As the live shows for Season 12 of American Idol continue, Billboard magazine takes a look back at the show's success by releasing a chart with Idol's top 100 hits.
Kelly Clarkson's "Since You Been Gone" took the No. 1 spot on the chart. The Season 1 winner remains one of Idol's bestselling artists. She dominates the list with six songs in the top 10 and is considered the bestselling Idol internationally.
"You look at the number of albums sold the number of singles she's charted and even the number of number 1s she has had without question Kelly Clarkson is the American Idol," says Ralphie Aversa, the host of The Ralphi Show on 95.5/PLJ.
Then there's Idol's other chart-topper from Season 4: country star Carrie Underwood. She is the bestselling Idol in the U.S. and has more songs on the Idol 100 than anyone, with 20 songs.
So who managed to break Kelly Clarkson's top-5 hot streak? It was Jordin Sparks. Her 2008 hit "No Air" came in at No. 3.
Out of the Billboard's top 20 there were only six singles recorded by male contestants, and only two by male winners.
2012 winner Phillip Phillips earned the No. 6 spot with his song "Home."
"Phillip has been the most successful Idol not just of those 5 guys but in recent memory," Ralphi says. "With his track 'Home' that really isn't just a hit single. 'Home' really became an anthem… Olympics turned to Sandy as well."
But the success of Idol is bigger than Clarkson and Underwood. The franchise has produced 379 No. 1 songs to date.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:11 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:11:03 GMT
Spy thriller 'The East' is the latest creation from actor, writer and producer Brit Marling. Marling plays a former FBI agent alongside Ellen Page. Both stars make a stop in the Good Day studios on Wednesday.
Spy thriller 'The East' is the latest creation from actor, writer and producer Brit Marling. Marling plays a former FBI agent alongside Ellen Page. Both stars make a stop in the Good Day studios on Wednesday.
Buh-bye bad combover! Hello, bald head! Christian Bale was nearly unrecognizable when he landed at Los Angeles Intl. Airport on Sunday sporting a beard and a bald head.
Buh-bye bad combover! Hello, bald head! Christian Bale was nearly unrecognizable when he landed at Los Angeles Intl. Airport on Sunday sporting a beard and a bald head.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:17 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:17:02 GMT
For the first time since the death under mysterious circumstances of hop music mogul Chris Lighty nine months ago, his grieving mother is breaking her silence.
For the first time since the death under mysterious circumstances of hop music mogul Chris Lighty nine months ago, his grieving mother is breaking her silence.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:33 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:33:52 GMT
For 35 years, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been bringing its brand of contemporary dance to audiences around the world. One of the company's frequent stops is the Joyce Theater in Chelsea where it
For 35 years, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been bringing its brand of contemporary dance to audiences around the world. One of the company's frequent stops is the Joyce Theater in Chelsea where it
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:27 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:27:14 GMT
Carol Burnett, who became famous for playing a variety of characters in sketch comedy routines on her namesake television show, has been named the winner of the nation's top humor prize.
Carol Burnett, who became famous for playing a variety of characters in sketch comedy routines on her namesake television show, has been named the winner of the nation's top humor prize.
Three of the original Brady cast members returned to Kings Island in Mason, Ohio over the weekend, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of an episode the show filmed there in 1973.
Three of the original Brady cast members -- Barry Williams (Greg), Christopher Knight (Peter) and Susan Olsen (Cindy) — returned to Kings Island in Mason, Ohio over the weekend, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of an episode the show filmed there in 1973.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:38 AM EDT2013-05-21 12:38:01 GMT
Country crooner Trace Adkins is the winner of All-Star Celebrity Apprentice. While he's happy to have raised money for his charity, Adkins says his mind and heart are with the victims of the Oklahoma tornado.
Country crooner Trace Adkins is the winner of All-Star Celebrity Apprentice. While he's happy to have raised money for his charity, Adkins says his mind and heart are with the victims of the tornado that ripped through Oklahoma on Monday.
