Before American Idol, Lee DeWyze worked as a paint store clerk in Mt. Prospect, IL. Kris Allen was a college student from Conway, AR. David Cook tended bar in Blue Springs, MO. Chris Daughtry was a service advisor at a car dealership in Greensboro, NC.

Carrie Underwood lived on a farm in Checotah, OK. Jennifer Hudson was a cruise ship performer from Chicago, IL. Kelly Clarkson was a waitress from Dallas, TX.

One audition changed the rest of their lives.

Ryan Seacrest returns to play host of the eleventh season of American Idol. Meanwhile, Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez will also return as judges.