LOS ANGELES,CA. (Top40 Charts/ Premiere
Radio Networks) - American Idol, has had a massive impact on radio airplay since its debut six years ago, according to Mediabase, which monitors more than 1,800 radio stations 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, in more than 180 U.S. and Canadian markets. The blockbuster hit television show is now responsible for generating more than six million radio spins. This week alone, 12 former American Idol contestants are on the charts or close to making it on.
The airplay derby has been led by Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, who have dominated the radio airplay charts in recent years, among American Idol alumni. The winners of season one and four respectively, have racked up an impressive four million plus radio spins between them. Others who have become household names include Fantasia, Josh Gracin, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Chris Daughtry and 2007 Oscar and Soul Train Award Winner, Jennifer Hudson.
According to Mediabase, Clarkson has received a staggering 3.3 million spins since winning the American Idol title in its inaugural season. American Idol, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, is now midway into its sixth year of competition, translating to an average of more than 730,000 spins annually for Clarkson, since winning the coveted crown. Underwood has amassed 725,000 spins, and is firmly entrenched in the number two position, averaging more than 450,000 spins per year according to the radio monitoring firm.
"American Idol has become a dominant force in radio, particularly in the current driven formats," commented Mediabase President Rich Meyer. "The vast majority of radio programmers obviously feel that Clarkson and Underwood possess major star power and feel the same about a number of emerging Idol talent following in their footsteps. Finalists like Chris Daughtry, Katharine McPhee, Josh Gracin and Kimberley Locke are bursting on to the scene in a big way with their new releases, and other contestants like Mario Vazquez and Clay Aiken have certainly been formidable forces in radio as well."
Here are the airplay leaders, September 1, 2002, through March 11, 2007.
1) Kelly Clarkson Season One Winner 3,301,282 spins
2) Carrie Underwood Season Four Winner 725,441 spins
3) Josh Gracin Season Three Finalist 582,285 spins
4) Fantasia Barrino Season Three Winner 374,081 spins
5) Ruben Studdard Season Two Winner 293,588 spins
6) Clay Aiken Season Two Runner-Up 224,960 spins
7) Kimberley Locke Season Two Finalist 210,428 spins
8) Chris Daughtry Season Five Finalist 146,714 spins
9) Mario Vazquez Season Five Contestant 123,432 spins
10) Bo Bice Season Four Runner-Up 115,702 spins
Here are the song leaders, September 1, 2002, through March 11, 2007.
1) Kelly Clarkson Breakaway 628,094 spins
2) Kelly Clarkson Because Of You 545,971 spins
3) Kelly Clarkson Since U Been Gone 543,913 spins
4) Kelly Clarkson Behind These Hazel Eyes 496,951 spins
5) Kelly Clarkson Walk Away 361,161 spins
6) Kelly Clarkson Miss Independent 356,682 spins
7) Josh Gracin Nothin' To Lose 270,478 spins
8) Carrie Underwood Jesus, Take The Wheel 252,276 spins
9) Kelly Clarkson A Moment Like This 250,716 spins
10) Carrie Underwood Before He Cheats 198,446 spins
