'American Idol' Retuns With Big Changes

'American Idol' Season 10

 The Changes That Will Have Bigg Effect On AMERICAN IDOL

'American Idol': Where are they now?

Where are they now?

Catch up with Clay Aiken (remember the Claymates?) & other 'American Idol' faves.

"American Idol" is gearing up for its 10th season with some new faces at the judges' table. So we're taking a stroll down memory lane to find out what past favorites are up to these days.

Crystal Bowersox

Season: 9

She was dealing with a breakup during the "Idol" finale but the single mom bounced back with a new man and a new album.

 Lee DeWyze

Season: 9

The former paint salesman released his first post-"Idol" album, but it's not selling as well as another "Idol" CD. 

Simon Cowell

Seasons: 1-9

The "mean" judge with a penchant for showing his chest surprised a lot of people when he announced he would be leaving the show. 

Kara DioGuardi

Seasons: 8-9

The hit songwriter was the fourth judge for two seasons before she jumped ship last year.

 Jason Castro

Season: 7

The dreadlocked guitarist from small-town Texas has changed his relationship status since his time on the show.  

David Archuleta

Season: 7
 The teen pop singer appeared on "Star Search before his "Idol" stint and released his first album in 2008. 

Allison Iraheta

Season: 8
 The teenage redhead (check out her rockin' style), who had a previous brush with fame, released her debut album in 2009 before going on tour with a fellow "Idol" alum.  

Kelly Clarkson

Season: 1
 The Texas native has produced lots of hits . Her weight and fashion choices have become tabloid fodder. 

Ruben Studdard

Season: 2
 The "Velvet Teddy Bear" left the spotlight for a few years and married Surata Zuri McCants in 2008.His greatest post-"Idol" success has been as part of a troupe.  

Fantasia Barrino

Season: 3

 She has starred in a reality show, a TV movie and a Broadway play since appearing on "Idol," but the singer has also seen her share of troubles, including her father's lawsuit and a suicide attempt. 

Carrie Underwood 

Season: 4
 After "Idol," she received this honor, dated a Cowboy and a "Gossip" star but married someone else. Before her "Idol" audition, she had never done something most of us don't blink at. 

Taylor Hicks

Season: 5
 The prematurely gray singer, whose fans had a soulful nickname, was named People's Most Eligible Bachelor, although later there were setbacks. He moved on to this role on Broadway. 

Jordin Sparks

Season: 6
 The daughter of a pro football player toured with this hot band and defended them when she thought they were dissed. She later toured with another famous singer. 

David Cook

Season: 7
 Cook battled a terrible personal challenge during the show and after. He became tabloid fodder when he dated one of the show's Season 2 contestants. Some say he owes his success to this particular fan base.  

Kris Allen

Season: 8
 Despite almost missing his shot at stardom, the married Allen has been performing on the road and TV ever since his "Idol" days. His self-titled album reached No. 11 but later met this fate. Clay Aiken

Season: 2
 His loyal fans made his debut album a hit. Aiken made a not-so-surprising pronouncement and has become a daddy. Before that, he spent a stint on Broadway. 

Jennifer Hudson

Season: 3
 She went on to win a Grammy and took home this gold trophy for her role in "Dreamgirls." Since then, a horrible crime devastated her family, but joy returned to her life with this event. 

Adam Lambert

Season: 8
 The flamboyant singer  made this pronouncement and admitted to something else. His risqué performance at the American Music Awards caused ABC to cancel some appearances. 

Chris Daughtry

Season: 5
 Daughtry, who had a very different career prior to "Idol," has gone on to smashing success. His cover of a Lady Gaga song got more than a million views, and he has made recent additions to his family.  

Paula Abdul

Seasons: 1-8
 The "nice" judge didn't come back for the ninth season.She's gotten publicity in recent years for some strange things but hosted this glittery event and sells these bits of bling. 

Sanjaya Malakar

Season: 6
 A crying girl became the symbol of why he lingered.He's oddly popular in another country and showed up on a reality TV show.  

William Hung

Season: 3
 The civil engineering student uttered a memorable line in response to Simon Cowell's criticism. Hung ended up recording several albums, appeared in a foreign flick and starred in a documentary about his life. 

Elliott Yamin

Season: 5
 The former pharmacy worker signed a deal with Sony and released his self-titled album in 2007. He released his second album, "Fight for Love," in 2009. 

Bo Bice

Season: 4
 The longhaired singer got his nickname when his grandmother decided he had a famous actor's eyes. Bice released his debut album and got married in 2005. They recently had their third son. 

Kellie Pickler

Season: 5
 Pickler's quirky personality won over "Idol" audiences, and her debut album went gold. She co-wrote a song with a teen country sensation on her self-titled second album. In 2009, she became a celebrity spokeswoman. 

LaToya London

The R&B singer's first gig, at the age of 7, was singing at her mother's wedding reception. She released her debut album in 2005 and toured with "The Color Purple."  

Syesha Mercado

Season: 7
 Mercado, who won a Florida singing competition before her stint on "Idol," landed the lead role in the national tour of "Dreamgirls. 

Blake Lewis

Season: 6
 The beat-boxing singer saw his major-label debut peak at on No. 10 on the Billboard 200. His second album was released in 2009.

High Heel Races Around The World

Women around the world courageously put themselves to the ultimate endurance test - racing in high heels.

Sarenza High Heel 2010 Race, Paris

Participants named "Pattes Folles," from left, Claire, Charline, and Maylis, of the third edition of the Sarenza High Heel 2010 Race warm up prior to the France Vs UK 3x60 meters relay race at Molitor swimming pool in Paris, Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Competitors in teams of three girls from France and United Kingdom race for fun wearing shoes with more than 8 cm-high heels. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Participants of the third edition of the Sarenza High Heel 2010 Race prepare to compete in the France Vs UK 3x60 meters relay race at Molitor swimming pool in Paris, Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Competitors in teams of three girls from France and United Kingdom race for fun wearing shoes with more than 8 cm-high heels. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Participants of the third edition of the Sarenza High Heel 2010 Race compete in the France Vs UK 3x60 meters relay race at Molitor swimming pool in Paris, Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Competitors in teams of three girls from France and United Kingdom race for fun wearing shoes with more than 8 cm high heels. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Participants named "Les Paulettes" of the third edition of the Sarenza High Heel 2010 Race take a break prior to the France Vs UK 3x60 meters relay race at Molitor swimming pool in Paris, Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Competitors in teams of three girls from France and United Kingdom race for fun wearing shoes with more than 8 cm high heels. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Participants of the third edition of the Sarenza High Heel 2010 Race pose prior to the France Vs UK 3x60 meters relay race at Molitor swimming pool in Paris, Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Competitors in teams of three girls from France and United Kingdom race for fun wearing shoes with more than 8 cm-high heels. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Participants of the third edition of the Sarenza High Heel 2010 Race warm up prior to the France Vs UK 3x60 meters relay race at Molitor swimming pool in Paris, Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Competitors in teams of three girls from France and United Kingdom race for fun wearing shoes with more than 8 cm-high heels. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

A participant of the third edition of the Sarenza High Heel 2010 Race take a break in the France Vs UK 3x60 meters relay race at Molitor swimming pool in Paris, Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Competitors in teams of three girls from France and United Kingdom race for fun wearing shoes with more than 8 cm-high heels. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Participants of the third edition of the Sarenza High Heel 2010 Race competes in the France Vs UK 3x60 meters relay race at Molitor swimming pool in Paris, Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Competitors in teams of three girls from France and United Kingdom race for fun wearing shoes with more than 8 cm-high heels. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Participants of the third edition of the Sarenza High Heel 2010 Race compete in the France Vs UK 3x60 meters relay race at Molitor swimming pool in Paris, Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Competitors in teams of three girls from France and United Kingdom race for fun wearing shoes with more than 8 cm-high heels. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Participants of the third edition of the Sarenza High Heel 2010 Race competes in the France Vs UK 3x60 meters relay race at Molitor swimming pool in Paris, Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Competitors in teams of three girls from France and United Kingdom race for fun wearing shoes with more than 8 cm-high heels. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Participants of the third edition of the Sarenza High Heel 2010 Race compete in the France Vs UK 3x60 meters relay race at Molitor swimming pool in Paris, Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Competitors in teams of three girls from France and United Kingdom race for fun wearing shoes with more than 8 cm-high heels. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Participants of the third edition of the Sarenza High Heel 2010 Race compete in the France Vs UK 3x60 meters relay race at Molitor swimming pool in Paris, Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Competitors in teams of three girls from France and United Kingdom race for fun wearing shoes with more than 8 cm-high heels. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Participants of the third edition of the Sarenza High Heel 2010 Race compete in the France Vs UK 3x60 meters relay race at Molitor swimming pool in Paris, Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Competitors in teams of three girls from France and United Kingdom race for fun wearing shoes with more than 8 cm-high heels. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Participants of the third edition of the Sarenza High Heel 2010 Race pose prior to the France Vs UK 3x60 meters relay race at Molitor swimming pool in Paris, Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Competitors in teams of three girls from France and United Kingdom race for fun wearing shoes with more than 8 cm high heels. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

French fans named "Super Dupont" carry English girl named "Misty Twigg" during the third edition of the Sarenza High Heel 2010 Race at Molitor swimming pool in Paris, Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Competitors in teams of three girls from France and United Kingdom race for fun wearing shoes with more than 8 cm high heels. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Team winners of the third edition of the Sarenza High Heel 2010 Race pose after the France Vs UK 3x60 meters relay race at Molitor swimming pool in Paris, Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Competitors in teams of three girls from France and United Kingdom race for fun wearing shoes with more than 8 cm-high heel. (AP Photo/ Francois Mori)

High heels of participants of the third edition of the Sarenza High Heel 2010 Race are taped prior to the France Vs UK 3x60 meters relay race at Molitor swimming pool in Paris, Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Competitors in teams of three girls from France and United Kingdom race for fun wearing shoes with more than 8 cm-high heels. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Moscow, 2008

Women run in a high heel race at Red Square in Moscow, Saturday, July 19, 2008. Participants of the high heel run were challenged to race in stilettos of at least 9 cm (3.54 inches). (AP Photo/Misha Japaridze)

Women run in a high heel race at Red Square in Moscow, Saturday, July 19, 2008. Participants of the high heel run were challenged to race in stilettos of at least 9 cm (3.54 inches) tall. (AP Photo/Misha Japaridze)

Participants in a high heel race wait for a start of the event at Red Square in Moscow, Saturday, July 19, 2008. Participants of the high heel run were challenged to race in stilettos of at least 9 cm (3.54 inches). (AP Photo/Misha Japaridze)

Participants in a high heel race are on a start line at Red Square in Moscow, Saturday, July 19, 2008. Participants of the high heel run were challenged to race in stilettos of at least 9 cm (3.54 inches). (AP Photo/Misha Japaridze)

Participants in a high heel race wait for a start of the event at Red Square in Moscow, Saturday, July 19, 2008. Participants of the high heel run were challenged to race in stilettos of at least 9 cm (3.54 inches). (AP Photo/Misha Japaridze)

Sydney, 2008

Brittney McGlone, left front in red, leads hundreds of women as they jostle for line honors in stiletto sprint world record attempt at Overseas passenger terminal in Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008. McGlone won the race and received $1,000 prize money and a Golden stiletto high heel trophy.(AP Photo/Rob Griffith)

Moscow, 2007

Women taking part in a high-heel race wait for their turn to compete in Moscow, Saturday, July 28, 2007. Some 110 women competed in the race wearing high-heeled shoes with a required minimum height of 9 cm (3.5 inches) for a prize of 100 000 rubles (about US$ 4000). (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)

Women run in a high-heel race in Moscow, Saturday, July 28, 2007. Some 110 women competed in the race wearing high-heeled shoes with a required minimum height of 9 cm (3.5 inches) for a prize of 100 000 rubles (about US$ 4000). (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)

A participant in a high-heel race crosses the finish line in Moscow, Saturday, July 28, 2007. Some 110 women competed in the race wearing high-heeled shoes with a required minimum height of 9 cm (3.5 inches) for a prize of 100 000 rubles (about US$ 4000). (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)

Women run in a high-heel race in Moscow, Saturday, July 28, 2007. Some 110 women competed in the race wearing high-heeled shoes with a required minimum height of 9 cm (3.5 inches) for a prize of 100 000 rubles (about US$ 4000). (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)

Moscow, 2006

Participants in Glamour Stiletto Run race on high heels to the finish at Red Square in Moscow, Saturday, July 8, 2006. Participants of the high heel run were challenged to race 100 meters in stilettos of at least 9 cm (2.54 inches). (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)

Participants in Glamour Stiletto Run prepare for the event held at Red Square in Moscow, Saturday, July 8, 2006. Participants of the high heel run were challenged to race 100 meters in stilettos of at least 9 cm (2.54 inches) . (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)

Participants in Glamour Stiletto Run prepare for the event held at Red Square in Moscow, Saturday, July 8, 2006. Participants of the high heel run were challenged to race 100 meters in stilettos of at least 9 cm (2.54 inches) and winners were awarded with prizes. (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)

Participants in Glamour Stiletto Run wait for a start of the event at Red Square in Moscow, Saturday, July 8, 2006. Participants of the high heel run were challenged to race 100 meters in stilettos of at least 9 cm (2.54 inches) and winners were awarded with prizes. (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)

near Tel Aviv, 2004

Israeli women react as they compete in a high heel race in the central city of Rishon Letzion near Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday Nov. 29, 2004. Twenty five women participated at the competition that required them to wear high heel shoes at a minimum height of 25 centimeter (1 inch) and an evening dresses. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Israeli women react as they run compete in a high heel race in the central city of Rishon Letzion near Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday Nov. 29, 2004. Twenty five women participated at the competition that required them to wear high heel shoes at a minimum height of 25 centimeter (1 inch) and an evening dresses. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)