Carrie Underwood Is Top ‘Idol’ Moneymaker

Raking in $14 million last year, Carrie Underwood is sitting pretty at No. 1 on Forbes 'American Idol's' 2008 Top Earners list. The Season 4 winner has sold almost ten million albums and had one of the most successful country tours of '08, both on her own and as a co-headliner with Keith Urban.

Coming in at No. 2 is Jennifer Hudson, who only placed sixth on 'Idol' but went on to win an Oscar and a Grammy. The R&B singer and actress made $5 million in 2008. Hudson is followed by Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson, who earned $4.2 million last year. Rounding out the Top 5 are Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks ($3.1 million) and Season 5's country cutie Kellie Pickler ($2.3 million).

Forbes' rankings come from album sales, concerts, merchandising and other sources of income. See their full list of 'American Idol's' 2008 Top Earners here.