‘American Idol’ kicked off its seventh season Tuesday, and the Fox hit looked a little paltry in its ratings. Sure, the two-hour premiere averaged 33.2 million viewers, but this is actually the first time since 2003 that ‘American Idol’ ratings did not improve. Television critics are already asking if this signals the beginning of the end for the show. The Daily Orange decided to answer that burning question with another one: Which former Idol contestants will still matter in another seven seasons?

Carrie Underwood

While it doesn’t take much to become a country superstar (singing about beer, cars and cheating is mandatory), Underwood has become a force in the music industry with her pop-country ballads ‘Before He Cheats’ and ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel.’ Not only have ‘American Idol’ viewers showered her with praise, but Underwood also swept numerous award shows like the American Music Awards and the Grammy’s. The wholesome Oklahoma girl has also been romantically linked with Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback Tony Romo and ‘Gossip Girl’ star, Chace Crawford. Who said good girls finish last?

Likelihood Simon will approve in seven years: 82 percent

Chris Daughtry

Perhaps the most successful ‘Idol’ contestant to actually not win in the end, Daughtry conquered mainstream rock with hit ‘Home,’ a song which is incidentally now played every time someone gets the boot off ‘American Idol.’ That’s definitely a way to stick it to Simon and company. And now he’s opening up for Bon Jovi on its latest tour, so I guess we really know who won that season…

Likelihood Simon will approve in seven years: 55 percent

Kelly Clarkson

Oh, Kelly. You’ve been through some ups and downs, but you’re still our favorite ‘Idol’ alum. ‘Since U Been Gone’ is a fantastic pop song and one of the best ex-boyfriend hate anthems to date. Clarkson has hit a rough patch lately, as her tour in support of her latest album ‘My December’ was cancelled due to poor ticket sales. But with pipes like hers, Clarkson won’t be in a rut for long.

Likelihood Simon will approve in seven years: 70 percent

Jennifer Hudson

Even without America’s votes, Hudson still has an Oscar and a Golden Globe on her mantle for her role in 2006’s ‘Dreamgirls.’ Her performance as singer Effie White earned her 29 awards and the respect of the music industry. Despite her seventh place finish in the competition, Hudson has a burgeoning film career ahead of her and is slated to appear in the ‘Sex and the City’ movie. She’s even garnered consideration for the role of Aretha Franklin in a biographical film. If Hudson’s performance in ‘Dreamgirls’ is any indication, Hudson should be gracing the silver screen for a long time.

Likelihood Simon will approve in seven years: 60 percent

Clay Aiken

Aiken’s legions of fangirls, or ‘Claymates,’ helped propel him to the top of the charts, and he has become one of the more successful male ‘Idol’ contestants. Aiken’s first single ‘Invisible’ was a hit, but we haven’t heard much from him music-wise lately. He’s been too busy making guest appearances on ‘Scrubs’ and writing books about how to sing. Hopefully it also included hair-styling techniques.

Likelihood Simon will approve in seven years: 33 percent

Published on January 21, 2008 at 12:00 pm