There have been many American Idol contestants who have warmed the hearts of America while competing, but some of the most popular singers have all but vanished from the public eye following their respective seasons. Since 2000, American Idol has produced some seriously-famous winners, including Kelly Clarkson (season 1), Clay Aiken (season 2), Carrie Underwood (season 4), Jordin Sparks (season 6), and Phillip Phillips (season 11). After making some changes to the program due to the COVID-19 pandemic, season 20 is reaching the end with three fan favorites remaining: HunterGirl, Noah Thompson, and Leah Marlene.
A contestant's placement in the competition doesn't necessarily correlate with how well they're perceived by the public. Superstar Jennifer Hudson only finished in 7th place on American Idol season 3, while Tori Kelly didn't even make it to the Top 24 on season 9. On the other hand, some of the semi-finalists who made it past Hollywood Week were thought to have overstayed their welcome, such as Carly Smithson (season 7, 6th place), Joanna Pacitti (season 8, Top 36), and controversial Celebrity Big Brother player Todrick Hall (season 9, Top 16).
Then there are those American Idol contestants who were popular and placed well in their respective competitions, like Adam Lambert (season 8 runner-up) and Katharine McPhee (season 5 runner-up). Some alumni, however, have faded out of the spotlight despite how beloved they were by America and the original three judges, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. Here are a few former American Idol fan favorites who have practically vanished from the spotlight since competing for a record contract.
Bo Bice (Season 4)
As the runner-up of American Idol season 4, Bo Bice walked so future rockers like Chris Daughtry and David Cook could run. With natural charisma and a powerful voice to match, Bo was one of the first contestants to focus on performing rock and heavy metal songs instead of pop and country music. The Alabama native and Carrie Underwood were both fan favorites from early on in the competition. Although Bo received fewer votes in the end, his 2005 album The Real Thing has sold over 200,000 copies. Unfortunately, Bo's music career suffered soon after his debut album was released due to multiple health problems. While Bo is doing better now and lives with his wife and four children, his last public performance was almost a decade ago, in 2013.
Sanjaya Malakar (Season 6)
Sanjaya Malakar is one of the most polarizing contestants to ever appear on American Idol, with his Top 7 placement during season 6 shocking for two reasons. There were not only weekly campaigns to vote off 17-year-old Sanjaya, but there were weekly campaigns to save him. Sanjaya's popularity on American Idol arose from an unprecedented place on the show: Sanjaya was not praised for his vocal ability but for his shy personality and eccentric hair styles. After making one girl cry her eyes out in happiness during a performance of the Van Halen song "You've Really Got Me," Sanjaya was finally voted off. Unfortunately, besides appearing on the CBS show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2009, Sanjaya has practically fallen off the music and social media maps, although he does have an Instagram.
Taylor Hicks (Season 5)
American Idol season 5 ended in Taylor Hicks becoming the first male winner over Katharine McPhee after developing a fan club throughout the season. While Katharine was considered by Simon Cowell to be one of the best performers of season 5, Taylor stuck out with his deep blues voice and full head of grey hair. Taylor is not only one of eight victors to have never been in the bottom 3, but the Alabama native is still the oldest winner at 29-years-old. Taylor's music career has all but ended since his self-titled debut album was released in 2006, although it turns out that Taylor has shifted to working primarily in the culinary industry. Taylor joined the cast of, The Serenbe Playhouse's Shenandoah in 2019 but can now be found hosting the INSP series State Plate.
Crystal Bowersox (Season 9)
Crystal Bowersox was a 23-year-old single mother when she auditioned for American Idol season 9 and immediately captured the attention of America with her rendition of Erma Franklin's "Piece of My Heart." Despite being hospitalized with diabetic ketoacidosis in the middle of the lives shows, Crystal continued to wow the judges and fans with her powerful voice. Notoriously-harsh critic Simon even named Crystal as the contestant for others to beat for the title. After finishing as runner-up to Lee DeWyze, without being in the bottom three like Taylor, Crystal released two albums in 2010 and 2013. Since then, Crystal has mostly disappeared from the public eye, although she does advertise small upcoming gigs on Instagram.
Jason Castro (Season 7)
Jason Castro became popular while competing on American Idol season 7 for his laidback personality and soothing voice. Season 7 was the first time the show's contestants were allowed to perform with instruments, and Jason's singing was frequently paired with his ukulele. After only one appearance in the bottom 3, Jason was finally voted out of the competition and came in fourth place. Finding his niche as a Christian artist, Jason released two albums in 2010 and a few songs with his siblings in the following years. While Jason still has an interest in music, the now 35-year-old father-of-four is primarily focused on his career in real estate.
American Idol has seen hundreds of thousands of hopeful contestants go through its doors over the past 20 years, with the winner of American Idol season 20 set to be crowned on May 22. HunterGirl, Noah Thompson, and Leah Marlene will have one more chance to impress viewers at home this Sunday before voting is closed for good. With the Top 3 already slated to perform with a chosen celebrity, judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie will get to watch a slew of guest performers alongside viewers at home. No matter who comes out victorious in the end, all three have cultivated quite the following this year. Let's hope that like the previous contestants, they don't end up falling out of the spotlight as well.
American Idol season 20 finale airs May 22 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
Sources: Bo Bice/Twitter, Sanjaya Malakar/Instagram, Crystal Bowersox/Instagram, Jason Castro/Instagram