Major 'Idol' Makeovers
Before Carrie Underwood was a Grammy-winning superstar, she was just a small-town girl from Checotah, Oklahoma.But with the help of 'American Idol,' Carrie, Jennifer Hudson and others were given the full Hollywood treatment, transforming their everyday looks into red carpet glam.
Click through our gallery to see the before and after shots of some of your favorite 'Idol' contestants.
Major Idol' Makeovers
Carrie Underwood
From day one, everything about Carrie said "small town girl." She was already working with a full deck of cards; she just had to learn how to play 'em. Flashing that winning smile and adding a little "come hither" helped her redefine her image.
Fox/RCA
Justin Guarini
Comparisons to Sideshow Bob aside, Justin had a pretty decent sense of style -- minus the one or two times he tried to pull off wearing a muscle shirt. And thankfully, he's dealt with his addiction to pleather.
Fox/RCA
Kelly Clarkson
Die-hard fans will remember that Kelly auditioned in a homemade denim dress and had tussled hair. The formerly unpolished theater concession stand worker donned her first hair extensions during the 'Idol' finale and hasn't looked back since.
Fox/RCA
Tamyra Gray
She started off as the unassuming "girl next door" and ended up as the vampy vixen with the vocals to match. The key to Tamyra's new look was to let it all hang loose, trading the safe style choices for something more daring and eye-catching.
Fox/19 Recordings Limited
Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson was once a victim of her own eccentric style, with weird eye makeup and dreadful outfits. But she came face-to-face with her fashion faux pas and has emerged a stunning beauty, letting us know that she's 'Idol' no more, but a 'Dreamgirl.'
Fox/Getty Images
Katharine McPhee
We've definitely got a "McPheever." During the Top 24 performances, Katharine often sported the T-shirt and jeans look. But when a possible victory got in her sight, she quickly learned to bring her
A-game. She found designer dresses, high-end shoes and big earrings to match her big voice.
Fox/RCA
John Stevens
Starting off, John looked like a younger version of Conan O'Brien, but his transformation stayed true to his crooner roots. He stuck to
high-end suits and slicked up his red locks to create a new look.
Fox/Getty Images
Taylor Hicks
Taylor was a stylist's nightmare. He was dressed like he was ready to pick up the kids from soccer -- he wasn't even 30 years old -- and had a full head of gray. But he lost weight, got some new threads and made good on his new rock star status.
Fox/RCA
Jim Verraros
Jim's full transformation didn't happen until he was kicked off the show. After coming out of the closet and landing an indie record deal, he got himself all glammed up -- flat ironing his hair and going sans specs.
Fox/Getty Images
Clay Aiken
It was the biggest transformation of them all: Clay's gradual progression from sissy to stud. (We're being kind.) The self-professed "dork" lightened his hair, gained a little weight and threw on some designer duds to complete the look.
Fox/RCA