For those who aspire to be the Next Big Thing, the reality show American Idol can certainly look like a lucky break. Those who win, however, can tell you that luck has very little to do with it. Instead, those who have won the top spot on the first seven seasons of American Idol all have hard work and perserverence in common. Each of them started pursuing music at a very young age, and several of them have taken formal vocal lessons.
The very first American Idol winner was Kelly Clarkston. She began performing in high school musicals as well as the school talent show. Shortly after that talent show appearance, young Miss Clarkston began classical training with a vocal coach. The next year