Idol Losers (winners)

I don't watch that Idol show. Never was in to it. However, there are names that I have heard of. I find it amazing that overall I have heard more from "runners up" on the radio than winners (Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood aside). So that makes me wonder. The point is to really get on the show. Winning guarantees nothing (Taylor, Rubben, Fantasia...hello? - I had to look those names up, couldn't remember them). Funny how the losers often are the winners. Case in point, who is big from last season? I have heard of Chris Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson (I never knew they were on Idol until after I heard of them). So the drama of who wins is gone really.