20 reality TV contestants who lost the show but won in the end

Tori Kelly may have lost her season of American Idol, but that certainly didn't put a stop to her releasing killer music years later. Since American Idol in 2010, Kelly has released five studio albums, filmed three feature films, and has received two Grammys for her gospel project, Hiding Place.

David Archuletta's 2008 single "Crush" was bigger than anything and anybody on his season of American Idol. It hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has sold over two million records to date.

Clay Aiken lost his season of Idol to the talented Ruben Studdard, but despite the setback, Aiken has had quite the career. His resume includes a couple of stints on Broadway, several Billboard Music Awards, and six studio albums.

With all of the success Jennifer Hudson has had since American Idol, it's easy to forget she placed seventh during her season. And when you think about that placing, it's pretty egregious, if you ask us.

Adam Lambert turned their American Idol loss into two top-two albums, including the chart-topping 2012 project, Trespassing.

I'm sure little Justin had no idea he'd become one of the biggest stars in the world after losing the competition series Star Search. Since then, he led the iconic boy band NSYNC, selling millions of records worldwide, and became one of the most successful solo artists as well.

Before Beyoncé blew up alongside her bandmates in Destiny's Child, they also competed on Star Search. However, losing the show didn't stop their grind. Today, Destiny's Child is still regarded as one of the most successful girl groups of all time, selling more than 60 million records worldwide. After the group went on a hiatus, Bey went solo, and, well, you know what happened next.

I'd like to speak to whoever was on the judge's panel during Star Search's run on the air. How do you pass up Justin, Beyoncé, and Britney Spears? Like the others, Britney has an expansive and glowing career, with several No. 1 hits, classic albums, and a NYT best-selling memoir.

One Direction lost their season of The X-Factor, but they won so much more in the end, including a life-changing record deal, millions of fans worldwide, and six Billboard Music Awards.

Like their counterparts above, Fifth Harmony lost The X-Factor but went on to release three studio albums, which included hits "Work From Home" and "Worth It."

You might recognize Heather Morris from Glee, but before that, she appeared on So You Think You Can Dance? Although she lost the show, she was picked up by Beyoncé and performed as her backup dancer for many live performances.

Laverne Cox first appeared on a competition show on VH1 in 2008, which was hosted by a man not worth mentioning. Since losing, she has appeared in households worldwide thanks to the Netflix series Orange Is The New Black.  

Yaya DaCosta didn't get that magazine cover or modeling contract for winning America's Next Top Model; however, she still went on to become a massive star. She's snagged series-regular roles in shows like Chicago Med and All My Children.

Kelly Rowland appeared alongside her longtime bestie, Beyoncé, on Star Search. Of course, she had a decorated career as part of Destiny's Child, but she's made a big splash as a solo artist, too. One of her biggest songs, "Dilemma," was released in 2002 alongside performer Nelly, which earned her a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2003.

Not many people can say they came in second on America's Next Top Model twice, but thanks to it, Allison Harvard has been able to live her best life, modeling for companies like Got2B and living her best life in Yorkshire.

Winnie didn't do too hot during her season of AMNTM, but she was noticed by Beyoncé. In addition to getting flowers from the queen every now and then, she starred in her award-winning film Lemonade. So, who really won in the end?

Da'Vonne Rogers was the second evicted during her first season of Big Brother in 2015 after becoming the target of the house's master plan. Despite that, she's the only one from her cast to appear on numerous other shows outside of CBS, including The Challenge, Ex On The Beach, and most recently, Prime Video's The GOAT.

Thank the stars above that somebody else noticed in Christina Aguilera what the judges of Star Search didn't. Without them, we wouldn't have her many catchy and chart-topping hits, including "Genie In A Bottle," "What A Girl Wants," and "Lady Marmalade."

Phaedra was quite the star before appearing in Season 2 of The Traitors, but she experienced a resurgence unlike no other after wowing the audience with her wit, personality, and skill. Her performance even earned her a nomination for Female Reality Star of the Year at this year's Critics Choice Real TV Awards.

Another massive screw-up on Star Search's end was overlooking Usher. After losing, he went on to become one of the most successful artists of our generation, winning countless awards and releasing several No. 1 hits.