Carrie Underwood
If there are any folks who still take “American Idol” seriously, it’s in no small part because of Carrie Underwood. She won the fourth season in 2005, and quickly became the biggest country vocalist ever. Tunes like “Before He Cheats” and “Jesus, Take the Wheel” were instant classics, and Underwood has won tons of awards and critical acclaim, not to mention her historical record sales.