Sometimes, winning isn’t everything.
When it comes toAmerican Idol, the show has become a platform that can create a star.
It’s become a launch pad of careers.
Image via Fox
And not just in the music industry.
They’ve tread the boards, staring underneath the bright lights of Broadway.
Season 5 winnerTaylor Hickshad a brief stint as Teen Angel in the revival ofGrease.
Image via Julieta Cervantes
Here are ten moreAmerican Idolalumni who enjoyed their time on stage in NYC.
1Adam Lambert
Season 8- Runner-Up
Do you remember who won Season 8 ofAmerican Idol?
Perhaps you forgot that it wasKris Allen.
Image by Joan Marcus
BeforeAdam Lambertappeared as the front-runner onAmerican Idol, the out star had experience as a theatrical performer.
He was joined byAulii Cravalho, the voice of Moana, who played Sally Bowles.
Glamberts packed the theater and the stage door for his brief run.
Image by Joan Marcus
In 2008, he began a run as a replacement in the Tony Award-winning production ofMonty Python’s Spamalot.
Most of his journey on American Idol was spent putting a rock-and-roll twist onto American classics.
He was an early front-runner, but American Idol just seemed ready to crown their first country champion.
Image by Paul Kolnik
But his breakout role was playing the lead inRock of Ages.
It was a perfect role as it brought him back to singing covers of classic 80s tracks.
Though, I would like to pat myself on the back for being Team J-Hud from day one.
Image by Matthew Murphy
Playing Effie White, Jennifer Hudson earned praise and an Academy Award.
Her victory not only catapulted her career but proved thatAmerican Idolcan and will make megastars.
A year after her rise to the top, she won a Grammy for her self-titled album.
Image by Matthew Murphy
Unfortunately, she was left out of the nomination discussion, unlike her costars.
But it’s when she put on her producing hat that she completed her EGOT.
While she may have only appeared on Broadway once, many are eager to see her return.
Image by Matthew Murphy
However, it might mean perfect timing and the right project.
Having a successful post-Idol music career, Jordin Sparks wasn’t satisfied sticking solely to music.
Almost a decade later, she returned to New York, taking over the role of Jenna inSara Bareilles’Waitress.
Image by Matthew Murphy
7Justin Guarini
Season 1- Runner-Up
Winning isn’t everything.
And yet, Justin was able to find a flourishing career on Broadway.
He made his official debut as a replacement in theBeach Boys’ musicalGood Vibrations.
Image via Julieta Cervantes
Thankfully, Justin has continued to tread the boards.
With some roles here and there, Katharine McPhee’s big break came in the musical television seriesSmash.
In fact, a stage adaptation is currently on Broadway.
Image by Joan Marcus
She returned to the show before it shuttered.
One of whom was Season 14 winnerNick Fradiani.
From there, she kept her theatrical dreams alive, taking on the role of Mimi Marquez inRenton Broadway.
Keep Reading:‘American Idol’ Season 23 Hopeful Set Up To Fail
