Jennifer Hudson, Taylor Hicks, and More ‘American Idol’ Alums Who’ve Been on Broadway!

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Jan 10, 2017 4:27 pm·

By Allison Cacich

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What's an American Idol contestant to do when their season comes to an end? Head to Broadway!

That's where at least 10 alums of the singing competition — including Jennifer Hudson and Taylor Hicks — have headed after their time on television ran out.

From parts in Wicked and The Color Purple to a Tony-nominated turn in Rock of Ages, see which AI stars have hit the Great White Way!

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1 of 10

Jennifer Hudson (Season 3: 7th Place)

The Oscar winner made her Broadway debut in the 2015 revival of The Color Purple.

2 of 10

Taylor Hicks (Season 5 Winner)

In 2008, the Alabama native starred as Teen Angel for three months in a revival of Grease.

3 of 10

Diana DeGarmo (Season 3 Runner-Up)

In 2006, the singer made her Broadway debut as Penny Pingleton in Hairspray. She also starred in a revival of Hair.

4 of 10

Justin Guarini (Season 1 Runner-Up)

The father-of-two has been in five Broadway shows, including his debut in 2010's Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. He also played Fiyero in Wicked and originated the role of Paris in the Orlando Bloom revival of Romeo and Juliet. His new show, In Transit, opened in December.

5 of 10

Constantine Maroulis (Season 4: 6th Place)

The singer made his debut in The Wedding Singer as Sammy in 2006. He went on to receive a Tony nomination for originating the role of Drew in 2009's Rock of Ages.

6 of 10

Clay Aiken (Season 2 Runner-Up)

The former politician made his Broadway debut in Spamalot on Jan. 18, 2008.

7 of 10

Jordin Sparks (Season 6 Winner)

In 2010, the Grammy nominee played Nina in Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights.

8 of 10

Fantasia Barrino (Season 3 Winner)

The singer appeared in the original Broadway production of The Color Purple as Celie in 2007. She later performed in 2013's After Midnight.

9 of 10

Ace Young (Season 5: 6th Place)

The Colorado native joined the Grease revival in 2008 as Kenickie and later starred in a revival of Hair, where he met wife Diana DeGarmo.

10 of 10

Todrick Hall (Season 9: Semi-Finalist)

The YouTuber made his Broadway debut in The Color Purple in 2008, but currently draws celebrity fans like Taylor Swift in with his portrayal of Lola in Kinky Boots.

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