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

Taking Home The Hardware

700001226_AX__417_3F1D640801476F6A3F688E0452B14602

Photo Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic/ Getty Images

Regardless of your thoughts on the show, there is absolutely no denying that the series has made a lasting impact on the entertainment business. To date, Idol alums have picked up 54 Grammy nominations and a combined 13 wins. The biggest winners are Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson.

In the first ten years of the show, Idol contestants achieved an absolutely astonishing 345 hits on Billboard (that includes all of the songs that were performed on the show). Finalists alone have 34 American Music Award nominations and 15 wins.