Mediabase Tracks 'American Idol' Alumni Success

Clarkson Leads 'Idol' Alumni In Airplay

"AMERICAN IDOL" has had a massive impact on radio airplay since its debut six years ago, according to MEDIABASE. The blockbuster hit television show is now responsible for generating more than 6 million radio spins. This week alone, 12 former AMERICAN IDOL contestants are on the charts or close to making it on.

The airplay derby has been led by KELLY CLARKSON and CARRIE UNDERWOOD, who have dominated the radio airplay charts in recent years, among AMERICAN IDOL alumni.

"AMERICAN IDOL has become a dominant force in radio, particularly in the current driven formats," commented MEDIABASE Pres. RICH MEYER. "The vast majority of radio programmers obviously feel that CLARKSON and UNDERWOOD possess major star power and feel the same about a number of emerging IDOL talent following in their footsteps. Finalists like CHRIS DAUGHTRY, KATHARINE MCPHEE, JOSH GRACIN and KIMBERLY LOCKE are bursting on to the scene in a big way with their new releases, and other contestants like MARIO VAZQUEZ and CLAY AIKEN have certainly been formidable forces in radio as well."

Here are the airplay leaders, SEPTEMBER 1, 2002 through MARCH 11, 2007:

1) KELLY CLARKSON, Season One Winner, 3,301,282 spins
2) CARRIE UNDERWOOD, Season Four Winner, 725,441 spins
3) JOSH GRACIN, Season Three Finalist, 582,285 spins
4) FANTASIA BARRINO, Season Three Winner, 374,081 spins
5) RUBEN STUDDARD, Season Two Winner, 293,588 spins
6) CLAY AIKEN, Season Two Runner-Up, 224,960 spins
7) KIMBERLY LOCKE, Season Two Finalist, 210,428 spins
8) CHRIS DAUGHTRY, Season Five Finalist, 146,714 spins
9) MARIO VAZQUEZ, Season Five Contestant, 123,432 spins
10) BO BICE, Season Four Runner-Up, 115,702 spins

Here are the song leaders, SEPTEMBER 1, 2002 through MARCH 11, 2007:

1) KELLY CLARKSON, "Breakaway," 628,094 spins
2) KELLY CLARKSON, "Because Of You," 545,971 spins
3) KELLY CLARKSON, "Since U Been Gone," 543,913 spins
4) KELLY CLARKSON, "Behind These Hazel Eyes," 496,951 spins
5) KELLY CLARKSON, "Walk Away," 361,161 spins
6) KELLY CLARKSON, "Miss Independent," 356,682 spins
7) JOSH GRACIN, "Nothin' To Lose," 270,478 spins
8) CARRIE UNDERWOOD, "Jesus, Take The Wheel," 252,276 spins
9) KELLY CLARKSON, "A Moment Like This," 250,716 spins
10) CARRIE UNDERWOOD, "Before He Cheats," 198,446 spins

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