CLAY AIKEN
Season 2

''You don't look like a pop star.'' Those were the first words out of Simon Cowell's mouth after Clay — working ''afternoon at the mall'' togs, a puka-shell necklace, and a tragically busted haircut — finished belting ''Always and Forever'' at his audition. But with the help of Idol's styling team, the special-education instructor drastically improved his look over the course of the season, making it all the way to the finale, where he placed second to Ruben Studdard.