The 23 Most Successful Reality TV Show Contestants

Reality television contestants like Lauren Conrad have harnessed the momentum from their break and used it to fuel their future success. Rich Fury / AP Photo / Invision
Though many contestants have a hard time getting another break after appearing on a reality TV show – or breaking the stigma their reality show appearance may have earned them – some haven’t had that problem.
All of these successful former reality TV contestants figured out how to harness the momentum from their break and, eventually, use it to fuel their future success. The craziest part: Some of them didn’t win big or stand out on their show. Yet they were able to learn from the opportunity and go on to become some of the wealthiest and most notable modern entertainers.
For this list, we subjectively judge reality TV contestants by a mix of financial and artistic success.
Kelly Clarkson

Show: “American Idol”
Year: 2002
Estimated net worth: $28 million
The first winner of the mega-successful modern reality competition show “American Idol,” Kelly Clarkson’s career blossomed from her big win.
She became a major pop star with hits like “Since U Been Gone” and “Breakaway,” and a handful of best-selling albums. When she was eventually able to break free from her “American Idol” contract, her personal earnings potential skyrocketed. She continues to create new music and tour all over the country.
Lauren Conrad

Show: “The Hills”
Years: 2006-10
Estimated net worth: $25 million
Though there are some mumblings, thanks to the series finale, that “The Hills” may not have been as unscripted as originally thought, the show still helped define a new era of reality TV.
It also helped define its breakout star, Lauren Conrad, as a formidable businesswoman and charismatic personality. She was able to use her popularity to launch a successful clothing line and lifestyle brand.
Carrie Underwood

Show: “American Idol”
Year: 2005
Estimated net worth: $85 million
The country music singer is the only “American Idol” winner who comes close in success to the original winner, Kelly Clarkson. (Despite constant comparisons, they have nothing but love and respect for each other).
Underwood’s powerhouse vocals have fueled tons of popular country and crossover hits, and a number of successful albums. And, as if all that weren’t enough success, she launched a workout clothing collection.
Elisabeth Hasselbeck

Show: “Survivor”
Year: 2001
Estimated net worth: $16 million
Many people either overlook or forget that the well-known conservative talk show host and TV personality Elisabeth Hasselbeck got her big TV break on the second season of “Survivor.”
Though she was voted off the island in fourth place, she was able to launch a successful career first as a host on “The View” and as a personality on Fox News.
Plus, she launched her own gluten-free nutritional food company called Nogii.