Though Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry, David Cook and Kelly Clarkson have all made millions since being contestants on American Idol, winner Carrie Underwood is raking in the cheddar more than all the others (to the tune of $14 million last year).

Her debut album, Some Hearts, spent 11 weeks in 2007 at the top of the Billboard album charts. Songs from her second effort, Carnival Ride, got massive airplay on both country and adult alternative radio. All told, Underwood has sold 9.6 million albums and 10.7 million digital downloads, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

She has played more than 300 shows since her Idol win. Each performance brings in about $350,000 to be split between Underwood and the concert promoter, according to Pollstar.  Underwood has also supplemented her recording and touring income with sizable product endorsement payments. She avoids the personal meltdowns that afflict other young female celebrities, making her an ideal pitchwoman for consumer products companies. Vitamin Water, owned by Coca-Cola, pays Underwood to endorse its beverages.

While this doesn’t surprise me, it does disappoint me a little. Carrie’s music went from inspirational and uplifting, to being all about lying, cheating, and one-night stands. It’s so middle of the road now. However, David Cook, Kris Allen and Chris Daughtry bring such originality and class to the industry… That’s who deserves all those millions.

[image: wenn.com

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