Top 11: Successful Idol rejects

American Idol is back! Yay!

American Idol is back. Yay.

Love it or hate it, you can't deny that it makes good TV. And over the last few years, you also can't deny that the fact that those who win aren't necesasrily those who WIN, y'know? Therefore, while we wait for the bori...sorry, long journey towards finding the heir to David Cook, we present 11 singers from prior Idol competitions around the world who didn't quite win, but as the charts prove, didn't even have to.

Clay Aiken, American Idol season 2, runner-up

Ruben whoooo?

Delon Thamrin, Indonesian Idol season 1, runner-up

Four years after his moment on the tube, Delon has a stack of awards, and still has his record deal! In the fickle pop world, that's massive.

Victoria Hesketh, Pop Idol pre-audition reject

She reached the third round. She didn't get to see Simon. And new she's BBC's Sound of 2009, better known as Little Boots. In yo faceeeee.

Colbie Caillat, American Idol pre-audition reject

Another one who didn't get to see Simon. Maybe nobody should be seeing Simon.

Elliot Yamin, American Idol season 3, 3rd place

Yamin toured Asia last year. And where have you been, Taylor Hicks?

Shannon Noll, Australian Idol season 1, runner-up

Yes, yes, Guy Sebastian is still around. But Noll is the most successful radio artist in Australian history. And he's still got better hair.

Darin Zanyar, Swedish Idol season 2, runner-up

Three number 1 albums in two years in his home country, plus his song 'Homeless' has been covered by Leona Lewis. And his surname starts with a 'Z'! Supastarrr.

Jennifer Hudson, American Idol season 3, 7th place

Big voice + Academy Award + patience = 4 Grammy noms. Fine wine just needs time, baby.

Gareth Gates, Pop Idol season 1, runner-up

Ok, so this dude is kinda fading out now. But heck, he's still number 1 in Taiwan.

Joel Turner, Australian Idol season 1, audition reject

A beatboxer used the TV audience for a singing competition to launch a two-album, multi-award winning career. Who's the loser now.

Chris Daughtry, American Idol season 5, 4th place

And to think Simon actually said no.