-up to receive a Grammy nomination, is from Season 8. In 2011, he received a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for Whataya Want From Me.

Jennifer Hudson and Tori Kelly

Jennifer Hudson and Tori Kelly are two of the most amazing Grammy-winning “Idol” alumni. Despite each having two Grammys, it’s obvious that “Idol” audiences and judges failed to see the talent in each of them. In Season 9, Kelly was eliminated before the top 24, and Hudson finished eighth.

The late Mandisa

Despite finishing ninth in Daughtry’s season, Mandisa is a two-time Grammy finalist. Her 2013 album Overcomer won the 2014 Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. In all, she has been nominated five times.

Danny Gokey

Danny Gokey, the third-place finisher from Season 8, has also had success in the Christian music industry. His album “Haven’t Seen It Yet” received a nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, and two of his albums received nominations for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. He has been nominated for three Grammys in all.