Byline: LAUREN BECKHAM FALCONE

Jennifer Hudson's a Dreamgirl. Kelly Clarkson has more platinum than a mine. Clay Aiken gets to sub for Regis. And move over Jesus, Carrie Underwood has taken the wheel and driven to the top of the country charts.

But what about Chicken Little?

There's no doubt "American Idol" catapults careers, but for many of the almost-had-it-alls, "Idol" shined the spotlight on them all-too briefly. Where are they now?

Season one:

Clarkson won, and how: The 24-year-old pop-chart powerhouse has sold almost 9 million albums in the United States.

Runner-up Justin Guarini? Not so much. After being dumped by RCA after his self-titled debut album's dismal sales, Guarini is trying again. He released a jazz album, "Stranger Things Have Happened," last year and is starring in "Fast Girl," slated for release this year.

Nikki McKibbin was dropped by RCA when she refused to record a country album and has since made appearances on various reality TV shows, including "Fear Factor" and "Kill Reality." She's back in Texas finishing her debut album.

Tamyra Gray was dropped by two record labels, appeared in the now-canceled show "Boston Public" and signed to RCA but was dropped when she demanded that she write the songs....