Life Lessons from American Idol: You Can Be a Winner Even When You Finish Second

David Cook is the seventh season winner of Fox’s (NWS) American Idol.

In a record breaking finale in which more than 97 million votes were cast, Cook bested David Archuleta for the idol crown by a margin of 12 million votes. As winner his prize package includes a new Ford (F) Escape Hybrid, a million-dollar recording contract with 19 Entertainment and Sony/BMG (SNE), as well as the coveted position as headliner for this summer’s American Idols Live! Tour 2008.

But, what does winning really mean for Cook’s career future (and will finishing second mean that young Archuleta's career is over already)? The answer is unclear. Winning American Idol doesn’t necessarily guarantee big success in show business (think Ruben Studdard), then again, it hasn't exactly hurt others (like Kelly Clarkson).

WINNERS WHO MADE IT BIG
Here’s how some of the top past winners have made out after receiving their Idol title:

Kelly Clarkson: The original American Idol sold 5.9 million copies of her debut album, Thankful while her second album, Breakaway, spent 61 consecutive weeks in the top twenty of the Billboard 200. This sophomore album also yielded five U.S. top ten singles. In 2004 Clarkson won Grammy Awards for Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Carrie Underwood: The Season 4 winner enjoys immense success as both a country and a mainstream music star. Her debut album, Some Hearts, sold 6.4 million copies, the biggest debut of any country artist since 1991. Underwood also received four 2006 Grammy nominations and took home two statues.