Back to Their Roots: American Idol Winners Welcome Us Home

American Idol's "Welcome Home" video series gives us a peek at the humble beginnings of past Idol winners before they were laying down tracks on multi-platinum records. Let the champs you know and love show you around their hometowns.

Season 1 Winner Kelly Clarkson shares how her hometown of Burleson, Texas, rallied around her during Idol. She'll always be "Burelson's Star." Aww…

Season 2 Winner Ruben Studdard united Birmingham, Alabama, while on Idol. Did someone say "Ruben for Governor"?

Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino discusses what becoming an American Idol means to her and the folks back home in High Point, North Carolina.

Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood dishes about her hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma, which has supported her since her beginnings on American Idol. Even today, she can't walk down the street without seeing pictures of herself. How's that for an ego trip?

Not one but two American Idol winners hail from Birmingham, Alabama. Southern boy Taylor Hicks went all the way on American Idol Season 5. There must be something in the water...

Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks is grateful to American Idol for helping her rise to Broadway stardom.

Season 7 winner David Cook takes us to Blue Springs, Missouri, where he got his start performing in small bars.

Season 8 winner Kris Allen shares that Jacksonville, Arkansas, will always be his home. In that case, his key to the city will come in handy!

Lee DeWyze takes us to Mount Prospect, Illinois, where he worked at a paint shop before becoming Season 9's American Idol.

Related Links:

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