Which American Idols Have Had Vocal Lessons? by Barry Mcgee

For those who aspire to be the Next Big Thing, the reality show American Idol can certainly look like a lucky break. Those who win, however, can tell you that luck has very little to do with it. Instead, those who have won the top spot on the first seven seasons of American Idol all have hard work and perserverence in common. Each of them started pursuing music at a very young age, and several of them have taken formal vocal lessons.

The very first American Idol winner was Kelly Clarkston. She began performing in high school musicals as well as the school talent show. Shortly after that talent show appearance, young Miss Clarkston began classical training with a vocal coach. The next year’s big winner was Reuben Sutddard, and this gospel-inspired musician has a singing history dating back to the time he was three years old and performing with the church choir. Reuben went on to take more than just vocal lessons as he pursued his degree in Voice Studies at Alabama A&M.

The young Fantasia also came from a musical background. In fact, her family recorded an album together. Like Reuben, Carrie Underwood also sang in her church choir, and she spent plenty of her time performing at local events in her native Oklahoma. Taylor Hicks started his musical endeavors in his teen years and polished his skills in several bands. Jordin Sparks is currently the youngest contestant to win American Idol, and she would certainly credit part of that success to the fact that she started formal vocal lessons at age 14.

These allowed her to hone her skills for performances that got both the judges’ and the audience’s attention in the best way possible. The most recent winner, David Cook, began his singing career in the second grade and continued to perform in musicals throughout school. The truth is that even those American Idol winners who didn’t take vocal lessons in their youth, still have vocal coaches to thank for helping them reach the winner’s circle. Each week, the contestants are able to take advantage of vocal lessons in preparation for their performances. In reality, that means that every American Idol winner has taken vocal lessons!