Winner Scotty McCreery and runner-up Lauren Alaina aren’t the first country artists to grace American Idol’s stage. Throughout the reality competition’s ten seasons, several singers have represented this genre on the show and found post-Idol success in the country music world.

Josh Gracin

One of American Idol’s first country stars was former Marine Josh Gracin from season two. Gracin finished fourth that year, just behind Kimberly Locke, Clay Aiken, and Ruben Studdard. He went on to score a number one hit on the country charts with “Nothin’ To Lose.” His other Top 10 singles include “Stay With Me (Brass Bed),” as well as “I Want to Live” and “We Weren’t Crazy.” According to an article on the singer’s official website, he’s currently working with Average Joe’s Entertainment, a new independent Nashville label who has also signed country duo Montgomery Gentry.

Carrie Underwood

Few people haven’t heard of season four winner Carrie Underwood, who has sold over 12 million albums, as well as produced numerous hits such as “Jesus Take the Wheel” and “So Small,” not to mention the huge crossover “Before He Cheats.” And even six years after taking the Idol crown, Underwood is still a country music radio queen with songs like “Undo It” and “Mama’s Song.”

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