Adam Lambert, the album

You don't have to win American Idol (or the equivalent in your country) to achieve fame and fortune.

Take Adam Lambert, the supposed loser of American Idol. In addition to addressing his personal life, it has been announced that Lambert has signed a deal with 19 Entertainment and RCA Recordings, with an album expected in the fall.

OK, you may say, but Adam Lambert (and Clay Aiken, for that matter) placed second in American Idol, so they were certainly visible. You aren't going to get much success if you don't get one of those two spots.

Two words - William Hung. Hung released several albums, the first of which included "She Bangs" and "Rocket Man" (I know - I've heard the album). He has a film career. It just goes to show that you have to take advantage of anything you get.