7 News Features: Tuned In

WSVN -- She's the original and by far the most successful singer to take the Idol stage.

And since she's been gone thousands have tried to follow her path.

Only a few are still going.

Jennifer Hudson's come full circle since her breakout performance on Idol.

She held her own alongside Beyonce in "Dreamgirls" -- pulling down a Golden Globe, and she's up for an Oscar (R) later this month.

Jennifer Hudson: "Because Effie's story is similar to my story, we've kind of had the same path. Maybe not as dramatic or drastic as hers."

You go girl.

Paris Bennett: "I have to get my flawless face done."

After leaving last season -- Princess Paris signed with her family's record label and poured her heart and soul into her debut CD.

Paris Bennett: "Everything I went through before and after AI, even during AI, I put on this album even co-writing the album, everything is my creativity."

The CD drops this month and look for her first video on a music channel near you.

A couple of faces may look familar, even if you can't place the name.

Nikko Smith from Season Four's been gone for a couple years and is trying to make a comeback -- if you can call it that.

Nikko Smith: "To me as long as the music is good, and you put out some stuff that people can relate to and something different."

And Tampa's own Melissa McGhee -- remember her -- has had throat surgery and is singing better than ever.

Melissa McGhee: "It's not as gravelly. Everybody can understand me."

She's got an album coming out and is hitting the road with Idol alum Reuben Studdard, Anthony Fedorov and Justin Guarini.

Fantasia's still singing and touring and doing TV.

Last year she starred in a lifetime movie telling her life story.

And Season Five's top two are going strong.

"Soul Patrol" Taylor Hicks is playing club dates between studio sessions.

And even with a platinum CD and a tour that kicks off in Jacksonville this month -- he's keeping it real.

Taylor Hicks: "No big entourages, no stylists. I was in the bathroom putting on hair gel."

And Season Five's runner up is hoping fans will catch "Mc-Pheever" all over again.

Katharine McPhee: "Fun, kind of goofy. I had to remind myself this is for your album."

Katharine McPhee is as sexy as ever, and her CD promises more of the sexy sounds America fell in love with last year.