12 Shocking Updates: Where Are The American Idol Season 6 Finalists Now In 2025?

The sixth season of American Idol, which captivated millions of viewers back in 2007, delivered one of the most memorable and diverse Top 12 casts in the show's history. From the powerhouse vocals of the winner to the polarizing performances that sparked a national debate, the original run with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson remains an iconic era. As of late 2025, nearly two decades later, the careers and lives of these finalists have taken fascinating, often unexpected, turns, proving that the Idol stage was just the beginning.

This deep dive reveals the latest, most current updates on the entire American Idol Season 6 Top 12, including new music projects, major career shifts, and even a tragic loss, giving fans a fresh look at where their favorite contestants stand today.

The Reigning Champion: Jordin Sparks' 2025 Career Renaissance

Jordin Brianna Sparks, the youngest winner in the show’s history at 17, has successfully navigated the transition from reality TV star to a multi-platinum recording artist and actress. Her post-Idol career has been marked by major hits like "No Air" and "Tattoo."

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• Full Name: Jordin Brianna Sparks
• Born: December 22, 1989 (Age 35 as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Glendale, Arizona
• Audition City: Seattle
• Final Placement: Winner
• Post-Idol Highlights: Multi-platinum albums, two Grammy nominations, Broadway roles (In The Heights, Waitress), film/TV acting.

The Latest Update (2024-2025): Sparks has had a busy and productive few years. In 2024, she released her fifth studio album, No Restrictions, showcasing her signature soulful voice with a blend of R&B and pop. Furthermore, she is expanding her acting portfolio, with news teasing a second Christmas movie role set for the 2025 holiday season. At the 2025 BET Awards, Sparks also hinted at a new movie, a podcast, and more music projects, solidifying her status as a dynamic, working artist across multiple mediums.

The Top 12 Finalists: Where Are They Now?

The sixth season introduced a cast of diverse talents, from the beatboxing runner-up to the powerful gospel-trained voices. Here is a comprehensive update on the rest of the Top 12 finalists.

Blake Lewis (Runner-Up)

The Seattle native, known for his innovative beatboxing and modern pop style, finished second to Jordin Sparks. Blake Lewis has remained true to his unique musical identity, fusing pop, electronic, and R&B elements.

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The Latest Update (2024-2025): Lewis continues to be an active musician and producer. He released new music in 2024, including the single "Old Mistakes In NYC," and has been performing live shows, maintaining his presence in the independent music scene.

Melinda Doolittle (3rd Place)

Often hailed by Simon Cowell as one of the best pure vocalists to ever compete on the show, Melinda Doolittle has enjoyed a successful career in the soul and R&B genres.

The Latest Update (2024-2025): Doolittle continues to be a highly respected singer and performer, often touring and performing at venues across the country. She has released several albums, including Coming Back To You, and her work is frequently cited by music critics for its vocal excellence.

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LaKisha Jones (4th Place)

LaKisha Jones, the powerful-voiced single mother, made it to the Top 4. Her post-Idol path led her directly to the stage.

The Latest Update (2024-2025): Jones has found a successful niche in musical theater and symphonic performances. A major upcoming engagement for her is a performance in "Broadway Rocks" with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra in February 2025, demonstrating her continued presence in the professional music world.

Phil Stacey (6th Place)

The former Navy officer and country/Christian singer, Phil Stacey, was known for his heartfelt performances.

The Latest Update (2025): Stacey remains dedicated to Christian and Country music. In a touching 2025 update, he released a new single titled "More Like" in collaboration with his daughter, McKayla, marking a significant personal and professional milestone.

Sanjaya Malakar (7th Place)

Perhaps the most polarizing contestant of the season, Sanjaya Malakar's unique hairstyles and enthusiastic fan base made him a cultural phenomenon. His post-Idol life has taken a significant turn away from the spotlight.

The Latest Update (2025): Malakar has transitioned out of the music industry. He recently came out as bisexual and now works as a pastry chef and bartender in the Montana/New York area. Despite the career change, he has recently hinted at a possible return to show business, keeping fans curious about his next move.

The Rest of the Season 6 Top 12 Finalists

The remaining five finalists have also continued their careers in diverse ways, contributing to the rich tapestry of the American Idol legacy. The commitment to their craft, whether in music, theater, or other professional fields, is a testament to the platform the show provided.

• Haley Scarnato (8th Place): The San Antonio native remains active in the music industry, specializing in the country and pop genres. Her career is listed as active from 2007 to the present, leveraging her Idol fame for continued performing and touring.
• Gina Glocksen (9th Place): Known for her rock-infused performances, Glocksen was a two-time auditionee (Season 5 and 6). She continues to be a working singer in the Midwest, performing at various events and venues.
• Leslie Hunt (Top 10/11th Place): Hunt has established a strong presence in the progressive rock scene as the lead singer for the band District 97. She also maintains a solo career, having recently released her own EP, Descend.
• Stephanie Edwards (11th/12th Place): The Savannah, Georgia singer, who finished 11th, has largely stepped away from the national spotlight but remains a part of the Season 6 legacy.
• Brandon Rogers (12th/13th Place): The season's 12th place finalist, Dr. Brandon Rogers, had a promising career as a singer and a medical doctor. Tragically, he passed away in a car accident in 2017. His later appearance on America's Got Talent was a posthumous tribute to his talent and life.

The Enduring Legacy of American Idol Season 6

The sixth season was a pivotal moment for the show. It was the last season before the transition to a more modern, social-media-driven format, and it showcased the classic dynamic between host Ryan Seacrest and the original judging panel: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson.

The season’s success, with a record 74 million votes cast in the finale, proved the format was still a cultural powerhouse. The diversity of the Top 12, from Jordin Sparks' pop-R&B crossover appeal to Blake Lewis's niche beatboxing, ensured that the season had something for everyone, which is why fans still remember the American Idol Season 6 finalists so clearly. The range of their post-show careers—from Broadway to Christian music to pastry chef—highlights the unpredictable and often challenging path of life after reality television.

The updates from 2025 confirm that the talent discovered in 2007 is still actively creating, performing, and making headlines. Whether through Jordin Sparks' latest acting roles or LaKisha Jones's symphonic performances, the Season 6 cast continues to contribute significantly to the entertainment landscape.