American Idol returns! Do contestants realize that losing the crown could actually mean winning?

Season 7 of Idol kicks off tomorrow, which promises to bring fame and fortune to one lucky winner. Which got us to thinking... some of the most famous contestants are actually the ones who didn't win the title. Go figure! Sure, there are winners like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood who've done pretty damn well for themselves. But the "losers" like Clay Aiken, Oscar Winner Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry and "actress" Katherine McPhee have no reason to cry over their careers. Meanwhile, "winners"  Ruben Studdard, Jordin Sparks and the newly dropped-from-his-label Taylor Hicks, are more likely to show up at an opening of a Safeway than pack a full house at a concert.

So the moral of the story is, if your kid is bummed about losing... tell 'em they're actually winning.

Click on an image to view the Losers Who Are Winners Gallery!