Forbes has released its annual list of the top earning American Idol stars, and Carrie Underwood leads the whole field by leaps and bounds. The list is comprised of the ten former Idol contestants who made the most money before taxes between May 2010 and May 2011, before subtracting agent and manager fees. Blowing away the competition was country crooner Carrie Underwood contestants, who raked in a cool $20 million.
In fact, the country star earned so much more than any other Idol, the top four money-makers after Carrie barely eclipse her total combined.
1. Carrie Underwood
2011 Earnings: $20 million
2. Daughtry (tie)
2011 Earnings: $6 million
2. Adam Lambert (tie)
2011 Earnings: $6 million
4. Fantasia Barrino ($4 million)
2011 Earnings: $4 million
5. Jordin Sparks
2011 Earnings: $3 million
6. Kelly Clarkson
2011 Earnings: $2.5 million
7. Jennifer Hudson
2011 Earnings: $2 million
8. Kellie Pickler
2011 Earnings: $1.8 million
9. Clay Aiken ($1.5 million)
2011 Earnings: $1.5 million
10. Katharine McPhee (tie)
2011 Earnings: $1 million
10. David Archuleta (tie)
2011 Earnings: $1 million
10. David Cook (tie)
2011 Earnings: $20 million
