10 Hottest American Idol Contestants Ever

As this season of American Idol nears its end, we've decided to offer up our picks for the 10 hottest Idols of all time—the top five girls and top five guys. We've decided to only pick from each season's Top 12, so that means that, unfortunately, Casey Carlson and Alex (not Adam) Lambert didn't make the cut!

Remember, Idol fans, hotness is in the eye of the beholder. So don't get mad if we left off your favorite! 

Five Hottest Girls

1. Katharine McPhee - Even though Taylor Hicks won Season 5, there was no denying that plenty of American Idol voters had the "McPheever." Kat's hyperactivity was sometimes pretty obnoxious, but her smooth voice, gorgeous flowing locks and flawless face made it impossible for viewers to change the channel. Not surprisingly, that face has also led Kat to a movie career. 

2. Haley Scarnato - Every season has that one contestant who overstays their welcome. Season 6 had two—Sanjaya and Haley—but at least Sanjaya was fun to watch. Haley didn't have much going on in the vocal or stage presence department, but there was no denying that she was a beautiful girl with legs that went on for days.

3. Kimberly Caldwell - With her big, raspy voice, Kim began Season 2 as a possible front-runner, but she (along with everyone else) was soon overshadowed by the Ruben Studdard/Clay Aiken showdown. After her elimination, Kim appeared in Maxim (and why not?) and became co-host of the TV Guide Channel's Idol Tonight, where she met former boyfriend/Idol winner David Cook. Idol Winner David Cook Dates Old Idol

4. Jennifer Hudson - Simon Cowell may have thought that this Season 3 powerhouse needed to lose a few pounds, but J-Hud embraced her curves and won over legions of fans with her spunky attitude. (She did recently slim down as the Weight Watchers spokeswoman and looks even more fab-u-lous.) Simon also didn't think Jen was an "American Idol," and he turned out to be right about that. "Oscar winner" is so much better!

5. Megan Joy - Probably one of the quirkiest contestants in recent memory, Megan was also one of the most gorgeous. Her "who cares" attitude made her a polarizing figure during Season 8, but most would agree that she was at least always interesting. And it didn't hurt that she was like a hotter, taller version of Reese Witherspoon.

Honorable mentions: Ryan Starr, Christina Christian, Carrie Underwood, Gina Glocksen and Katelyn Epperly.

Five Hottest Guys

1. Michael Johns - In one of the most shocking eliminations ever on American Idol, the sexy Aussie expat was voted off during the 8th week of Season 7's live shows, inexplicably leaving the fan fave in 8th place. But the time we had with him was glorious, whether he was rocking out to Queen or seducing women across America with his sultry version of Dolly Parton's "It's All Wrong But It's All Right." The ascot he wore that night may have been kind of wrong, but we wouldn't kick him out of bed for wearing it.

2. Adam Lambert - Season 8's Glam One always brought sexual energy to the stage, and even though some of Middle America didn't understand what that sexuality was, they liked it! His talent, confidence and charm appealed to everyone: women and men, young and old, gay and straight. Adam Lambert's AMA Act: Sexy or Skanky?

3. Casey James - As the resident stud of the current Idol season, Casey has been wowing the women (especially Kara DioGuardi) week after week with his guitar prowess, pearly whites and dazzling mane of curly hair. He was sent home tonight, so he won't be in the Finale but think of it this way, ladies. You have a better chance of hooking up with the third place finisher than the winner!

4. David Cook - Although he started off as kind of a scruffy-looking "everyman," the Idol stylists turned Season 7's winner into a smokin' hot rocker. Of course, it probably helped that he was such good friends and roommates with #1 Hottie, Michael Johns. All Michael's sexiness was bound to rub off on David eventually. 

5. Chris Richardson - His nasally voice and wanna-be-Timberlake wardrobe were really annoying, but we just couldn't hate that sweet face. He might have been more cute than sexy, but there was quite a dearth of man candy in Season 6, so Chris couldn't help but stand out. (And this particular Celeb Lover also has a soft spot for him because we share a birthday.)

Honorable mentions: R.J. Helton, Chris Daughtry, Brandon Rogers, Jason Castro and Kris Allen.