| 100% | SIMONSEIZE | 10 | "Mr. Cowell, grab that 'American Idol' contestant!"? |
| 42% | RONDA | 5 | "American Idol" contestant Felton |
| 42% | ADAM | 4 | "American Idol" contestant ___ Lambert |
| 42% | STARDOM | 7 | "American Idol" contestant's goal |
| 38% | SIMON | 5 | Cowell formerly of "American Idol" |
| 36% | ADAMLAMBERT | 11 | "American Idol" contestant who started singing with Queen in 2011: 2 wds. |
| 35% | HICKS | 5 | 2006 American Idol |
| 33% | RANDY | 5 | Longtime American Idol judge Jackson |
| 33% | CLARKSON | 8 | First American Idol winner, Kelly __ |
| 33% | ABDUL | 5 | Paula the American Idol judge |
| 33% | UNDERWOOD | 9 | Carrie __, 2005 American Idol winner |
| 33% | KELLIEPICKLER | 13 | "American Idol" contestant who teamed with Derek Hough in winning "Dancing with the Stars": 2 wds. |
| 32% | ADAMLAMBERT | 11 | Former "American Idol" contestant who played the Emcee in "Cabaret" after 28-Across: 2 wds. |
| 32% | CLARKSON | 8 | Winner of American Idol Season One |
| 32% | CLARKSON | 8 | Kelly, first winner of American Idol |
| 32% | CARRIEUNDERWOOD | 15 | Country singer and American Idol winner |
| 32% | PHIL | 4 | Mr Mickelson, American golfer |
| 32% | BRUCE | 5 | Mr Willis, American actor |
| 32% | MORGAN | 6 | American actor Mr Freeman |
| 32% | CLINT | 5 | Mr Eastwood, American actor |
| 32% | DON | 3 | Mr Johnson, American actor |
| 32% | DEITY | 5 | Idol that is worshipped |
| 32% | OILS | 4 | Mr. Universe contestants' needs |
| 32% | SIMON | 5 | Critical Brit on early American Idol panels |
| 32% | SEACREST | 8 | Ryan __; radio host and American Idol compere |
| 32% | CLARKSON | 8 | The first winner of American Idol, Kelly __ |
| 31% | POI | 3 | Food that Americans mostly eat in Hawaii |
| 31% | BRAD | 4 | Mr Pitt, American film actor |
| 31% | PAUL | 4 | Mr Simon, American singer-songwriter |
| 31% | CATBIRDS | 8 | American feathered creatures that yowl |