Thanks. I'm glad she is having success on broadway.
You're welcome. So am I, because I like Diana and think she's very talented. Whether or not it was a coincidence, once Kelly Clarkson's 2nd album 'Breakaway' became a smash hit, suddenly doors started to open for other former AI contestants -- at least those with genuine talent and the drive necessary to succeed in the business. At present, the former AI contestants who have real A-list careers going in some aspect of show biz are Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Josh Gracin, Fantasia, Diana DeGarmo, and Jennifer Hudson.
The jury is still out on Bo Bice. His debut album has not been a huge seller for two reasons: (1) It is too schlock pop for people who became fans due to his rock sound, and (2) he's been sick off and on since last September and was unable to promote the album. Despite those handicaps, the album has sold well enough to warrant giving Bo a shot at a 2nd CD. It's the 2nd highest selling album of an AI runner up, and has gone gold almost without any promotion.
Others have put out CDs, or are trying acting, or are modeling, but of the many thousands who auditioned for AI, and the hundreds who made it to at least the Hollywood round, only that small handful I named above have real careers going. Only Kelly, Carrie, Josh and Fantasia have successful recording careers, which is what AI is all about. Indeed, only Kelly has had success in the pop genre, which is really what AI is all about. After all, it started as Pop Idol in the UK. And of all the Idols selected in various countries, only one, Kelly, has become a genuine international pop superstar.
A number of contestants who made it to the top 10 are making a living as minor C and D list celebrities both here and overseas. Jasmine Trias is doing well in Hawaii. Don't ask me why, but Camille Velasco is doing well in the Phillipines and Southeast Asia. Others turn up as guests on various cable TV shows and such.
A word about Clay Aiken. Clay probably could have had a successful recording career, but for whatever reason he has chosen not to work hard at building a show biz career.