'American Idol' Contestant Loses 80 Pounds
Posted on Oct 9th 2009 3:00PM by Kristen Seymour
Photo: Ray Mickshaw, FOX|Jason Merritt, Getty Images
Since the infamous moment when Cowell made a joke about needing a bigger stage to accommodate Hundley -- a moment that, by the way, just won't die thanks to the fact that "American Idol Rewind" chose to include it in the premiere episode -- Hundley's life has changed dramatically. Not only does she have a new album out, titled "Freedom," but the singer has also dropped an astonishing 80 pounds, reports Entertainment Tonight (via MSN TV).
It was the recording of her album, singing songs about being set free, that inspired the change. She told ET that she couldn't help but ask herself, "How can I tell people that God has set them free when I am still bound?" A trip to Mount Rushmore was also a wake-up call -- she found herself breathing heavy and sweating and in pain from walking up the incline, and when she got home, she set to work on changing her eating habits and her life, hiring a personal trainer and seeing a counselor specializing in eating disorders.
Click on the gallery below to see more American Idol stars who are showing off new figures. Story continues after the gallery.
'Shape Magazine' reported that Grammy-winning vegetarian Carrie Underwood has dropped between 15 and 20 pounds since her Idol days by hitting the treadmill, swimming and sticking to healthy eats. Although she admits to a weakness for cheese, Underwood prevents herself from overindulging by keeping a food diary and carrying around whole grain Kashi bars wherever she goes.
American Idol Body Transformations
By Gabrielle Linzer
'Shape Magazine' reported that Grammy-winning vegetarian Carrie Underwood has dropped between 15 and 20 pounds since her Idol days by hitting the treadmill, swimming and sticking to healthy eats. Although she admits to a weakness for cheese, Underwood prevents herself from overindulging by keeping a food diary and carrying around whole grain Kashi bars wherever she goes.
Stephen Shugerman, Getty Images
Though he has dropped almost 100 pounds, American Idol (AI) season 2 victor Ruben Studdard, is as cuddly as ever. According to MSNBC, Studdard kicked his weight loss into high gear in order to avoid being struck by one of numerous diseases that run in his family including diabetes and high blood pressure. By attending a weight management center at Duke University, he was able to learn how to make healthier choices and upon leaving, adopted a vegetarian diet.
Katy Winn, Getty Images
Kelly Clarkson, the original queen of AI, reportedly does not believe in diets. However, we hear that since AI, she has refined her eating habits (focusing on portion control) and amping up her fitness routine instead of following any particular diet plan. Clarkson told 'Us Weekly' that she indulges in her penchant for chocolate, but only to a certain point. and sprints around concert arenas work best for this belting beauty.
Getty Images
Along with his daily 45 minute runs and energetic stage performances, 'People Magazine' reports Taylor Hicks was able to drop 22 pounds, which we think has helped given him an uncanny resemblance to George Clooney. Plus, cutting back on his beloved Southern fried foods and upping his intake of brown rice, salad, chicken soup couldn't have hurt.
Mark Mainz, Getty Images
After a five-year battle with bulimia, AI season 5 runner-up Katherine McPhee managed to drop 30 pounds the healthy way by sticking to the Intuitive eating plan. She told Shape Magazine that the plan worked because she can munch on anything she pleases, but when she's full, she stops. Exercise-wise McPhee tones her muscles with weight training and likes to walk on the treadmill for 45 minutes four to five days a week.
Steve Granitz, WireImage.com
Oscar-winning Dreamgirl Jennifer Hudson knows how to have a good time, but don't ask her to stay out late partying: It's been reported by 'Us Weekly' that J-Hud wakes up before dawn for her daily run, followed by squats, push-ups and sit-ups. This AI Season 3 finalist dropped 60 pounds through her rigorous workout routine and a healthy diet that included staple items such as salads, grilled chicken and cranberry juice. When she needs an energy boost, Hudson turns to a stash of diet-smart snacks: almonds, cashews, and raisins.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
AI season 2 finalist Kimberley Locke reportedly lost about 25 pounds weight with the help of a stint on 'Celebrity Fit Club.' But when she wanted to drop another 40, she called Jenny Craig. Along with the help of her "Jenny" diet, Locke began jumping rope for exercise.
Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images
'US Weekly' dubbed Kellie Pickler "the next Jessica Simpson," and like her blond counterpart, the AI season 5 finalist also got serious about shaping up. Pickler gained nearly 20 pounds munching on candy backstage during her time on the show. But by taking simple measures, such as replacing offstage sweets with vegetables, she eliminated almost all junk food from her diet. Pickler stays fit by playing football with band members and with a killer ab routine, in which she does 100 crunches a day on her tour bus.
Gregg DeGuire, WireImage.com
In the process, she was also able to let go of any anger or mortification regarding the joke Cowell made at her expense. She admits that, originally, it was her least favorite memory from "American Idol," but it's now her favorite because, after she saw him again and forgave him, she told ET, "I will never forget that reaction: the look on his face -- humbled and giving me a big hug. I have never seen him like that before."
Hundley doesn't believe in diets, but does have a few points of focus -- getting enough fiber through whole grains, fruits and veggies, and eating lean chicken and fish. Her exercise routine is heavy on weight training so that she'll be toned, but she enjoys Zumba and incorporates cardio when she can.
If you want to follow Hundley as she continues toward her goal of losing 100 pounds, check out her blog.
Another singer has struggled with eating for reasons other than hunger -- have you?
