American Idol Flashback

THEN: Kelly Clarkson

Styling was not at the forefront of the production process during the first season of the show. In fact, the original American Idol once told me that they were given a stipend and taken to a mall to pick their clothes for performance shows. Oh, how times have changed.

NOW: Kelly Clarkson

Kelly's still an easygoing girl when it comes to her style. But we're glad to see that she no longer wears stripes in her hair and has ditched the corset-meets-Stevie Nicks look that isn't really flattering on anyone.

THEN: Justin Guarini

When it came to Justin, it was all about the hair. Well, that and some seriously patterned shirts. Those corkscrews had young girls swooning all across the country.

NOW: Justin Guarini

The grown-up haircut looks handsome on the former runner-up. But one has to wonder if the cut has hindered his career. We haven't heard his voice in quite some time.

THEN: Jennifer Hudson

J. Hud is arguably the most successful contestant to not win the title. I mean, the girl's got an Oscar! But she's also a serious contender for biggest transformation. I don't think she'd dare wear these matchy-matchy accessories now.

NOW: Jennifer Hudson

Not only has Jennifer gone seriously glam with her sleek and chic clothing choices, the Weight Watchers spokesperson has also dropped a number of dress sizes — after having a baby at that!

THEN: Kellie Pickler

During her run on the show, Kellie had a "cute girl next door in the South" thing going on. Think off-duty pageant girl.

NOW: Kellie Pickler

Now, along with some, um, "chest enhancements," Kellie has upped the ante to full-on gowns and glitzy country star dramatics. Note the full-length gloves.

THEN: Carrie Underwood

Speaking of country girls, one of the biggest success stories is Miss Underwood. Her singing got me from the beginning: the big hair and awkwardly tied belt ... not so much.

NOW: Carrie Underwood

Ah, this is more like it. Carrie still rocks curls, but they're now much more tame and flowing. And she dresses like the true country diva she is. That tiered gown is stunning.

NOW: Clay Aiken

He's now a Broadway star with a much smoother look. This blazer is a huge improvement.

THEN: Kimberley Locke

Dressed like she was heading to a sophomore year biology class, Kimberley didn't exactly wow anyone with her fashion choices.

NOW: Kimberley Locke

This gray shift dress is much more flattering to her lovely curves. And it definitely takes her out of that high school phase.

THEN: Ruben Studdard

Oh, Ruben. We loved how you represented your hometown by literally wearing its area code on your clothes. But we wouldn't exactly call it fashion.

NOW: Ruben Studdard

Luckily, the big man has grown up and into well-tailored suits and pocket squares.

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THEN: Adam Lambert

They didn't call him Glambert for nothing. No contestant has ever made quite the beauty statement like Adam did. Long live his "guyliner."

NOW: Adam Lambert

We're happy to report that Adam has not turned down the drama when it comes to his styling. In fact, he's taken it to the next level: flashier costumes, more makeup and hats!

THEN: Taylor Hicks

We loved that Taylor never tried to cover up his gray hair. The Caesar cut, however, was pretty dated.

NOW: Taylor Hicks

Much better, sir. Much better. That old cut really only worked on Clooney in the early days of ER.

THEN: Sanjaya Malakar

Many a lady had serious hair envy when it came to Sanjaya's flowing locks. From mohawks to the "Farrah flip," sadly, his hairstyles caused more buzz than his voice ever did.

NOW: Sanjaya Malakar

What is Sanjaya without his locks? I think that question has yet to be answered.

THEN: Jennifer Lopez

And now onto the esteemed judges and host. Check out Jenny From the Block before she had her glam squad always at the ready.

NOW: Jennifer Lopez

Bronzed skin? Check. Lighter, straighter hair? Check. Plunging necklines and glamorous designer dresses? Check. Now this is the J.Lo most of us know and love.

THEN: Ryan Seacrest

Why hello there, young Seacrest. Methinks you were having a very 90210-meets-boy band fashion moment with that buttoned-up collar and vest.

NOW: Ryan Seacrest

These days, Ryan prefers designer suits from Burberry. We can't say we blame him. And, of course, he's always famously well-groomed.

THEN: Steven Tyler

The Aerosmith frontman looks every bit the '70s rock god with his wild mane and signature scarves hanging off his mic stand.

NOW: Steven Tyler

As rock stars are wont to do, Steven hasn't changed his look much over the years. The hair is still killer. And we wouldn't mind getting a better look at his accessories collection.

THEN: Randy Jackson

This shot of Randy playing bass with Journey back in the day really says it all. My favorite part is, of course, that stellar coif. You can't argue with hairstyle that literally comes to a point.

NOW: Randy Jackson

Randy's dropped quite a few pounds and no longer makes statements with his hair. But that doesn't mean he's abandoned his flashy style completely, as evidenced by those gold shoes.