# American Idol alumni in film, television and theater

This page lists only acting roles and other projects undertaken in film, television and theater in the post-Idol career of American Idol contestants. It does not include guest musical performances or interviews on TV shows, or any pre-Idol work. It is also not intended to be a comprehensive list of all acting roles, appearances, awards nominated or won by any particular alum. Where there are multiple entries, only the more significant may be listed. Please see the appropriate links and references for individual alum for such more complete lists.

## Season 1

The first season of American Idol saw its first and only attempt at expanding the Idol franchise into the film industry. The winner Kelly Clarkson and runner-up Justin Guarini played the leads in the musical comedy, From Justin to Kelly, but the film failed both critically and at the box office. No further film venture had been attempted in following seasons.
Kelly Clarkson has gone on to be a coach on The Voice, voiced characters in three animated movies, and since 2019 has hosted The Kelly Clarkson Show. Justin Guarini has starred in several musical productions, including non-musical production of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet as Paris in 2013. He was the host of Idol Tonight and Idol Wrap on TVGN. Tamyra Gray has starred in several musical products including Rent in 2008. Jim Verraros has starred in a number of gay-theme films, while semi-finalist Kristin Holt has forged a career as TV show host.
| Idol Contestant | Film | Television | Theater |
| Kelly Clarkson (Winner) | From Justin to Kelly(2003) as Kelly Taylor The Star (2017) as Leah the Horse Ugly Dolls (2019) as Moxy Trolls World Tour (2020) as Delta Dawn | American Dreams (2003–04) as Brenda Lee (season 1-2, 2 episodes) King of the Hill (2004) as herself (season 8, episode 8) Reba (2007) as Kelly (season 6, episode 8) Canadian Idol (2007) guest mentor (top 5 week) Duets (2012) Mentor/Judge The Crazy Ones (2013) as herself (Pilot) Kelly Clarkson's Cautionary Christmas Music Tale (2013) herself/host Nashville (2014) as herself (season 2, episode 11) The Voice (2018–2021, 2023) as coach The Kelly Clarkson Show (2019–present) host Winner - Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host, Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment (Daytime Emmy) Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around... (2021) as herself American Song Contest (2022) co-host | |
| Justin Guarini (Runner-up) | From Justin to Kelly (2003) as Justin Bell Nominated Worst Actor (Razzie) Fast Girl (2008) as Darryl K. Sands | Run of the House (2003) as Paul Hanson (1 episode) Idol Tonight and Idol Wrap (2006–2009) Host Gone Country (2009) Contestant Sketched Out TV (2009, web series) Performer | Good Vibrations (2004) as Jan Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (2010–2011, Broadway) as Carlos American Idiot (2011, Broadway) as Will Rent (2011, Regional) as Roger Davis Chicago (2011, Regional) as Billy Flynn Ghost Brothers of Darkland County (2012, Regional) as Drake Romeo and Juliet (2013, Broadway) as Paris Wicked (2014, Broadway) as Fiyero Mamma Mia! (2016, Regional) as Sam Carmichael In Transit (2016, Broadway) as Trent Once Upon a One More Time (2023, Broadway) as Prince Charming |
| Nikki McKibbin (3rd place) | The Scorned (2005, television film) as singer | Fear Factor (2005) Contestant "Battle of the Network Reality Stars (2005) Contestant Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew (2008) as herself Sober House (2009) as herself | |
| Tamyra Gray (4th place) | The Gospel (2005) as Rain Walker Rachel Getting Married (2008) as singing friend | Boston Public (2003) as Aisha Clemens (7 episodes) Tru Calling (2004) as Carly Anders (1 episode) What I Like about You (2004) as Danielle (2 episodes) | Bombay Dreams (2004–2005, Broadway) as Priya Rent (2007–2008, Broadway) as Mimi Marquez Twist (2011, Regional) as Della Once on This Island (2018–2019, Broadway) as Papa Ge |
| Christina Christian (6th place) | Celia: The Queen (2008, documentary) as young Celia Cruz | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2003) as Kenisha Jones (Season 3, Episode 16) Burn Notice (2009) as female bartender | |
| Ryan Starr (7th place) | Ring of Darkness (2004, television film) as Stacy | What I Like About You (2003) as Pam (2 episodes) CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2003) as Sophia Renatta (Season 4, Episode 4) The Surreal Life (2004) as herself (12 episodes) Gimme My Reality Show! (2008) Contestant | |
| Jim Verraros (9th place) | Eating Out (2004) as Kyle Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds (2006) as Kyle Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild (2008) | | |

## Season 2

The winner of season 2, Ruben Studdard, teamed up with the fifth-place finisher Trenyce and the disqualified semi-finalist Frenchie Davis to star in the touring production of Ain't Misbehavin', the recording of which won a Grammy nomination. The runner-up Clay Aiken enjoyed two successful stints in Broadway in the musical Spamalot. Frenchie Davis also had some success in Broadway, as did Hollywood round auditioner Josh Strickland who starred as Tarzan in musical of the same name.
Kimberley Locke and Kimberly Caldwell have both pursued a career as TV hosts aside from their music.
| Idol Contestant | Film | Television | Theater |
| Ruben Studdard (Winner) | Lifted (2010) as Pastor Johnson | All of Us (2005) as grown Bobby The Biggest Loser (2013) contestant | Ain't Misbehavin' (2008, national tour) as Fats Waller Nominated - Best Musical Show Album (Grammy) |
| Clay Aiken (Runner-up) | | Scrubs (2005) as Kenny (Season 4, episode 17) 30 Rock (2009) as himself (Season 3, episode 22) Phineas and Ferb (2010) as himself (voice) Drop Dead Diva (2011) as Tyler Callahan Celebrity Apprentice (2012) Candidate Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2013) as himself (Season 15, Episode 7) | Spamalot (2008–2009, Broadway) as Sir Robin Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2013, regional) as Joseph |
| Kimberley Locke (3rd place) | | Little Talent Show (2006) Host Gospel Dream (2009) Host Rick & Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in All the World (2009) as Steamroom Sally (voice) | |
| Josh Gracin (4th place) | | The Young and the Restless (2006) as Jake | |
| Trenyce (5th place) | Friends & Lovers: The Ski Trip 2 (2008) as Unique | | Dreamgirls (2006, regional) as Deena Jones Love in the Nick of Tyme (2007, national tour) as Portia Ain't Misbehavin' (2008, national tour) as Charlaine Nominated - Best Musical Show Album (Grammy) Thriller – Live (2010–2011, London, European tour) Vocalist |
| Carmen Rasmusen (6th place) | Pride & Prejudice (2003) as Charlotte Lucas Racing Ace (2005) as Marilyn | Fear Factor (2006) Contestant | |
| Kimberly Caldwell (7th place) | Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (2007) as Kimberly Caldwell Deception (2012) as Paige Matthews | Life on a Stick (2005) as Kimberly Idol Tonight and Idol Wrap (2007–2009) Host P. Diddy's Starmaker (2009) Host Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp (2011) Host Best Ink (2012) Host | |
| Rickey Smith (8th place) | | | OZ, the Musical (2009, national tour) as Tinman |
| Corey Clark (9th, disqualified) | | Primetime Live (2005) as himself | |
| Vanessa Olivarez (12th place) | | | Hairspray (2005, Toronto) as Tracy Turnblad Nominated - Outstanding Performance by a Female in a Principal Role - Musical (Dora Award) |
| Frenchie Davis (Semi-finalist) | We Are Family (2011) as JoJoDean Dumbbells (2012) | The Voice (2011) Contestant | Rent (2003–2007, Broadway) as Mrs Jefferson and others Ain’t Misbehavin' (2008, national) Nominated - Best Musical Show Album (Grammy) |
| Ashley Hartman (Semi-finalist) | Abominable (2006) as Karen Herdberger | The O.C. (2003–2007) as Holly Fischer (9 episodes) Victoria Secret TV (2008) Host The Grammy's Style Studio (2009–2010) Host | |

## Season 3

Season 3 winner Fantasia enjoyed a critically and commercially successful stint in musical theater when she starred in The Color Purple. She also had her own TV show and is expanding into film. The runner-up Diana DeGarmo also found success in musical theater starring in Broadway musicals such as Hair and Hairspray.
Seventh-place finisher, Jennifer Hudson, became one of the most successful contests to have emerged from American Idol when she landed a part in the film adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls, and subsequently won many major awards as supporting actress including an Oscar. She has since also starred in many major films, including Sex and the City and Sing. Eleventh-place finisher Matthew Rogers has a steady career as a TV show host. Alan Ritchson who was heavily featured in the audition and Hollywood rounds pursued a career as a TV and film actor, while auditioner William Hung briefly landed some acting roles due to his exposure on the show.
| Idol Contestant | Film | Television | Theater |
| Fantasia (Winner) | Life Is Not a Fairy Tale (2006, television film) as herself The Color Purple (2023) as Celie Nominated Best Actress (Golden Globe, BAFTA) | American Dreams (2004) as Aretha Franklin (Season 2, 1 episode) The Simpsons (2005) as Clarissa Wellington (1 episode) Fantasia for Real (2010–2011) as herself | The Color Purple (2007, Broadway) as Celie Won Theatre World Award for debut theatre performance After Midnight (2013, Broadway) performer |
| Diana DeGarmo (Runner-up) | The First Ride of Wyatt Earp (2012) as Dora Hand | The Fairly OddParents (2006) as Cosmo (singing voice) The Young and the Restless (2011–2012) as Angelina Planet 360 (2013) as co-host | Hairspray (2006–2007, Broadway) as Penny Pingleton The Toxic Avenger (2009, off-Broadway) as Sarah Hair (2010, Broadway) as Sheila Franklin 9 to 5 (2010–2011, National Tour) as Doralee Rhodes Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2014, regional) The Marvelous Wonderettes (2016, Off-Broadway) as Suzy Simpson Into the Woods (2023, regional) as the Witch |
| Jasmine Trias (3rd place) | | North Shore (2004) as herself (1 episode) Your Song (2006–2007) as Charry and Joanne (2 episodes) | |
| LaToya London (4th place) | | | Issues, We All Got 'Em (2006, national tour) as Chastity Beehive (2006, regional)) Nominated Ensemble Performance (LADCC Awards The Color Purple (2007–2010, national tour) as Nettie Nominated Best supporting female - Equity (NAACP Theatre Awards) |
| Jennifer Hudson (7th place) | Dreamgirls (2006) as Effie White Won Best Supporting Actress (Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA, SAG) Sex and the City (2008) as Louise The Secret Life of Bees (2008) as Rosaleen Daise Winnie Mandela (2011) as Winnie Mandela The Three Stooges (2012) as Sister Rosemary Black Nativity (2013) as Naima Cobbs Lullaby (2014) as Nurse Carrie Chi-Raq (2015) as Irene Sing (2016) as Young Nana Noodleman (voice) Cats (2019) as Grizabella Respect (2021) as Aretha Franklin | Jennifer Hudson: I'll Be Home for Christmas (2009) Host Majors & Minors (2011) Mentor Smash (2013) as Veronica Moore Empire (2015) as Michelle White Confirmation (2016) as Angela Wright Hairspray Live! (2016) as Motormouth Maybelle The Voice UK (2016) Mentor/Judge The Voice (2017) Mentor/Judge Baba Yaga (2021) Producer Won Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program (Daytime Emmy Award) The Jennifer Hudson Show (2022-present) Host Nominated Outstanding Daytime Talk Series (Daytime Emmy Award) Hair (2004, Actor Fund concert) The Color Purple (2015–2016, Broadway) as Shug Avery A Strange Loop (2022, Broadway) Producer Won Best Musical (Tony Award) |
| Jon Peter Lewis (8th place) | | The Voice (2013) Competitor) | |
| Amy Adams (10th place) | | | Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2005, national tour) as the Narrator |
| Matthew Rogers (11th place) | | American Idol Extra (2006–2007) Co-host Really Big Things (2007–2008) Host There Goes the Neighborhood (2009) Host Coming Home (2011) Host | |
| Matthew Metzger (Semi-finalist) | | All My Children (2005) as Duke Buchanan (2 episodes) One Life to Live (2006) as Duke Buchanan (1 episode) | |
| Katie Webber (Semi-finalist) | Rent (2005) as Dancer | | Wicked (2005–2008, Broadway) as Witch's Mother Rock of Ages (2010–2011, Broadway) as waitress Catch Me If You Can (2011, Broadway) Ensemble Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (2022, Broadway) Rhonda |
| Alan Ritchson (Hollywood rounds) | Steam (2007) as Roy Spring Break '83 (2011) as Brad The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) as Gloss Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) as Raphael Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016) as Raphael | Smallville (2005–2010) as Aquaman (4 episodes) CSI: Miami (2010) as Paul Arnett (Season 8, episode 19) Blue Mountain State (2010–2011) as Thad Castle (26 episodes) 90210 (2011) as Tripp Willinson Titans (2018) as Hank Hall / Hawk Reacher (2022-present) as Jack Reacher | |
| William Hung (Auditioner) | Where's Mama's Boy? (2005) as the godson Chinaman's Chance (2008) as Ting | George Lopez (2005) as himself (1 episode) Arrested Development (2006) as himself (2 episodes) | |

## Season 4

A number of season 4 Idol alumni such as Anthony Fedorov have been involved in musical theater, but the most successful is the sixth-place finisher Constantine Maroulis. Maroulis has been active on Broadway and was nominated for a Tony Award for his role in Rock of Ages. The winner Carrie Underwood made her acting debut in a film by starring in Soul Surfer.
| Idol Contestant | Film | Television | Theater |
| Carrie Underwood (Winner) | Soul Surfer (2011) as Sarah Hill | Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special (2009) Host Sesame Street (2010) as Carrie Underworm How I Met Your Mother (2010) as Tiffany Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (2011) as herself The Sound of Music Live! (2013) as Maria von Trapp |
| Bo Bice (Runner-up) | | Rock of Ages (2023, regional) | |
| Vonzell Solomon (3rd place) | Still Green (2007) as Chelsea | | Simply Ballroom (2008, national tour) Vocalist OZ, the Musical (2009, national tour) as Glinda/Aunt Em Burn the Floor (2010–2011) Vocalist |
| Anthony Fedorov (4th place) | | Fear Factor (2006) Contestant Little Talent Show (2006) Judge | The Fantasticks (2007, off-Broadway) as Matt Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2009–2011, national, Japan) as Joseph Rent (2012, off-Broadway) as Roger The Sound of Music (2012, regional) as Rolf |
| Scott Savol (5th place) | | | OZ, the Musical (2009, national tour) as Lion The Lord Will Make A Way (2009–2010, national tour) |
| Constantine Maroulis (6th place) | Rock of Ages (2012) as Record Executive | Little Talent Show (2006) Host The Bold and the Beautiful (2007) as Constantine Parros Teachers (2008) as Constantine Maroulis American Idol Extra (2008) Co-host Law & Order (2010) as Fabio Scalia (Season 20, episode 19) | The Wedding Singer (2006, Broadway) as Sammy Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (2007, off-Broadway) as young soldier Rock of Ages (2009–2011, Broadway and national tour) as Drew Bowie Nominated - Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical (Tony) The Toxic Avenger (2012, National) as Melvin/Toxie Jekyll & Hyde (2012, National, Broadway) as Dr. Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde Next to Normal (2024, regional) as Dan Goodman |
| Anwar Robinson (7th place) | Friends & Lovers: The Ski Trip 2 (2008) as Owen | Friends and Lovers (2010) as Owen | Rent (2007–2008, national tour) as Tom Collins |
| Nadia Turner (8th place) | Lord Help Us (2007) as Kayla Brooks | | |
| Nikko Smith (9th place) | The Agonist | | |
| Jessica Sierra (10th place) | Jessica Sierra Superstar (2007, adult) as herself | Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew (2008–2011) as herself | |
| Mikalah Gordon (11th place) | | The Unit (2005) as Lila Lee (Season 3, 1 episode) The Tyra Banks Show (2006) Correspondent American Idol Extra (2006–2007) Co-host Living with Fran (2007) as Brianna Hollywood 411 (2009- ) Correspondent | OZ, the Musical (2009, national tour) as Dorothy |
| Melissa Lawson (Hollywood rounds) | | Nashville Star (2008) Contestant (Winner, Season 6) | |

## Season 5

The season 5 runner-up Katharine McPhee has established a career as a film and TV actress, and starred in the TV series Smash and Scorpion. Eleventh-placed finisher Kevin Covais also has a steady career as an actor with many acting roles in film and TV. Other Season 5 contestants who also pursued an acting career include Lisa Tucker. The winner Taylor Hicks had enjoyed a stint in theater, while seventh-place finisher Ace Young also had had a couple of major acting roles in Broadway.
| Idol Contestant | Film | Television | Theater |
| Taylor Hicks (Winner) | | The Choice (2012) Contestant Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2013) as himself (Season 15, Episode 7) State Plate (2016–2017) HOST on the INSP Network | Grease (2008–2009, Broadway and national tour) as Teen Angel |
| Katharine McPhee (Runner-up) | The House Bunny (2008) as Harmony You May Not Kiss the Bride (2011) as Masha Nikitin Shark Night 3D (2011) as Karen The Tiger Rising (2022) as Caroline Horton | CSI: NY (2009) as Dana Melton/Odessa Shaw (Season 5, episode 20) Community (2009) as Amber (Season 1, episode 18) Smash (2012–2013) as Karen Cartwright Scorpion (2014–2018) as Paige Dineen The Masked Singer (2021) contestant (season 6) | Waitress (2018–2020, Broadway and West End) as Jenna Hunterson |
| Elliott Yamin (3rd place) | | The Bold and the Beautiful (2007) as himself Lincoln Heights (2007) as himself (Season 2, episode 3) | |
| Chris Daughtry (4th place) | Trolland (2016) | CSI: NY (2008) as Machiavelli Taylor (Season 5, episode 8) The Passion (2016) as Judas Iscariot The Masked Singer (2019) contestant (season 2) | |
| Paris Bennett (5th place) | Mama, I Want to Sing! (2008) as Elyse | | |
| Kellie Pickler (6th place) | | 90210 (2011) as Sally Dancing with the Stars (2013) contestant (winner, season 16) Pickler & Ben (2017–2019) co-host | |
| Ace Young (7th place) | Section B (2011) as Ryan | Half & Half (2005) as Ace (Season 4, episode 6) Bones (2008) as Tommy Sour (Season 3, episode 14) American Idol Extra (2009) Co-host Planet 360 (2013) as co-host | Grease (2008–2010) as Kenickie (Broadway), Danny Zuko (National Tour) Hair (2010, Broadway) as Berger Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2014) as Joseph |
| Lisa Tucker (10th place) | The Hustle (2008) as Keisha | The O.C. (2006) as herself (Season 3, Episode 23) Zoey 101 (2007–2008) as Pucci (Season 3-4, 5 episodes) The Game (2009) as Lisa Perkins (Season 3, 3 episodes) The Vampire Diaries (2011) as Greta Martin (Season 2, 3 episodes) | |
| Kevin Covais (11th place) | College (2008) as Morris Hooper Labor Pains (2009) as Greg Division III: Football's Finest (2011) as Allen Schwartz Touchback (2011) as Todd White Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014) as Dorky Driver | Ghost Whisperer (2009) as P.A. (Season 4, episode 20) The Great State of Georgia (2011) as Lewis Good Luck Charlie (2012–14) as Victor (8 episodes) | |
| Ayla Brown (Semi-finalist) | | The Early Show (2010) Correspondent | Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2008) as The Narrator |
| Kinnik Sky (Semi-finalist) | | House of Payne (2008) as Nurse Jones Hard Rock Cafe Presents (2011) Host | |
| Becky O'Donohue (Semi-finalist) | I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007) as Darla Mardi Gras: Spring Break (2010) as Cousin Janice | Trick It Out (2007) Host ER (2007) as Sophia (Season 4, episode 20) House (2009) as Karamel (Season 5, episode 22) Psych (2010) as Molly Gogolack (Season 5, episode 3) Minute to Win It (2010) Contestant | |
| Brianna Taylor (Hollywood rounds) | | The Real World (2008) Contestant (Season 18) Real World/Road Rules Challenge (2009) Cast member (Season 12) | |
| Jes Hudak (Hollywood rounds) | | Platinum Hit (2011) Contestant | |

## Season 6

The winner Jordin Sparks has taken roles both in theater and film. She appeared opposite Whitney Houston in the film Sparkle. Semifinalist Jared Cotter has worked as a host for a number of TV shows.
| Idol Contestant | Film | Television | Theater |
| Jordin Sparks (Winner) | Sparkle as Sparkle Anderson | The Suite Life on Deck (2009) as herself (1 episode) Big Time Rush (2010) as herself (2 episodes) Team Umizoomi (2011) as Blue Mermaid (voice) Majors & Minors (2011) Mentor The Masked Dancer (2021) Contestant | In the Heights (2010, Broadway) as Nina Rosario Waitress (2019, Broadway) as Jenna Hunterson |
| Blake Lewis (Runner-up) | | Free Radio (2008) as himself (Season 1, episode 4) Durarara!! (2011) as Kasuka Heiwajima (voice) | |
| LaKisha Jones (4th place) | | The Winner Is (2013) Contestant | The Color Purple (2007–2008, Broadway) as Sofia and church soloist |
| Sanjaya Malakar (7th place) | | Idol Stars: Where Are They Now (2008) Host I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! (2009) Contestant Hell's Kitchen (2010) as himself | Freckleface Strawberry (2011, off-Broadway) as Danny |
| Gina Glocksen (9th place) | | American Idol Extra (2008) Co-host | Ballroom with a Twist (2011, national tour) Vocalist |
| Chris Sligh (10th place) | October Baby (2011) as bmac | | |
| Brandon Rogers (12th place) | Missing Audrey (2010) as Ben | Bones (2008) as Broadway wanna-be (Season 3, episode 14) Valley Peaks (2009, web TV) as Matt | |
| Sabrina Sloan (Semi-finalist) | | Boston Legal (2007) as Singer #1 (Season 4, episode 10) Up All Night (2012) as Singer #7 (Season 1, episode 24) | Gulls (2008, regional) as Nina Princess and the Black Eyed Pea (2008, regional) as Princess Quelie Dreamgirls (2008, regional) as Lorrell Robinson Rent (2009, regional) as Mimi In the Heights (2010, Tour) Vanessa Catch Me If You Can (2011, Broadway) Ensemble Hamilton (2017, Angelica Tour / 2019 And Peggy Tour) Angelica Schuyler |
| Jared Cotter (Semi-finalist) | | The Sauce (2007–2008) Host No. 1 Countdown: Pop (2008) Host You Rock, Let's Roll (2008) Host The Challenge (2009- ) Host | |
| Sundance Head (Semi-finalist) | | The Voice (2016) Winner | |

## Season 7

| Idol Contestant | Film | Television | Theater |
| David Cook (Winner) | | Best Week Ever (2008) as himself (2 episodes) Free Radio (2009) as himself (Season 2, episode 2) Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (2010) as himself | Kinky Boots (2018, broadway) as Charlie Price |
| David Archuleta (Runner-up) | | iCarly (2009) as himself Hannah Montana (2009) as himself Nandito Ako (2012) as Josh Bradley | |
| Syesha Mercado (3rd place) | Dreams (2011) as Mia | | Dreamgirls (2009–2010, national tour) as Deena Jones Once on This Island (2012, regional) as Ti Moune The Book of Mormon (2012–2014, regional and Broadway) as Nabulungi |
| Jason Castro (4th place) | | The Bold and the Beautiful (2010) as himself (2 episodes) | |
| Brooke White (5th place) | Change of Plans (2011, television film) as Sally Danville Banner 4 July (2013, television film) as Desiree | Miss America (2010) Judge | |
| Carly Smithson (6th place) | | Hell's Kitchen (2010) as herself | Viva Elvis (2011, Las Vegas) Singer |
| Kristy Lee Cook (7th place) | | Outdoor's 10 Best (2010) Host Wanted: Adventure Host (2010) Judge Goin' Country (2011) Host | |
| Chikezie (10th place) | | General Hospital (2009) as K.Z. (1 episode) | Thriller – Live (2011, UK tour) Vocalist |
| David Hernandez (12th place) | | | Ballroom with a Twist (2009–2011, national tour) Vocalist Dancing Queen (2012, regional) |
| Adore Delano (appeared as Danny Noirega) | | RuPaul's Drag Race (2014) RuPaul's Drag All-Stars (2016) Ex on the Beach (2019) | |
| Colton Swon (Hollywood) | | The Voice (2013) Third place (as part of The Swon Brothers) | |

## Season 8

| Idol Contestant | Film | Television | Theater |
| Kris Allen (Winner) | | Best Week Ever (2009) as himself Gigantic (2011) as himself | |
| Adam Lambert (Runner-up) | | Majors & Minors (2011) Mentor Project Runway (2011) Judge Pretty Little Liars (2012) as himself Glee (2013) Elliot "StarChild" Gilbert The Rocky Horror Picture Show Event (2016) Eddie | |
| Danny Gokey (3rd place) | Truth Be Told (2011) as himself | | |
| Alexis Grace (11th place) | | | Chicago (2012, regional) as Roxie Hart |
| Jackie Tohn (Semi-finalist) | Monster of the House (2011, television film) as Jackie | Memphis Beat (2010) as Delilah Boswell (1 episode) For a Green Card (2010–2011) as Jackie CSI: NY (2011) as Ainsley McCrea (1 episode) Platinum Hit (2011) Contestant GLOW (2017) as Melrose | |
| Arianna Afsar (Semi-Finals) | Martian Land (2015) as Miranda | | Hamilton (Chicago production, 2016) as Eliza Hamilton (Original cast) |
| Jamar Rogers (Hollywood rounds) | | The Voice (U.S.) (2012) Contestant | |
| John Twiford (Hollywood rounds) | | | Jesus Christ Superstar (national tour, 2009–2010) as Judas Iscariot |

## Season 9

| Idol Contestant | Film | Television | Theater |
| Lee DeWyze (Winner) | | Hell's Kitchen (2012) as himself | |
| Crystal Bowersox (Runner-up) | | Body of Proof (2011) as Zoe Reese | Always…Patsy Cline (2013) as Patsy Cline |
| Siobhan Magnus (6th place) | | | The Reluctant Dragon (2013, regional) |
| Katie Stevens (8th place) | | Faking It (2014) as Karma | |
| Paige Miles (11th place) | | | Beehive - the 60s Musical (2011) |
| Alex Lambert (semi-finalist) | | If I Can Dream (2010, web series) as himself | |
| Todrick Hall (Semi-finalist) | | The X Factor (2012) as backup singer Todrick (2015, MTV) as himself RuPaul's Drag Race (2016) as guest judge The Masked Singer (2021) contestant (season 6) | Hairspray (2010) as Seeweed Memphis (2010, Broadway) Ensemble Kinky Boots (2016) as Lola |
| Jermaine Sellers (Semi-finalist) | Leave It on the Floor (2011) as Dancer | Sunday Best (2007) Contestant | |
| John Park (Semi-finalist) | | Superstar K2 (2010) Contestant (runner-up) | |
| Chris Golightly (Semi-finalist) | | Superstar K3 (2011) Contestant | |
| Luke Edgemon (Hollywood rounds) | | Glee (2011) as Flint Wilson (Warblers) The Voice (2013) Contestant | |
| Samuel Larsen (Hollywood rounds) | | The Glee Project (2011–2012) Winner (season 1), guest mentor (season 2) Glee (2012) as Joe Hart | |
| Tori Kelly (Hollywood rounds) | Sing (2016) as Menna | The Masked Singer (2020) contestant (season 4) | |

## Season 10

| Idol Contestant | Film | Television |
| Scotty McCreery (1st place) | Five More Minutes (2021) Writer/executive producer (TV movie) Five More Minutes: Moments Like These (2022) Executive producer (TV movie) | Hart of Dixie (2012) as himself |
| Lauren Alaina (2nd place) | The Road Less Traveled (2017) as Charlotte (TV Movie) Roadhouse Romance (2021) as Callie (TV Movie) | Nashville (2017) as herself (1 episode) Dancing with the Stars (2019) contestant (season 28) |
| Haley Reinhart (3rd place) | | 90210 (2011) as herself Hell's Kitchen (2012) as herself F Is for Family (2015–2021) Bill Murphy |
| James Durbin (4th place) | | Different Is The New Normal (2011) as himself Dr. Drew's Lifechangers (2011) as himself NY Ink (2012) as himself |
| Stefano Langone (7th place) | | Dr. Drew's Lifechangers (2011) as himself |
| Paul McDonald (8th Place) | | Parenthood (2012) |
| Pia Toscano (9th Place) | | So You Think You Can Dance (2011) as herself |

## Season 11

| Idol Contestant | Television |
| Phillip Phillips (Winner) | Pure Genius 2016) as self Hawaii Five-0 (2018) as Voss |
| Jessica Sanchez (Runner-up) | Glee (2013) as Frida Romero |
| Heejun Han (9th place) | K-pop Star (2013) contestant |

## Season 15

| Idol Contestant | Film | Television | Theater |
| Nick Fradiani (Winner) | | | A Beautiful Noise (2023, Broadway) as Neil Diamond |

## Season 16

| Idol Contestant | Film | Television | Theater |
| Gabby Barrett (3rd place) | Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025) as Isabella | | |