Kris Allen

Although previous contestants played their own instruments on AMERICAN IDOL, few benefited so greatly from the experience as Kris Allen, whose classic singer-songwriter vibe earned him a first place finish in 2009. Pitted against powerhouse vocalist Adam Lambert at the show's conclusion, Allen wisely emphasized his wide-ranging abilities as a musician, playing piano during a soulful rendition of "Ain't No Sunshine" and strumming the guitar for an acoustic take on Kanye West's "Heartless." The instrumental accompaniment paid off, as Allen was crowned the show's victor and scored five Billboard debuts the following week en route to pop stardom.