'The Traitors' Season 4 episode 7 releases soon. How to watch.
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'The Traitors' Season 4 episode 7 releases soon. How to watch.
Melina Khan, USA TODAYJanuary 29, 2026 at 4:00 AM
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Warning: This article contains spoilers for the first three episodes of "The Traitors" Season 4.
"The Traitors" Season 4, episode seven is almost here, and so is what host Alan Cumming is teasing as the best moment in the show's history.
Last week saw an intense exchange at the roundtable as actress and former "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Lisa Rinna was nearly banished by her castmates — including fellow Traitor Rob Rausch.
After Rinna narrowly avoided ouster from the castle, she will now have to murder a Faithful in plain sight at Cumming's upcoming banquet in this week's episode.
The contestants will gather for a lavish dinner as Rinna, the Traitor chosen to carry out a kill, is tasked with coercing an unsuspecting Faithful to touch a deadly amulet.
Here's what to know about the upcoming episode.
Though the “Idol” hitmaking machine now creaks rather than churns out superstars, the platform is still unparalleled when compared to its singing competition peers.
We’ve ranked the 23 “American Idol” winners based primarily on sheer talent, but with an obvious nod toward their success after the show.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Since Kelly Clarkson was named the first-ever "American Idol" winner on Sept. 4, 2002, the singing competition show has helped launch the careers of Billboard-charting artists, singers who have helped define their genre, daytime TV personalities and precisely one EGOT winner (we're looking at you, J Hud).Though the “Idol” hitmaking machine now creaks rather than churns out superstars, the platform is still unparalleled when compared to its singing competition peers.
We’ve ranked the 23 “American Idol” winners based primarily on sheer talent, but with an obvious nod toward their success after the show.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/prcPBpe.fVBlPJFaNJYvgA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4650b0618dbe16626c6e480b700b56ad class=caas-img data-headline="All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked" data-caption="
Since Kelly Clarkson was named the first-ever "American Idol" winner on Sept. 4, 2002, the singing competition show has helped launch the careers of Billboard-charting artists, singers who have helped define their genre, daytime TV personalities and precisely one EGOT winner (we're looking at you, J Hud).Though the “Idol” hitmaking machine now creaks rather than churns out superstars, the platform is still unparalleled when compared to its singing competition peers.
We’ve ranked the 23 “American Idol” winners based primarily on sheer talent, but with an obvious nod toward their success after the show.
">Since Kelly Clarkson was named the first-ever "American Idol" winner on Sept. 4, 2002, the singing competition show has helped launch the careers of Billboard-charting artists, singers who have helped define their genre, daytime TV personalities and precisely one EGOT winner (we're looking at you, J Hud).Though the “Idol” hitmaking machine now creaks rather than churns out superstars, the platform is still unparalleled when compared to its singing competition peers.
We’ve ranked the 23 “American Idol” winners based primarily on sheer talent, but with an obvious nod toward their success after the show.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/prcPBpe.fVBlPJFaNJYvgA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4650b0618dbe16626c6e480b700b56ad class=caas-img>23. Lee DeWyze (2010): Despite his affable personality and gruff coffeehouse croon, DeWyze lacked the undeniable spark and grit of Crystal Bowersox, the Janis Joplin incarnate who outrageously only placed second that season.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>23. Lee DeWyze (2010): Despite his affable personality and gruff coffeehouse croon, DeWyze lacked the undeniable spark and grit of Crystal Bowersox, the Janis Joplin incarnate who outrageously only placed second that season.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1C6yixj13YpYvEmuFEMVrQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzc1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5526b5202214fca477c4c6bc3ed40c31 class=caas-img data-headline="All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked" data-caption="
23. Lee DeWyze (2010): Despite his affable personality and gruff coffeehouse croon, DeWyze lacked the undeniable spark and grit of Crystal Bowersox, the Janis Joplin incarnate who outrageously only placed second that season.
">23. Lee DeWyze (2010): Despite his affable personality and gruff coffeehouse croon, DeWyze lacked the undeniable spark and grit of Crystal Bowersox, the Janis Joplin incarnate who outrageously only placed second that season.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1C6yixj13YpYvEmuFEMVrQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzc1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5526b5202214fca477c4c6bc3ed40c31 class=caas-img>21. Laine Hardy (2019): The Louisiana native, who in 2022 was arrested and charged with secretly recording an ex-girlfriend, rose through the “Idol” ranks with his Elvis Presley-style croon and stage persona.But outside the throwback shtick, the husky-voiced Hardy has struggled to stand out from other past winners who have charted similar country/bluegrass terrain.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>21. Laine Hardy (2019): The Louisiana native, who in 2022 was arrested and charged with secretly recording an ex-girlfriend, rose through the “Idol” ranks with his Elvis Presley-style croon and stage persona.But outside the throwback shtick, the husky-voiced Hardy has struggled to stand out from other past winners who have charted similar country/bluegrass terrain.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MnUnXmXTjqodxDlEFKq9GA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f5a1e4d59b578ba676e832b50e52152c class=caas-img data-headline="All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked" data-caption="
21. Laine Hardy (2019): The Louisiana native, who in 2022 was arrested and charged with secretly recording an ex-girlfriend, rose through the “Idol” ranks with his Elvis Presley-style croon and stage persona.But outside the throwback shtick, the husky-voiced Hardy has struggled to stand out from other past winners who have charted similar country/bluegrass terrain.
">21. Laine Hardy (2019): The Louisiana native, who in 2022 was arrested and charged with secretly recording an ex-girlfriend, rose through the “Idol” ranks with his Elvis Presley-style croon and stage persona.But outside the throwback shtick, the husky-voiced Hardy has struggled to stand out from other past winners who have charted similar country/bluegrass terrain.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MnUnXmXTjqodxDlEFKq9GA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f5a1e4d59b578ba676e832b50e52152c class=caas-img>19. Taylor Hicks (2006): Given the top three talent pool of Season 5 – which also included Katharine McPhee and Elliott Yamin – it's still a bit stunning that the overwrought Alabamian prevailed. But the "Soul Patrol" proved a mighty engine and Hicks successfully parlayed his win into a platinum-selling self-titled debut album in 2006, a Broadway stint and tour (playing the Teen Angel in "Grease") and a modest residency in Las Vegas.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>19. Taylor Hicks (2006): Given the top three talent pool of Season 5 – which also included Katharine McPhee and Elliott Yamin – it's still a bit stunning that the overwrought Alabamian prevailed. But the "Soul Patrol" proved a mighty engine and Hicks successfully parlayed his win into a platinum-selling self-titled debut album in 2006, a Broadway stint and tour (playing the Teen Angel in "Grease") and a modest residency in Las Vegas.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mgb1lCBnyYAXHqegmBSqXA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aee4168fb5481526979428b613a9e857 class=caas-img data-headline="All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked" data-caption="
19. Taylor Hicks (2006): Given the top three talent pool of Season 5 – which also included Katharine McPhee and Elliott Yamin – it's still a bit stunning that the overwrought Alabamian prevailed. But the "Soul Patrol" proved a mighty engine and Hicks successfully parlayed his win into a platinum-selling self-titled debut album in 2006, a Broadway stint and tour (playing the Teen Angel in "Grease") and a modest residency in Las Vegas.
">19. Taylor Hicks (2006): Given the top three talent pool of Season 5 – which also included Katharine McPhee and Elliott Yamin – it's still a bit stunning that the overwrought Alabamian prevailed. But the "Soul Patrol" proved a mighty engine and Hicks successfully parlayed his win into a platinum-selling self-titled debut album in 2006, a Broadway stint and tour (playing the Teen Angel in "Grease") and a modest residency in Las Vegas.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mgb1lCBnyYAXHqegmBSqXA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aee4168fb5481526979428b613a9e857 class=caas-img>18. Kris Allen (2009): Some were shocked when the innocuous Allen triumphed over the bold flamboyance of Adam Lambert during Season 8 of “Idol” – not that it hindered Lambert’s future. But more than Allen’s couple of hits (“No Boundaries,” “Live Like We’re Dying”), his win ushered in the era of nondescript male singer-songwriters armed with guitars and crooked grins.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>18. Kris Allen (2009): Some were shocked when the innocuous Allen triumphed over the bold flamboyance of Adam Lambert during Season 8 of “Idol” – not that it hindered Lambert’s future. But more than Allen’s couple of hits (“No Boundaries,” “Live Like We’re Dying”), his win ushered in the era of nondescript male singer-songwriters armed with guitars and crooked grins.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zh3.ew9dZcAZLn.CC351OQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/32352ce4d1d322482ae5104f4774363b class=caas-img data-headline="All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked" data-caption="
18. Kris Allen (2009): Some were shocked when the innocuous Allen triumphed over the bold flamboyance of Adam Lambert during Season 8 of “Idol” – not that it hindered Lambert’s future. But more than Allen’s couple of hits (“No Boundaries,” “Live Like We’re Dying”), his win ushered in the era of nondescript male singer-songwriters armed with guitars and crooked grins.
">18. Kris Allen (2009): Some were shocked when the innocuous Allen triumphed over the bold flamboyance of Adam Lambert during Season 8 of “Idol” – not that it hindered Lambert’s future. But more than Allen’s couple of hits (“No Boundaries,” “Live Like We’re Dying”), his win ushered in the era of nondescript male singer-songwriters armed with guitars and crooked grins.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zh3.ew9dZcAZLn.CC351OQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/32352ce4d1d322482ae5104f4774363b class=caas-img>17. Trent Harmon (2016): Harmon’s boyish face and soft-spoken demeanor masked a deceptively brawny set of pipes, which were put to best use on an enchanting cover of Sia’s “Chandelier.” Harmon signed to Big Machine Records (Taylor Swift's former label) post-"Idol," finding minor success on the country charts with singles "Falling" and "There's a Girl."
" style=padding-bottom:56%>17. Trent Harmon (2016): Harmon’s boyish face and soft-spoken demeanor masked a deceptively brawny set of pipes, which were put to best use on an enchanting cover of Sia’s “Chandelier.” Harmon signed to Big Machine Records (Taylor Swift's former label) post-"Idol," finding minor success on the country charts with singles "Falling" and "There's a Girl."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/z2q5Ctvgiuo6z8dNlWVw7Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/caffe067812715dcd7e10f546fa10b04 class=caas-img data-headline="All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked" data-caption="
17. Trent Harmon (2016): Harmon’s boyish face and soft-spoken demeanor masked a deceptively brawny set of pipes, which were put to best use on an enchanting cover of Sia’s “Chandelier.” Harmon signed to Big Machine Records (Taylor Swift's former label) post-"Idol," finding minor success on the country charts with singles "Falling" and "There's a Girl."
">17. Trent Harmon (2016): Harmon’s boyish face and soft-spoken demeanor masked a deceptively brawny set of pipes, which were put to best use on an enchanting cover of Sia’s “Chandelier.” Harmon signed to Big Machine Records (Taylor Swift's former label) post-"Idol," finding minor success on the country charts with singles "Falling" and "There's a Girl."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/z2q5Ctvgiuo6z8dNlWVw7Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/caffe067812715dcd7e10f546fa10b04 class=caas-img>15. Caleb Johnson (2014): Johnson was the typically staid competition’s closest answer to Whitesnake and AC/DC, with squalling vocals and head-banging dynamism that have made him a hit with the legacy rock crowd in the years since his victory, touring with Trans-Siberian Orchestra and taking over singing duties from Neverland Express, the touring band of the late Meat Loaf.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>15. Caleb Johnson (2014): Johnson was the typically staid competition’s closest answer to Whitesnake and AC/DC, with squalling vocals and head-banging dynamism that have made him a hit with the legacy rock crowd in the years since his victory, touring with Trans-Siberian Orchestra and taking over singing duties from Neverland Express, the touring band of the late Meat Loaf.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/TWAa290tyNXDzdhKuKI_5A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTgw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e044b0c42211fc2d9cecfacdae2193e7 class=caas-img data-headline="All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked" data-caption="
15. Caleb Johnson (2014): Johnson was the typically staid competition’s closest answer to Whitesnake and AC/DC, with squalling vocals and head-banging dynamism that have made him a hit with the legacy rock crowd in the years since his victory, touring with Trans-Siberian Orchestra and taking over singing duties from Neverland Express, the touring band of the late Meat Loaf.
">15. Caleb Johnson (2014): Johnson was the typically staid competition’s closest answer to Whitesnake and AC/DC, with squalling vocals and head-banging dynamism that have made him a hit with the legacy rock crowd in the years since his victory, touring with Trans-Siberian Orchestra and taking over singing duties from Neverland Express, the touring band of the late Meat Loaf.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/TWAa290tyNXDzdhKuKI_5A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTgw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e044b0c42211fc2d9cecfacdae2193e7 class=caas-img>13. Phillip Phillips (2012): A soft-spoken guitar strummer who in his pre-“Idol” life worked at his family’s pawn shop in Leesburg, Georgia, Phillips earned a significant bona fide: His coronation song, the Dave Matthews Band-esque “Home,” is the bestselling single in the show’s history, with more than 5 million sold. A spate of other hits (“Raging Fire,” “Gone, Gone, Gone”) preserved his momentum.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>13. Phillip Phillips (2012): A soft-spoken guitar strummer who in his pre-“Idol” life worked at his family’s pawn shop in Leesburg, Georgia, Phillips earned a significant bona fide: His coronation song, the Dave Matthews Band-esque “Home,” is the bestselling single in the show’s history, with more than 5 million sold. A spate of other hits (“Raging Fire,” “Gone, Gone, Gone”) preserved his momentum.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/cADy_Evm94NIHIA3vI8v5A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNDY1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/be282abab8b6466d9a030009e071d7c6 class=caas-img data-headline="All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked" data-caption="
13. Phillip Phillips (2012): A soft-spoken guitar strummer who in his pre-“Idol” life worked at his family’s pawn shop in Leesburg, Georgia, Phillips earned a significant bona fide: His coronation song, the Dave Matthews Band-esque “Home,” is the bestselling single in the show’s history, with more than 5 million sold. A spate of other hits (“Raging Fire,” “Gone, Gone, Gone”) preserved his momentum.
">13. Phillip Phillips (2012): A soft-spoken guitar strummer who in his pre-“Idol” life worked at his family’s pawn shop in Leesburg, Georgia, Phillips earned a significant bona fide: His coronation song, the Dave Matthews Band-esque “Home,” is the bestselling single in the show’s history, with more than 5 million sold. A spate of other hits (“Raging Fire,” “Gone, Gone, Gone”) preserved his momentum.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/cADy_Evm94NIHIA3vI8v5A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNDY1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/be282abab8b6466d9a030009e071d7c6 class=caas-img>10. Nick Fradiani (2015): It felt like the buff singer was the next breakout star after his victory song, the catchy singalong “Beautiful Life,” dented the charts. But his 2016 debut album, “Hurricane,” fared poorly and an independently released EP in 2017, “Where We Left Off,” also failed to produce liftoff.But Fradiani has found his niche in theater, first on the national tour of "A Bronx Tale" and on Broadway, where he starred as Neil Diamond in "A Beautiful Noise."
" style=padding-bottom:56%>10. Nick Fradiani (2015): It felt like the buff singer was the next breakout star after his victory song, the catchy singalong “Beautiful Life,” dented the charts. But his 2016 debut album, “Hurricane,” fared poorly and an independently released EP in 2017, “Where We Left Off,” also failed to produce liftoff.But Fradiani has found his niche in theater, first on the national tour of "A Bronx Tale" and on Broadway, where he starred as Neil Diamond in "A Beautiful Noise."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xgZBZX1_EfkwM5KrHNEwqQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/39379d94d5e51cdd639a3f53755f197c class=caas-img data-headline="All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked" data-caption="
10. Nick Fradiani (2015): It felt like the buff singer was the next breakout star after his victory song, the catchy singalong “Beautiful Life,” dented the charts. But his 2016 debut album, “Hurricane,” fared poorly and an independently released EP in 2017, “Where We Left Off,” also failed to produce liftoff.But Fradiani has found his niche in theater, first on the national tour of "A Bronx Tale" and on Broadway, where he starred as Neil Diamond in "A Beautiful Noise."
">10. Nick Fradiani (2015): It felt like the buff singer was the next breakout star after his victory song, the catchy singalong “Beautiful Life,” dented the charts. But his 2016 debut album, “Hurricane,” fared poorly and an independently released EP in 2017, “Where We Left Off,” also failed to produce liftoff.But Fradiani has found his niche in theater, first on the national tour of "A Bronx Tale" and on Broadway, where he starred as Neil Diamond in "A Beautiful Noise."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xgZBZX1_EfkwM5KrHNEwqQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/39379d94d5e51cdd639a3f53755f197c class=caas-img>9. Jamal Roberts (2025): His room-brightening smile and cool style were instantly appealing magnets, but the P.E. teacher from Mississippi truly captured hearts and votes with his creamy voice, an instrument that can soar through soul ballads and dig into gritty gospel with equal potency.Roberts, the first Black man to win the crown since Ruben Studdard in Season 2, best demonstrated his supple vocals on the heartfelt ballad "Heal," which probes mental health struggles with sensitivity and urgency.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>9. Jamal Roberts (2025): His room-brightening smile and cool style were instantly appealing magnets, but the P.E. teacher from Mississippi truly captured hearts and votes with his creamy voice, an instrument that can soar through soul ballads and dig into gritty gospel with equal potency.Roberts, the first Black man to win the crown since Ruben Studdard in Season 2, best demonstrated his supple vocals on the heartfelt ballad "Heal," which probes mental health struggles with sensitivity and urgency.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/9ee8c8gYw5QRyhApn6ZADQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2ce7bde3b7e487dbd8ae71c09fddd5b0 class=caas-img data-headline="All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked" data-caption="
9. Jamal Roberts (2025): His room-brightening smile and cool style were instantly appealing magnets, but the P.E. teacher from Mississippi truly captured hearts and votes with his creamy voice, an instrument that can soar through soul ballads and dig into gritty gospel with equal potency.Roberts, the first Black man to win the crown since Ruben Studdard in Season 2, best demonstrated his supple vocals on the heartfelt ballad "Heal," which probes mental health struggles with sensitivity and urgency.
">9. Jamal Roberts (2025): His room-brightening smile and cool style were instantly appealing magnets, but the P.E. teacher from Mississippi truly captured hearts and votes with his creamy voice, an instrument that can soar through soul ballads and dig into gritty gospel with equal potency.Roberts, the first Black man to win the crown since Ruben Studdard in Season 2, best demonstrated his supple vocals on the heartfelt ballad "Heal," which probes mental health struggles with sensitivity and urgency.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/9ee8c8gYw5QRyhApn6ZADQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2ce7bde3b7e487dbd8ae71c09fddd5b0 class=caas-img>8. Scotty McCreery (2011): The resident male country star to graduate from the “Idol” laboratory – like Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks, at only 17 – the North Carolina native with a molasses-hued voice that belies his unassuming demeanor remains a prominent chart presence more than a decade after his Season 10 win.“Five More Minutes,” “This Is It” and “In Between” are among his chart-toppers, while 2024's "Rise & Fall" album spawned a top 5 country hit with "Cab in a Solo."
" style=padding-bottom:56%>8. Scotty McCreery (2011): The resident male country star to graduate from the “Idol” laboratory – like Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks, at only 17 – the North Carolina native with a molasses-hued voice that belies his unassuming demeanor remains a prominent chart presence more than a decade after his Season 10 win.“Five More Minutes,” “This Is It” and “In Between” are among his chart-toppers, while 2024's "Rise & Fall" album spawned a top 5 country hit with "Cab in a Solo."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/h3ACXS0XFr8VXOXwroiCEg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjg5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8a3e620acb202e2330a0e87e814f937d class=caas-img data-headline="All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked" data-caption="
8. Scotty McCreery (2011): The resident male country star to graduate from the “Idol” laboratory – like Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks, at only 17 – the North Carolina native with a molasses-hued voice that belies his unassuming demeanor remains a prominent chart presence more than a decade after his Season 10 win.“Five More Minutes,” “This Is It” and “In Between” are among his chart-toppers, while 2024's "Rise & Fall" album spawned a top 5 country hit with "Cab in a Solo."
">8. Scotty McCreery (2011): The resident male country star to graduate from the “Idol” laboratory – like Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks, at only 17 – the North Carolina native with a molasses-hued voice that belies his unassuming demeanor remains a prominent chart presence more than a decade after his Season 10 win.“Five More Minutes,” “This Is It” and “In Between” are among his chart-toppers, while 2024's "Rise & Fall" album spawned a top 5 country hit with "Cab in a Solo."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/h3ACXS0XFr8VXOXwroiCEg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjg5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8a3e620acb202e2330a0e87e814f937d class=caas-img>7. Candice Glover (2013): Whether she was covering Ben E. King, Aretha Franklin, or The Cure (on tearful standout “Lovesong”), the Beaufort, South Carolina, native brought unmatched vulnerability and powerhouse vocals to every single performance. Her recording career post-“Idol,” too, is filled with stirring ballads that have been sadly ignored by radio.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>7. Candice Glover (2013): Whether she was covering Ben E. King, Aretha Franklin, or The Cure (on tearful standout “Lovesong”), the Beaufort, South Carolina, native brought unmatched vulnerability and powerhouse vocals to every single performance. Her recording career post-“Idol,” too, is filled with stirring ballads that have been sadly ignored by radio.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/sDESBDIjTnqY1oTrf0TCgA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjQ4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/579af241d2e097cfbc9c87b466836684 class=caas-img data-headline="All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked" data-caption="
7. Candice Glover (2013): Whether she was covering Ben E. King, Aretha Franklin, or The Cure (on tearful standout “Lovesong”), the Beaufort, South Carolina, native brought unmatched vulnerability and powerhouse vocals to every single performance. Her recording career post-“Idol,” too, is filled with stirring ballads that have been sadly ignored by radio.
">7. Candice Glover (2013): Whether she was covering Ben E. King, Aretha Franklin, or The Cure (on tearful standout “Lovesong”), the Beaufort, South Carolina, native brought unmatched vulnerability and powerhouse vocals to every single performance. Her recording career post-“Idol,” too, is filled with stirring ballads that have been sadly ignored by radio.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/sDESBDIjTnqY1oTrf0TCgA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjQ4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/579af241d2e097cfbc9c87b466836684 class=caas-img>6. David Cook (2008): With his pleasantly raspy voice and a knack for melody and unearthing lesser-known versions of hits to cover on the show (e.g., Whitesnake's "Day Tripper," Chris Cornell's "Billie Jean"), the Season 7 winner – over angelic David Archuleta – skyrocketed to success.His victory song, the inspirational pop-rock anthem “The Time of My Life,” and its follow-up, “Light On,” each sold more than a million copies and showcased his musical worldview
" style=padding-bottom:56%>6. David Cook (2008): With his pleasantly raspy voice and a knack for melody and unearthing lesser-known versions of hits to cover on the show (e.g., Whitesnake's "Day Tripper," Chris Cornell's "Billie Jean"), the Season 7 winner – over angelic David Archuleta – skyrocketed to success.His victory song, the inspirational pop-rock anthem “The Time of My Life,” and its follow-up, “Light On,” each sold more than a million copies and showcased his musical worldview
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Xhcv3hRlZrONbJy0r1.boA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/94c36998e33da51a40376772d31dfa6e class=caas-img data-headline="All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked" data-caption="
6. David Cook (2008): With his pleasantly raspy voice and a knack for melody and unearthing lesser-known versions of hits to cover on the show (e.g., Whitesnake's "Day Tripper," Chris Cornell's "Billie Jean"), the Season 7 winner – over angelic David Archuleta – skyrocketed to success.His victory song, the inspirational pop-rock anthem “The Time of My Life,” and its follow-up, “Light On,” each sold more than a million copies and showcased his musical worldview
">6. David Cook (2008): With his pleasantly raspy voice and a knack for melody and unearthing lesser-known versions of hits to cover on the show (e.g., Whitesnake's "Day Tripper," Chris Cornell's "Billie Jean"), the Season 7 winner – over angelic David Archuleta – skyrocketed to success.His victory song, the inspirational pop-rock anthem “The Time of My Life,” and its follow-up, “Light On,” each sold more than a million copies and showcased his musical worldview
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Xhcv3hRlZrONbJy0r1.boA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/94c36998e33da51a40376772d31dfa6e class=caas-img>5. Ruben Studdard (2003): Studdard’s smooth, velvety vocals were the perfect complement to runner-up Clay Aiken’s earnest pop theatrics, with standout performances of Stevie Wonder and Dionne Warwick classics, and a respectable career as a gospel/R&B hitmaker in years to follow.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>5. Ruben Studdard (2003): Studdard’s smooth, velvety vocals were the perfect complement to runner-up Clay Aiken’s earnest pop theatrics, with standout performances of Stevie Wonder and Dionne Warwick classics, and a respectable career as a gospel/R&B hitmaker in years to follow.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fIE4YmxzVDIhbGb3Ay8CZg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7033d4193dd4109b63c927999faceb2d class=caas-img data-headline="All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked" data-caption="
5. Ruben Studdard (2003): Studdard’s smooth, velvety vocals were the perfect complement to runner-up Clay Aiken’s earnest pop theatrics, with standout performances of Stevie Wonder and Dionne Warwick classics, and a respectable career as a gospel/R&B hitmaker in years to follow.
">5. Ruben Studdard (2003): Studdard’s smooth, velvety vocals were the perfect complement to runner-up Clay Aiken’s earnest pop theatrics, with standout performances of Stevie Wonder and Dionne Warwick classics, and a respectable career as a gospel/R&B hitmaker in years to follow.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fIE4YmxzVDIhbGb3Ay8CZg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7033d4193dd4109b63c927999faceb2d class=caas-img>4. Jordin Sparks (2007): The show’s youngest winner at 17 (by two months compared to McCreery), the sweet-smiling Sparks found immediate success a few months after her victory with a pair of Billboard top 10 hits: “Tattoo” and “No Air,” her duet with a pre-scandal Chris Brown. Broadway (“In the Heights”) and film (“Sparkle”) expanded Sparks’ reach, but in recent years she’s concentrated more on motherhood with a few career moves – the 2020 holiday album “Cider & Hennessey,” her 2021 participation in “The Masked Dancer” – sprinkled in.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>4. Jordin Sparks (2007): The show’s youngest winner at 17 (by two months compared to McCreery), the sweet-smiling Sparks found immediate success a few months after her victory with a pair of Billboard top 10 hits: “Tattoo” and “No Air,” her duet with a pre-scandal Chris Brown. Broadway (“In the Heights”) and film (“Sparkle”) expanded Sparks’ reach, but in recent years she’s concentrated more on motherhood with a few career moves – the 2020 holiday album “Cider & Hennessey,” her 2021 participation in “The Masked Dancer” – sprinkled in.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/z6ryX2W_9M3v3vBoDaFjKA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/58c3d2f915e8acf5af50d3ca55daf1be class=caas-img data-headline="All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked" data-caption="
4. Jordin Sparks (2007): The show’s youngest winner at 17 (by two months compared to McCreery), the sweet-smiling Sparks found immediate success a few months after her victory with a pair of Billboard top 10 hits: “Tattoo” and “No Air,” her duet with a pre-scandal Chris Brown. Broadway (“In the Heights”) and film (“Sparkle”) expanded Sparks’ reach, but in recent years she’s concentrated more on motherhood with a few career moves – the 2020 holiday album “Cider & Hennessey,” her 2021 participation in “The Masked Dancer” – sprinkled in.
">4. Jordin Sparks (2007): The show’s youngest winner at 17 (by two months compared to McCreery), the sweet-smiling Sparks found immediate success a few months after her victory with a pair of Billboard top 10 hits: “Tattoo” and “No Air,” her duet with a pre-scandal Chris Brown. Broadway (“In the Heights”) and film (“Sparkle”) expanded Sparks’ reach, but in recent years she’s concentrated more on motherhood with a few career moves – the 2020 holiday album “Cider & Hennessey,” her 2021 participation in “The Masked Dancer” – sprinkled in.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/z6ryX2W_9M3v3vBoDaFjKA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/58c3d2f915e8acf5af50d3ca55daf1be class=caas-img>3. Fantasia Barrino (2004): Barrino’s sultry, soulful rendition of George Gershwin’s “Summertime” might be the all-time greatest performance to ever hit the “Idol” stage. The R&B artist’s elastic vocals and deep well of emotion have continued to serve her well, as she reprised her role as Celie from the Broadway musical “The Color Purple” for the star-studded movie adaptation.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>3. Fantasia Barrino (2004): Barrino’s sultry, soulful rendition of George Gershwin’s “Summertime” might be the all-time greatest performance to ever hit the “Idol” stage. The R&B artist’s elastic vocals and deep well of emotion have continued to serve her well, as she reprised her role as Celie from the Broadway musical “The Color Purple” for the star-studded movie adaptation.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nByI2W5h3dZk0O7zY4nnfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/476ca780e5f7629c1651a7226ddf5488 class=caas-img data-headline="All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked" data-caption="
3. Fantasia Barrino (2004): Barrino’s sultry, soulful rendition of George Gershwin’s “Summertime” might be the all-time greatest performance to ever hit the “Idol” stage. The R&B artist’s elastic vocals and deep well of emotion have continued to serve her well, as she reprised her role as Celie from the Broadway musical “The Color Purple” for the star-studded movie adaptation.
">3. Fantasia Barrino (2004): Barrino’s sultry, soulful rendition of George Gershwin’s “Summertime” might be the all-time greatest performance to ever hit the “Idol” stage. The R&B artist’s elastic vocals and deep well of emotion have continued to serve her well, as she reprised her role as Celie from the Broadway musical “The Color Purple” for the star-studded movie adaptation.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nByI2W5h3dZk0O7zY4nnfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/476ca780e5f7629c1651a7226ddf5488 class=caas-img>2. Carrie Underwood (2005): It feels like 100 lifetimes ago that a pouffy-haired Underwood blasted us off our couches with her rendition of Heart’s “Alone” during her Season 4 run to the top.And remember her small-town country-girl proclamation that she’d never been on an airplane prior to her “Idol” audition? Six massive headlining tours, an aerial-filled Las Vegas residency, a lot of leg bronzer and 65 million-plus album sales later (she’s the top-selling artist in the “Idol” franchise and its newest judge), Underwood has earned a few frequent flier rewards.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2. Carrie Underwood (2005): It feels like 100 lifetimes ago that a pouffy-haired Underwood blasted us off our couches with her rendition of Heart’s “Alone” during her Season 4 run to the top.And remember her small-town country-girl proclamation that she’d never been on an airplane prior to her “Idol” audition? Six massive headlining tours, an aerial-filled Las Vegas residency, a lot of leg bronzer and 65 million-plus album sales later (she’s the top-selling artist in the “Idol” franchise and its newest judge), Underwood has earned a few frequent flier rewards.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/L0hSdDmqmOcZ8LcoD6aNhg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c38cd852a26f7b9aba40e6670d41a32d class=caas-img data-headline="All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked" data-caption="
2. Carrie Underwood (2005): It feels like 100 lifetimes ago that a pouffy-haired Underwood blasted us off our couches with her rendition of Heart’s “Alone” during her Season 4 run to the top.And remember her small-town country-girl proclamation that she’d never been on an airplane prior to her “Idol” audition? Six massive headlining tours, an aerial-filled Las Vegas residency, a lot of leg bronzer and 65 million-plus album sales later (she’s the top-selling artist in the “Idol” franchise and its newest judge), Underwood has earned a few frequent flier rewards.
">2. Carrie Underwood (2005): It feels like 100 lifetimes ago that a pouffy-haired Underwood blasted us off our couches with her rendition of Heart’s “Alone” during her Season 4 run to the top.And remember her small-town country-girl proclamation that she’d never been on an airplane prior to her “Idol” audition? Six massive headlining tours, an aerial-filled Las Vegas residency, a lot of leg bronzer and 65 million-plus album sales later (she’s the top-selling artist in the “Idol” franchise and its newest judge), Underwood has earned a few frequent flier rewards.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/L0hSdDmqmOcZ8LcoD6aNhg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c38cd852a26f7b9aba40e6670d41a32d class=caas-img>1. Kelly Clarkson (2002): The Texas native is so effortlessly charming and in control of her instrument, with an outsized personality and even larger voice that bring all the ferocity and drama you want from a top 40 hit (of which she has nearly two dozen). Frankly, our lives would suck without Clarkson, who is the brightest star “Idol” has – and will likely ever produce.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>1. Kelly Clarkson (2002): The Texas native is so effortlessly charming and in control of her instrument, with an outsized personality and even larger voice that bring all the ferocity and drama you want from a top 40 hit (of which she has nearly two dozen). Frankly, our lives would suck without Clarkson, who is the brightest star “Idol” has – and will likely ever produce.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SR_hnhzT1yYgddUzfJv2Ww--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjk5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2d80fb7eb14ecc6608e1deaeed738876 class=caas-img data-headline="All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked" data-caption="
1. Kelly Clarkson (2002): The Texas native is so effortlessly charming and in control of her instrument, with an outsized personality and even larger voice that bring all the ferocity and drama you want from a top 40 hit (of which she has nearly two dozen). Frankly, our lives would suck without Clarkson, who is the brightest star “Idol” has – and will likely ever produce.
">1. Kelly Clarkson (2002): The Texas native is so effortlessly charming and in control of her instrument, with an outsized personality and even larger voice that bring all the ferocity and drama you want from a top 40 hit (of which she has nearly two dozen). Frankly, our lives would suck without Clarkson, who is the brightest star “Idol” has – and will likely ever produce.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SR_hnhzT1yYgddUzfJv2Ww--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjk5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2d80fb7eb14ecc6608e1deaeed738876 class=caas-img>
1 / 18All of the 'American Idol' winners since 2002, ranked
Since Kelly Clarkson was named the first-ever "American Idol" winner on Sept. 4, 2002, the singing competition show has helped launch the careers of Billboard-charting artists, singers who have helped define their genre, daytime TV personalities and precisely one EGOT winner (we're looking at you, J Hud).Though the “Idol” hitmaking machine now creaks rather than churns out superstars, the platform is still unparalleled when compared to its singing competition peers.
We’ve ranked the 23 “American Idol” winners based primarily on sheer talent, but with an obvious nod toward their success after the show.
Alan Cumming teases 'best moment' in 'Traitors' history
In interviews, Cumming has billed the banquet episode as a major moment in the season.
"There is something that happens that is just so insane," Cumming told AwardsRadar in August 2025. "And so… they go f*****g nuts. And there’s some behavior that happens because of it that is just outlandish... it’s certainly the best moment of 'Traitors' TV history."
He also doubled down on the statement in an appearance on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" earlier this month.
"What happens at the banquet, it's carnage. It spirals and it sort of — I'm not allowed to say but it's just, ah! I mean, it was my favorite thing," Cumming said.
When does the new episode of 'The Traitors' come out?
Season 4, episode 7 of "The Traitors" will be released on Thursday, Jan. 29. All the season's episodes air at 9 p.m. ET.
The Faithfuls and Traitors gather at a roundtable on "The Traitors" Season 4, episode 3.How to watch 'The Traitors' new episode
"The Traitors" is released exclusively on Peacock.
Peacock offers three subscription options: Select for $7.99 per month, Premium for $10.99 per month and Premium Plus for $16.99 per month.
'The Traitors' Season 4 release schedule
New episodes of "The Traitors" are released weekly on Thursdays. Here's the release schedule for the rest of the season:
Jan. 29: Episode 7
Feb. 5: Episode 8
Feb. 12: Episode 9
Feb. 19: Episode 10
Feb. 26: Finale and reunion
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When does the new episode of 'The Traitors' come out? Watch Season 4
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
