Many popular music artists enjoy a fleeting moment in time when they are truly on top of the world. Or maybe they were just on top of a lesser-known Billboard chart for a week or two. Either way, they found success and made fans. When a film or a commercial features their biggest hit, it’s likely we’ll know it.
But as Bruce Springsteen once said, “The glory days, they’ll pass you by.” (Well, unless you’re Bruce Springsteen.) But just because an artist is no longer living out their glory days in the public eye doesn’t mean they aren’t living a glorious life. And that’s why we at American Songwriter think it’s worth seeking out music folks who made an impact once upon a time. Most often the answer to the question “Where are they now?” shows they’ve entered a fascinating new phase of life that provides fresh context for the songs we all love.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 07: (L-R) Season 1 judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest speak onstage during FOX's "American Idol" Finale For The Farewell Season at Dolby Theatre on April 7, 2016 in Hollywood, California. at Dolby Theatre on April 7, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 19: Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield of Metallica perform at Eden Park on November 19, 2025 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Dave Simpson/WireImage)
American Proto-Punk musician Bobby Hackney Sr, of the group Death, plays bass guitar as he performs, during Fun Fun Fun Fest, onstage at Waterloo Park, Austin, Texas, November 7, 2009. (Photo by John Anderson/The Austin Chronicle/Getty Images)
AMERICAN IDOL – "713 (Billboard #1 Hits)" – Meghan Trainor mentors the Top 12 before they perform their favorite Billboard #1 hits live, giving their all to earn America's vote for the coveted Top 10. 2008 runner-up David Archuleta also performs. MONDAY, APRIL 22 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Eric McCandless) ABI CARTER
AMERICAN IDOL – "718 (Grand Finale)" – Who will become the next American Idol? The Top 3 finalists give their all for the last chance to earn America's vote. Jon Bon Jovi serves as guest mentor and performer, plus special performances from other music legends and today's top stars. SUNDAY, MAY 19 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (Disney/Eric McCandless) ABI CARTER