Carrie Underwood has been named as the highest-earning artist to have found fame on American Idol.
The country star may not be very well-known in the UK, but her following in the USA is enormous – and her sales and ticket receipts are high enough to put her at the top of the show’s 13-season-strong list of graduates.
Carrie Underwood on American Idol (YouTube)
According to Forbes, she netted an incredible $31 million across 2013 – a huge $23 million ahead of her nearest rival.
Kelly Clarkson polled second, raking in around $7 million in what was altogether a rather quiet year for the singer, at least in terms of new music. Despite winning a Grammy in 2013, the only new music she put out was a Christmas album.
Third place is a tie between Phillip Phillips and Adam Lambert on $5 million each, while Chris Daughtry occupies fourth with $4 million.
The Top 5 is rounded-off by Scotty McCreery, who raked in $3 million across the last year.
American Idol returns for a new season this month.
