American Idol is still paying off for Kelly Clarkson, who once again out-earned all of her fellow winners last year -- to the tune of $8 million.

Kel's cash came from record sales, tours and a lucrative deal promoting Toyota cars. She outdistanced Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry, each of whom brought in about $5 million, and Scotty McCreery, who earned about $4 million.

Some Idol champs didn't fare so well: Taylor Hicks and Kris Allen didn't crack the Top 10 in earnings, even though lower finishers in their championship years did.

Forbes' Top 10 American Idol earners are:

  • Kelly Clarkson ($8 million )
  • Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry ($5 million)
  • Scotty McCreery ($4 million)
  • Jennifer Hudson ($3 million)
  • Jordin Sparks ($2 million)
  • Adam Lambert ($1.5 million)
  • Katharine McPhee and Kellie Pickler ($1.1 million)
  • David Archuleta and David Cook ($1 million)

 

For Twitter or Facebook:

  • Kelly Clarkson tops the earnings list for Idol alumni http://onforb.es/XapPbV
  • Kelly Clarkson tops the earnings list for Idol alumni http://onforb.es/XapPbV Why does America still love Kelly so much?
  • Kelly Clarkson tops the earnings list for