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Some of American Idol‘s biggest stars, such as Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson, got their start on the reality show. The TV series has even changed the lives of those rejected. These are the richest stars who’ve ever won American Idol, according to Celebrity Net Worth. One famous winner went on to make millions — now she has the largest net worth (on page 10).

10. Taylor Hicks

American Idol winner Taylor Hicks and host Ryan Seacrest performs
American Idol saw Taylor Hicks win in 2006. | Vince Bucci/Getty Images
  • Net worth: $2 million

The fifth-season winner of American Idol, the Alabama native struggled to make it as a country star, left Nashville, and auditioned for the TV show years later. Beating out fan-favorites Katherine McPhee and Elliott Yamin, Taylor Hicks’ first single went No. 1 on Billboard charts, but then his label dropped him.

The singer bounced back, however, joining the cast of Grease on Broadway and completing a Las Vegas residency at the Paris hotel. These days, Hicks still performs around the country. He also owns a BBQ restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama.

Next: This beloved big man can live large.

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