Top Richest 'Idols'

On the eve of this season's "American Idol" finale, Forbes has tallied the top-earning alums, based on a year's worth of album sales, concerts, merchandising and other income.1. Carrie Underwood = $14 million
2. Jennifer Hudson = $5 million
3. Kelly Clarkson = $4.2 million
4. Jordin Sparks = $3.1 million
5. Kellie Pickler = $2.3 million
6. Clay Aiken = $2.2 million
7. Chris Daughtry = $2 million
8. David Cook = $2 million
9. David Archuleta = $1.3 million
10. Taylor Hicks = $300,000

Certainly drives home the fact that this pageant is big business first, and entertainment far, far, far in the distance. (Photo: ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.)