Simon Cowell always looks for that elusive "X-Factor" when a contestant enters the "American Idol" audition room, and like it or not image is just as important as ability. With the help of a few professional stylists, hairdressers, makeup artists, personal trainers, cosmetic dentists, and possibly even a Photoshop expert or two, a star is finally born. Click through this slideshow to see some of the most drastic post-"Idol" makeovers.Friday, April, 4, 2008, 12:4 AM

When Carrie Underwood belted out Heart’s “Alone” early on in the fourth season, Simon Cowell predicted she would be the winner. There was just one thing wrong with this sweet blonde from Oklahoma: she couldn’t shake the farm girl look. By the time her first solo tour rolled around in 2006 she had dropped the extra pounds. And in 2007 she completely blossomed, scoring a place on People’s list of “Most Beautiful People,” the title of “World’s Sexiest Vegetarian” by PETA, and adorable boys like “Gossip Girl” hottie Chace Crawford.FOX/Jordan Strauss/WireImage.com - Friday, April, 4, 2008, 11:4 PM

During Season 3 of "American Idol," Jennifer Hudson was unfortunately upstaged by fellow divas Fantasia Barrino and LaToya London; so on the infamous and inexplicable evening when all three divas ended up in the bottom, she was the one sent packing. But a couple of years later, Jennifer landed the starmaking role as Effie in the film "Dreamgirls" and managed to do the impossible: upstage Beyonce. Beyonce! Her dramatic transformation from "Idol" also-ran to A-list movie star culminated in an actual Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress -- and though she sadly wound up on many worst-dressed lists thanks to the space-cadet gold bolero jacket she wore on Oscar night, she still looked like a bona fide star.FOX/Lester Cohen/WireImage.com - Friday, April, 4, 2008, 12:4 AM

Elliott Yamin captured viewers' hearts during Season 5 of "American Idol" with his soulful singing, triumph-over-adversity back story, and close relationship with his loving mother. But no one considered Elliott to be heartthrob material, especially with his mouthful of snaggleteeth. Oh, what a difference a stylist -- and a dentist -- can make. When the third-place runner-up finally released his self-titled debut album, he had a whole new image: "GQ" haircut, cool clothes, and most importantly, a really nice set of pearly whites. If his music career doesn't pan out, now this guy could actually earn a paycheck as a spokesmodel for Rembrandt.FOX/Paul Redmond/WireImage.com - Friday, April, 4, 2008, 12:4 AM

Perhaps no Idol has undergone quite as dramatic a metamorphosis as Clay Aiken. The Season 2 runner-up made his television debut as a bespectacled, scrawny pipsqueak, an image that totally belied his deep, manly voice. But by the time he returned to the "American Idol" stage for the Season 5 finale -- sporting a brunette bob, suave suit, and filled-out face -- he was nearly unrecognizable. (Post-makeover, he didn't even remotely resemble his supposed lookalike, Michael Sandecki, the geeky fan he ambushed onstage that night for a surprise duet.) And now on Broadway -- sporting flowing curly locks, medieval garb, and about 30 extra pounds -- the new "Spamalot" star's startling transformation continues.FOX/Janette Pellegrini/WireImage.com - Friday, April, 4, 2008, 12:4 AM

Perhaps the edgiest "American Idol" winner ever, Fantasia Barrino was never one to shy away from extreme looks. She showed up for her "Idol" audition with nearly non-existent eyebrows, for instance, and on the cover of her self-titled sophomore album, she sported a Brigitte Nielsen-esque platinum crop and gold body paint. Nowadays the wild Idol is rocking a half-shaved, half-blonde, half-mohawk 'do (with braces, yet). It's a fierce and fearsome style that put her on several worst-tressed lists after she wore it on Grammy night... but whether it's a hairdo or a hair-don't, if there's any Idol who can pull off this crazy look, it's the aptly named Fantasia.FOX/Kevin - Friday, April, 4, 2008, 12:4 AM

Kellie Pickler was always a cutie, following in the Jessica Simpson-pioneered tradition of "stupid = hot" with her limited, Southern-drawled vocabulary. ("What's a ballsy?" is right up there with "Is Chicken Of The Sea fish or chicken?," as far as dumb reality-TV quotes go.) And Kellie's looking even cuter these days. Granted, while it doesn't seem like her brain has undergone any sort of major makeover (her poor showing on "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?" was proof of that), she's looking good with her sleek Rihanna-esque bob, red high heels, and suspiciously larger chest. This girl's made it to Hollywood, indeed.FOX/Steve Granitz/WireImage.com - Friday, April, 4, 2008, 12:4 AM

Taylor Hicks' everyman charm -- bowl haircut, extra pudge, tacky dinner-theater jackets -- endeared him to Middle America and helped him win "American Idol" by the biggest landslide in the show's history (despite the fact that his competition was the much more conventionally attractive Katharine McPhee). But when it came time for the Soul Patroller to release his major-label debut and compete in today's pop marketplace, it was clear that his dad-like image needed an overhaul. He kept his trademark silver locks, but with a stylish new haircut, more fashionable threads, and a 22-pound weight loss, Taylor still seemed tailored for mainstream success. Unfortunately, his album didn't sell as much as his (now former) record label had hoped, but his new look still earned him the title of "America's Most Eligible Bachelor" from "People" magazine.FOX/Steve Granitz/WireImage.com - Friday, April, 4, 2008, 12:4 AM

A true duck-to-swan fairytale heroine come to life, Kimberley Locke -- who recently made a stunning return to the "Idol" stage this season -- hardly came across as a babe when she auditioned in Season 2. But behind the mom jeans, unflattering geek glasses, and what Simon rudely called "weird hair," lurked a great beauty to match Kim's gorgeous voice. Her makeover began that season at the hands of skilled "Idol" stylists, but now -- after signing up to be a Jenny Craig spokeswoman and losing 40 pounds on "Celebrity Fit Club" -- her upgrade is complete. She looks so good now that she even caught the attention of her rumored new beau, "Celebrity Fit Club" drill sergeant Harvey Walden!FOX/Todd Williamson/WireImage.com - Friday, April, 4, 2008, 12:4 AM

This "American Idol" Season 2 champ was always large and in charge, hence why he received comparisons to the similarly stocky Luther Vandross and earned the nickname "Velvet Teddy Bear." But despite the fact that voters had never minded that there was more of Roooooben to love (he did, after all, beat out the much skinnier Clay Aiken), eventually Ruben Studdard's weight became a scary health issue. Fearful about his family history of diabetes and hypertension, Studdard devised his own vegetarian diet and became the spokesman for his home state's "Scale Back Alabama" fitness campaign -- and so far, he has lost more than 100 pounds.FOX/Paul Redmond/WireImage.com - Friday, April, 4, 2008, 12:4 AM

Little Paris Bennett was the biggest standout during the Season 5 audition process. With a rich and mature singing voice that was in severe contrast to the 4’11” 17-year-old body it came from, Paris made it all the way to the final five. Throughout the competition the judges complained about her wardrobe, which ranged from drab and khaki to pink and frilly, encouraging her to try to look more her age. Although “Princess P” is still a teenager, she is definitely looking more mature, but this time in a really good way.FOX/Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage.com - Friday, April, 4, 2008, 11:4 PM

Lyndsey Parker is admittedly obsessed with reality TV, and with "American Idol" in particular. She's Yahoo! Music's official blogger for this undeniable pop-cultural phenom. To make sure you have the most up-to-the-minute dish search REALITY ROCKS to read Lyndsey's blog.Friday, April, 4, 2008, 12:4 AM