How 'Idols' are faring
By Joel Selvin / San Francisco Chronicle
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 01.22.2007
advertisement2002: SEASON ONE
Kelly Clarkson (winner). The first "Idol" and the show's golden girl made "Since U Been Gone" the pop single of the new century. Her transition from "Idol" to star is complete.
Justin Guarini (second place). Curly-head of the bomb "From Justin to Kelly" is peddling a jazz album on his Web site.
Nikki McKibbin (third place). Dropped by RCA Victor after she refused to make a country record, she made guest shots on reality shows, such as "Fear Factor," but is still working on her first solo record.
Tamyra Gray (fourth place). Also dropped by RCA after she wanted to write her own material, Gray re-emerged in a role on TV's "Boston Public" and the 2005 feature "The Gospel," for which she also sang on the soundtrack. She recently married Sam Watters of Color Me Badd.
R.J. Helton (fifth place). Came out of the closet and put out a gospel CD.
Ryan Starr (seventh place). Although her career stalled when