'American Idol' winners by year – see all the champions since 2002

Since Kelly Clarkson was named the first-ever "American Idol" winner on Sept. 4, 2002, the singing competition show has churned out dozens of stars who went on to enter the Billboard charts, win Grammys and become radio staples.

Not all of them were winners. Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Chris Daughtry, David Archuleta, Katharine McPhee and Clay Aiken may not have won the majority of votes on their respective "Idol" seasons, but they can all boast successful post-show careers.

But the 23 “American Idol” winners are pitch-perfect ambassadors for the long-running show — and the list of champions is ever-growing. Scroll on for all of the winners by season.