Some Absolutely Staggering Facts About American Idol You Should Know Before You Start Watching Again

The Broadway Talent Factory

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Idol helped to launch dozens of careers during it’s run and that shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. What might come as a surprise is that 16 Idol contestants went on to star in a Broadway show.

Among the 16 include Justin Guarini (season 1 runner-up) who starred in Romeo and Juliet and American Idiot. There was also season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino, who was in The Color Purple and After Midnight. But only season 4 contestant Constantine Maroulis (who was in The Wedding Singer and Jekyll and Hyde) has ever won a Tony nomination.