15 Losers of ‘American Idol’ Who Went On To Big Things

13. Hillary Scott

Singer Hillary Scott didn’t even make it officially onto Idol, being turned down by the show’s production assistants before meeting the judges. She did however, become one part of the band Lady Antebellum which has won five Grammy awards in a single year. That should give other rejects out there some hope!

14. Amber Riley

Amber Riley is best known for belting things out in her role on Glee, but she was once another Idol hopeful who didn’t make the first round of cuts. She was also turned down for a role in Dreamgirls, but she didn’t give up and eventually landed Glee. Another inspirational tale to never give up.

15. Colbie Caillat

Colbie Caillat has a very interesting rejection story from AI. The first time she didn’t even make it to the judges. The second time she was rejected after singing an original song called “Bubbly,” which later ended up being a hit song. She also won a Grammy for album of the year and co-wrote the song “Breathe” for Taylor Swift. We wonder what other talents the judges let slip through.