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













