(photo from flickr)

American Idol has been on for 12 seasons. In that time its produced some memorable and not so memorable acts. Here is a list of the highest paid former idols that have gone on and found success from the show. Some of these names may suprise you

1. Kelly Clarkson --$8 million
2. Carrie Underwood/Chris Daughtery -- $5 million
3. Scotty McCreery -- $4 million
4. Jennifer Hudson -- $3 million
5. Jordin Sparks -- $2 million
6. Adam Lambert -- 1.5 million
7. Katherine McPhee/Kellie Pickler -- $1.1 million
8. David Cook/David Archuletta -- $1 million

I guess it pays to be able to sing!