With reality TV having become one of the most prevalent genres over the last few decades,there are more than a few stars who have appeared on shows likeAmerican Idolbefore they hit it big. While some have reality TV experience under their belts, others have faced high-scale rejection at the hands of reality TV competition before going on to hit it big.
In recent years, viewers of some shows have taken note of stars who started in reality. With people on the list like Jon Hamm, who appeared on a dating show beforeMad Men,and Kesha, whoappeared onThe Simple Lifeas a teenager, there are big names who started on reality TV. Few, however, havefaced the sting of reality rejection before their big break.
Kelly Clarkson Rocketed To Fame After The First Season
AlthoughAmerican Idolseason 1 didn’t have the same staying power in its first weeks that the show does now, it quickly rose to popularity when it debuted in 2002. With stars like Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini getting their start on the show, the cast was quick to find their own fame post- show.Kelly, the firstIdolwinner, had a different trajectory.
After winningAmerican Idol, Kelly was quick to find her way into viewers' hearts. From releasing music consistently over the last two decades to becoming a reality TV competition coach onThe Voice,Kelly was one of the most popular winners inAmerican Idolhistory. Without facing rejection on the show, Kelly’s rise seemed like a logical path, but some didn’t have it as easy.
Jennifer Hudson’s Shocking American Idol Elimination Was A Springboard
She Was Introduced On The Competition Show
While Kelly had a likely career path afterAmerican Idol, other contestants didn’t have it as easy with the talent competition. Jennifer Hudson, whoauditioned forAmerican Idolseason 3in Atlanta, Georgia, wasone of the most talented performers the show had ever seen. With a ton of competition in the cast, including winner Fantasia Barrino, Jennifer was shockingly eliminated in seventh place.
After Jennifer was eliminated,American Idolfans were floored. With things being incredibly different in terms of how the internet worked and was used in 2004, outraged fans still took to forums to share their anger with the voting results. Jennifer, who was obviously surprised by her elimination as well,took things in stride and quickly made bigger career moves.
Jennifer Hudson Went On To Win The Coveted EGOT
She Won An Oscar For Dreamgirls In 2007
While Jennifer took some time to regroup after herAmerican Idolrejection, she was quick to land on her feet. Jumping back into the grind,she looked to use herIdolfame to build her career. Eventually getting the role of Effie White in the film adaptation of Dreamgirls, Jennifer took home anOscarin 2007 for her performance, springing her into more success.
Eventually taking home a Grammy award for her own music in 2009, Jennifer won a Daytime Emmy for producing in 2021, and a Tony award for the production ofA Strange Loopin 2022. As the first everAmerican Idolcontestant to complete the EGOT,Jennifer’s rejection from the show propelled her into a far better part of her career.
