1. Fantasia - Fantasia
This is the year that Season 3 champion Fantasia began truly catching up to her potential. She began the year with 4 Grammy Award nominations, the most ever in a single year by an American Idol contestant. Later in the year, after leaving 19 Entertainment, the American Idol management team, Fantasia previewed her second album with the hot single "Hood Boy."
The album Fantasia demonstrates just what a powerful vocalist she can be. It's a tour de force of contemporary R&B with assists from such luminaries as Missy Elliott, Sean Garrett, and Big Boi of Outkast.
Listen to "Hood Boy"More »
2. Daughtry - Daughtry
After Chris Daughtry's early exit from Season 5, his fans insisted that the loss would not slow him down, and he would prove himself as a top rock vocalist. They were right. The debut album from his band Daughtry is a professional, high quality, contemporary rock collection. Sales have been strong, and the single "It's Not Over" is already in the pop top 40.
Listen to "It's Not Over"More »
3. Taylor Hicks - Taylor Hicks
Taylor Hicks' debut album has its fair share of unevenness, but his genuine personality and talent as an entertainer still shows through proud and clear. This album is more than enough to get your fix of Taylor's unique skills, but I suspect it is his second album that will truly be worth waiting for.
Listen to "The Runaround."More »
4. Kellie Pickler - Small Town Girl
She may not be the strongest voice in the business, but Kellie Pickler proved she can command attention as a vocalist on her own. Last year Carrie Underwood electrified the country music establishment with her debut album Some Hearts, and this year is Kellie's year. Using smart song selections and surrounding herself with some of the best supporting songwriters and musicians in the business, Kellie Pickler hit the ground running.
Listen to "Red High Heels"More »
5. Clay Aiken - A Thousand Different Ways
An emotional return to American Idol in season 5's finale show did a brilliant job of firing up anticipation for Clay Aiken's long awaited second non-holiday album. Unfortunately, the final product, an album of mostly covers of love songs, did not live up to expectations. His voice is still a beautiful instrument, but he will need stronger material and production in the future to regain career momentum.
Watch "Without You."More »