The Most Inspiring Idol?
In our first Inspirations: TV poll — which found its own inspiration in Michael Slezak's podcast about why Fantasia Barrino moved him to tears — we asked readers which of the other four American Idol winners touched them most.
The results: Easily winning the poll was season 1 champ Kelly Clarkson (44%), who's gone from small-town Texas cocktail waitress to platinum-selling Grammy winner in less than five years. In second place: Soul Patrol leader Taylor Hicks (24%), who rocked the harmonica (and some very un-Idol-like gray hair) during season 5. Third was Carrie Underwood (22%), the Oklahoma native who, in season 4, became the first country singer to win the competion. And bringing up the rear: ''Velvet Teddy Bear'' Ruben Studdard (11%), the hefty soul man who eked out a victory against Clay Aiken in season 2.
Disagree with the results? No worries: Because we at EW.com know that anything Idol-related is bound to spark hot debates, we've provided a message board below for you to defend your pick — or to name another Idol finalist who was an inspiration to you.
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