Which American Idol Has the Most #1 Songs?

American Idol Season 12 kicks off Wednesday, January 16.  The new judges include Keith Urban, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj.  They join returning judge Randy Jackson.  I love Keith and Mariah, but I’m not so sure about Nicki.  I don’t really know why I don’t like her.  I don’t know her personally.  She’s never hijacked a good parking spot from me at the Mall.  She’s never budged in line in front of me at Hy-Vee.  I even like her song “Starships.” I guess I’ll give her a chance.  I wasn’t sure I’d like Demi Lovato on X Factor, and she turned out to be my favorite.

There’s no doubt American Idol has lost a few fans over the years. Season 11 had the lowest ratings since Season 1, but nearly 22 million viewers, isn’t anything to sneeze at.  That’s still a lot of fans.

In eleven seasons, American Idol contestants have scored over 370 number one singles!  They’re not all “Billboard Hot 100″ singles.  The number ones span the “Christian/Gospel” song chart, “Triple A” audience, “Country” chart, “R&B” and several other music charts.

Kelly Clarkson has the most #1′s with a total of 79.  Carrie Underwood has 65.  Other American Idol contestants who’ve hit #1 that you may have forgotten include Colton Dixon.  Colton finished in 4th place last season and has had four number one hits.  They’ve all charted on the Christian/Gospel song chart.  Remember Blake Lewis?  He was the runner-up on Season 6.  Blake lost to Jordin Sparks.  Blake has had 2 number one songs and Jordin has had 7.

Other contestants who’ve had #1 songs that may bring back some memories, Elliot Yamin (Season 5), Jason Castro (the dreadlocked guy from season 7), and Mandisa (Season 5).  Mandisa has had 15 number one songs and she appeared at Lifelight last year.

American Idol will always be the reality singing competition that launched all the copycats in the U.S.

Idol is on two nights this week, Wednesday and Thursday, January 16 and 17 at 7pm on Fox.

Let’s hope for a Keith Urban wardrobe malfunction to make things interesting.