The 23 Most Successful Reality TV Show Contestants

Though many contestants have a hard time getting another break after appearing on a reality TV show – or breaking the stigma their reality show appearance may have earned them – some haven’t had that problem.

All of these successful former reality TV contestants figured out how to harness the momentum from their break and, eventually, use it to fuel their future success. The craziest part: Some of them didn’t win big or stand out on their show. Yet they were able to learn from the opportunity and go on to become some of the wealthiest and most notable modern entertainers.

For this list, we subjectively judge reality TV contestants by a mix of financial and artistic success.

Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson performs at the CMT Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2018.Mark 

Humphrey / AP Photo

Show: “American Idol”

Year: 2002

Estimated net worth: $28 million


The first winner of the mega-successful modern reality competition show “American Idol,” Kelly Clarkson’s career blossomed from her big win.

She became a major pop star with hits like “Since U Been Gone” and “Breakaway,” and a handful of best-selling albums. When she was eventually able to break free from her “American Idol” contract, her personal earnings potential skyrocketed. She continues to create new music and tour all over the country

Lauren Conrad

Lauren Conrad arrives at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic at Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades, California, in 2015.Rich Fury / AP Photo/Invision

Show: “The Hills”

Years: 2006-10

Estimated net worth: $25 million

Though there are some mumblings, thanks to the series finale, that “The Hills” may not have been as unscripted as originally thought, the show still helped define a new era of reality TV.

It also helped define its breakout star, Lauren Conrad, as a formidable businesswoman and charismatic personality. She was able to use her popularity to launch a successful clothing line and lifestyle brand.

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood performs at the CMT Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2012.John Shearer / AP Photo/Invision

Show: “American Idol”

Year: 2005

Estimated net worth: $85 million

The country music singer is the only “American Idol” winner who comes close in success to the original winner, Kelly Clarkson. (Despite constant comparisons, they have nothing but love and respect for each other).

Underwood’s powerhouse vocals have fueled tons of popular country and crossover hits, and a number of successful albums. And, as if all that wasn’t enough success, she launched a workout clothing collection.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck

Elisabeth Hasselbeck attends a fashion show in New York in 2010.Evan Agostini / AP Photo

Show: “Survivor”

Year: 2001

Estimated net worth: $16 million

Many people either overlook or forget that the well-known conservative talk show host and TV personality Elisabeth Hasselbeck got her big TV break on the second season of “Survivor.”

Though she was voted off the island in fourth place, she was able to launch a successful career first as a host on “The View” and as a personality on Fox News.

Plus, she launched her own gluten-free nutritional food company called Nogii.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson performs at the "March for Our Lives" rally in Washington, D.C., in 2018.Andrew Harnik / AP Photo

Show: “American Idol”

Year: 2004

Estimated net worth: $20 million

Arguably the biggest success who ever lost “American Idol,” the powerful singer only placed seventh in the 2004 season.

But that finish didn’t stop her from accomplishing some major feats in entertainment, including earning an Oscar starring alongside Beyoncé in the 2006 film adaptation of “Dreamgirls.”

After a dramatic weight loss, she became a spokesperson for Weight Watchers and has her own collection on QVC.

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