Carrie Underwood Named Top-Earning American Idol

Carrie Underwoodhas been named this year’s top-selling American Idolgraduate, according to Kelly Clarkson. The mama-to-be clocked up a tidy $7 million last year thanks to playing gigs (each bringing in a cool quarter of a million dollars) and two studio albums. 

Tying at number three are season 8 and season 11 winners, Adam Lambert and the lesser known Phillip Phillips, who beat out some better known names with a well-earned $5 million each. Lambert has a guest appearance in Glee to thank for some of that dough while Phillips has been quick to capitalise on his 2012 win.

Rounding out the list were Jennifer Hudson and Katharine McPhee, who jointly took the number 5 spot with a not-to-be-sniffed at $1 million each. No wonder J-Hud could afford to buy her assistant a house for Christmas!

Both ladies have also dabbled in acting and while 2013 was relatively quiet for Oscar winner Hudson – her next album is due out in the next few months – Katharine was quick to cash her check from TV show Smash, which was sadly cancelled last year.

Last month American Idol judges Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey were named two of the highest earning women in music having each banked $29 million during 2013.

CHECK OUT PICS OF NICKI, MARIAH & CO ON AMERICAN IDOL HERE!