The Influence Of 'American Idol' On Radio

Clarkson, Daughtry And Underwood Top The List

MEDIABASE has released a report analyzing the effect of the artists who have appeared on the FOX TELEVISION’s "American Idol" from the last eight seasons. "American Idol" has had a massive impact on radio airplay since its debut.

"American Idol" begins its 9th season tonight. Former winners and finalists from the FOX hit TV show continue to garner major radio play according to MEDIABASE. Four "American Idol" performers achieved over 1 million U.S. radio spins over the last decade (2002 to 2009). Here is the top ten:

1) KELLY CLARKSON Season 1 Winner 3,786,731
2) (CHRIS) DAUGHTRY Season 5 Finalist 2,012,389
3) CARRIE UNDERWOOD Season 4 Winner 1,675,041
4) JORDIN SPARKS Season 6 Winner 1,042,670
5) FANTASIA (BARRINO) Season 3 Winner 604,006
6) JOSH GRACIN Season 2 Finalist 479,204
7) DAVID COOK Season 7 Winner 464,435
8) RUBEN STUDDARD Season 2 Winner 346,366
9) ELLIOTT YAMIN Season 5 Finalist 340,339
10) JENNIFER HUDSON Season 3 Finalist 296,150

Acts from "American Idol" have received airplay at every major radio format from Top 40 to Urban, Country, Adult Contemporary and Rock radio formats.

The most played songs of the decade by "American Idol" performers are as follows:

1) KELLY CLARKSON "Breakway" 553,407
2) CARRIE UNDERWOOD "Before He Cheats" 545,763
3) KELLY CLARKSON "Since U Been Gone" 533,410
4) KELLY CLARKSON "Because Of You" 532,299
5) KELLY CLARKSON "Behind These Hazel Eyes" 499,864
6) DAUGHTRY "Home" 446,410
7) DAUGHTRY "It’s Not Over" 437,302
8) JORDIN SPARKS "No Air" 392,281
9) KELLY CLARKSON "Walk Away" 386,510
10) KELLY CLARKSON "Miss Independent" 361,718

Of the top 10 most-played songs, CLARKSON appears six times -- owning four of the top five positions. DAUGHTRY has done extremely well since debuting in 2007 with more than 2 million spins in total.

MEDIABASE Pres./CEO PHILIPPE GENERALI commented, "With 'American Idol' beginning its 9th season, it was our pleasure to take a look back at the power of positive entertainment and its influence on American music and radio. MEDIABASE looks forward to tracking the spins of the next generation of Idol stars and their recording careers."

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