10 Years Of American Idol and 345 Billboard Chart Number Ones

If achievements on the authoritative Billboard charts is any measure of success, then American Idol, in the past 10 years, has been phenomenally successful. Today is the tenth anniversary of the TV debut of American Idol. In its first season the show ran over the summer and Kelly Clarkson was named the winner on September 4, 2002. Billboard magazine has looked back over those 10 years and calculated that American Idol contestants have reached the top of individual charts 345 times in those years. Every season winner has topped at least one Billboard chart. American Idol contestants have not just been pop stars. They have hit #1 across R&B, rock, Christian, dance, country, adult contemporary charts and more. Kelly Clarkson, the first champion, still reigns with the most number one hits. The top five artists account for 220 of those 345 chart topping hits. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of American Idol, check out the list of the top five artists in amassing chart topping hits, and check out links below that look back at history of the show.

Top Five American Idol Contestants In Number Of Billboard Number Ones

1. Kelly Clarkson - 73
2. Carrie Underwood - 62
3. Daughtry - 38
4. Fantasia - 31
5. Ruben Studdard - 16

Related Links:

• Top 10 American Idol Performances Of All Time
• American Idol Finales

_{Photo by Michael Loccisano}