‘American Idol’ Style

Carrie Underwood went from girl-next-door to red-carpet stunner after undergoing a post-"Idol" makeover. - Jeff …Week after week, contestants on "American Idol" face scrutiny from judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi, not only for their song choices and performances, but also for their outfits.

It's no wonder: the right wardrobe choices have been instrumental in the success of past "Idols," like Carrie Underwood, who went from girl-next-door to red-carpet stunner after undergoing a post-"Idol" makeover. "She looks very Hollywood and glamorous, but not so chic that she turns off her fan base," says InStyle's Fashion Director Hal Rubenstein of Underwood. "For Carrie, it's an easy, approachable glamour that's soft, pretty, and not too edgy -- a transformation that came to be only after she truly 'made it.'"

For other contestants, like Katharine McPhee and Jordin Sparks, the evolution from reality TV star to stylish superstar started on the show. Indeed, as "Idol" hopefuls try on different musical styles over the course of the competition, they also experiment with fashion: "I have to help them build an image," says Miles Higgins, the show's chief stylist. "From looking at the auditions and being at Hollywood week, I can spot people and envision them."
 
Starting this week, the Top 13 begin working with Higgins and his co-stylist, Soyon An. Higgins works primarily with the male contestants and has been with the show since its second season. "It always … gets more glam as the show progresses," he says. "The contestants get a bit more savvy."

Several season eight contestants already possess distinct styles that seem to be working. Leading the pack is Adam Lambert, whose gothic-inspired look -- black spiky hair, eyeliner, chain necklaces and skinny jeans -- perfectly fits with the rock songs he sings.

"Idol" wannabe Adam Lambert rocks a gothic-inspired look. - Michael Becker/Getty ImagesThe 27-year-old favors black spiky hair, eyeliner, chain necklaces, and skinny jeans. - Frank Micelotta/Getty  …  

Megan Joy Corkrey's quirky song stylings have earned her praise from the judges, who celebrate her modern approach and compare her to artists like Adele and Amy Winehouse. Her unique personal style -- flirty dresses, bright red lips, and a sleeve of tattoos -- helped earn her a spot in the top 13. After she sang KT Tunstall's "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree," DioGuardi told her, "I think that we need you. You're different."

Megan Joy Corkrey pairs her long tresses with flirty dresses. - Frank Micelotta/Getty ImagesShe completes her look with bright red lips and a sleeve of tattoos. - Michael Becker/Getty Images
 
Matt Giraud's graphic t-shirt, blazer, and jeans ensemble, which he paired with a fedora and fringed scarf, got mixed reviews from the judges on March 5th's Wildcard episode. "Great choice of song," Simon Cowell said. "My criticism would be I hate what you're wearing because it's a little bit try-hard and I saw bits of Taylor Hicks coming through."

Matt Giraud opts for ripped jeans and a basic leather jacket. - Frank Micelotta/Getty ImagesThe singer copies Justin Timberlake's style in this fedora and fringed scarf. - Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

Click here to see the rest of the Top 13's signature looks.

Witness the style makeovers of previous Idol contestants!

And be sure to visit InStyle.com each week to watch the contestants transform and get details on what they're wearing.