Multiplatinum-selling and Grammy Award-winning singer Carrie Underwood is ranked 1st on Forbes' Top 10 "Idol" Earners of 2009 list, reportedly taking in $14 million in the last year alone.
- May 22, 2009
AceShowbiz - Forbes' just-unveiled list of 2009 Top-Earning "American Idol" contestants sees country singing sensation Carrie Underwood securing the No. 1 spot. Winner of the hit singing competition's 4th season is listed to have taken in an estimated $14 million earnings in the last year alone. The tally reportedly comes from her touring income, recording royalties and endorsement deals.
Coming in 2nd place is Jennifer Hudson. The finalist of the 3rd season of "Idol" is said earning $5 million during 2008, an amount which is believed to have been bolstered by her endorsement deal with GAP. The 3rd Top-Earning "Idol" in the list is Kelly Clarkson, whose earning is estimated at $4.2 million.
Winner of "American Idol" season 6, Jordin Sparks, also makes the list, banking an estimated $3.1 million in the past year, Forbes reports. Rounding out the Top 5 is Kellie Pickler, having made $2.3 million, thanks to the strong sales of her albums and her Sexy Hair product endorsement deal.
Forbes' Top 10 "Idol" Earners of 2009:
- Carrie Underwood - $14 million
- Jennifer Hudson - $5 million
- Kelly Clarkson - $4.2 million
- Jordin Sparks - $3.1 million
- Kellie Pickler - $2.3 million
- Clay Aiken - $2.2 million
- Chris Daughtry - $2 million
- David Cook - $2 million
- David Archuleta - $1.3 million
- Taylor Hicks - $300,000
