I have never seen any show transcend the boundaries of age, race, religion, weight and politics as beautifully as American Idol has in the past six years. I can discuss it with my husband's 70-year-old uncle (who thinks Sanjaya should be shot), my cabdriver (who cries when he hears Kat McPhee), my gynecologist (who thinks Paula's hysterical... in a bad way), and my 6- and 4-year-old cousins, who think the sun rises and sets with Simon Cowell. That's right, you heard me, they like Simon (not to mention all the cute boys on the show). So I asked some of my peeps what they thought were some of the best moments from American Idol, and this is what we came up with. — Erin Fox
Kelly Clarkson, "Stuff Like That There" | Watch on YouTube This was not only the moment I knew Kelly would win the first Idol title, it was the moment I knew she could literally sing anything.
Fantasia Barrino, "Summertime" | Watch on YouTube I don't think there was a dry eye in America after this stunning, goosebump-raising performance. Fantasia belongs on the stage.
Jennifer Hudson, "Circle of Life" | Watch on YouTube How she got voted off after blowing the speakers out on this tune is beyond me. Seriously, what is wrong with voters? But she got her revenge, Oscar-style.
Clay Aiken, "Bridge over Troubled Water" | Watch on YouTube Accompanied by an insanely fabulous gospel choir, Clay rocked this Simon and Garfunkel classic, and proved why he was in the final two. He also did an amazing job on "Solitaire," but seriously, this was a moment all Clay-mates have burned in their memories.
Ruben Studdard, "Superstar" | Watch on YouTube Sung in the early stages of the show, the judges had to scoop their jaws off the floor at Ruben's sultry, soulful, controlled and professional singing.
Chris Daughtry, "Hemorrhage" | Watch on YouTube This "normal" guy turned into a rock star in an instant with his rendition of this song. He's proven every day since why he should have won instead of Taylor.
Constantine Maroulis, "Bohemian Rhapsody" | Watch on YouTube Constantine really showed his dramatic flare when he performed this classic tune. After the Wayne's World version, this comes in a close second to the original.
Katharine McPhee, "Somewhere over the Rainbow" | Watch on YouTube She's wicked hot and she's got a voice "like buttah." I just got goosebumps watching this again: She's flawless singing the Wizard of Oz classic. Everyone sings it, yet she made it her own. Wowza. Simon picked it for her, and we have to admit the bastard was right.
Diana DeGarmo, "Don't Cry Out Loud" | Watch on YouTube I think we all went, "Holy crap, this chick can belt it out," when we watched Diana blow the judges away with this song. Only 16 at the time, she sang this tune better than most professional artists.
Tamyra Gray, "A House Is Not a Home" | Watch on YouTube Oh, Tamyra... what a shame that you've kinda disappeared after your few acting stints. You really are beautiful and talented, as evidenced clearly by this performance. Watch this and you'll think she was robbed all over again (because she was voted off before heinous Nikki McKibbin). Simon actually called it "one of the best performances on television" he's ever seen. Would someone please revive her career?
What's your take? Are my picks in tune with yours? Or is there someone I overlooked or oversold? Share your own "best of Idol" here.
Check out more memorable American Idol moments in our Online Video Guide.
I think the one of the best versions of Bohemian Rhapsody I've ever seen was by Suzie McNeil on Rockstar: INXS. If you haven't seen it, look it up. It's amazing.
I like 9 out of 10. If you replace Constantine's "Bohemian Rhapsody" with Carrie Underwood's version of "Alone," then I'd say you've got yourself a real list. I was not a big Carrie fan, but when I saw that powerful performance (better than any of her Martina McBride imitations), it instantly made her the favorite to win that season, at least to me (and Simon, I believe).
I felt you were pretty much right on. Where I helt you missed was in not including, the beat box boy when he did his "thang" with the drummer beside him. So kickin'. Another, during Queen week, th above average, Pickler, stunned me with an A+ performance of her Queen pick. Started ou giving homage to the 4 shadowed heads Album with the extreme heavy spot and then blasting into the song and running the stage as Mercury once did.
Drop Diana and Constantine and add Carrie's "Alone" and Blake Lewis's "You Give Love a Bad Name." The best by far was Clay's "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
Drop Diana and Constantine and add Carrie's "Alone" and Blake Lewis's "You Give Love a Bad Name." The best by far was Clay's "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
I agree that Carrie Underwood's performance of "Alone" should've been on the list somewhere, maybe replacing Ruben Studdard's "Superstar", since I can't even remember that performance. And I would've picked Clay's "Solitaire" over "Bridge Over Troubled Water." To this day, it's still one of my favorite songs. And what about when Bo Bice did that a cappella number? I definitely would've included Blake Lewis's "You Give Love a Bad Name."
I agree add Carrie's "Alone" it's one of the best performances ever. And Kelly's rendition of "Before Your Love" in the Season 1 finale still gives me goosebumps...
I am constantly surprised when I read different sites "Top 10" or so performances and DON'T see Carrie Underwood's "Alone." I think it was an amazing performance because it proves she's an all around star, not just a country singer.
I also have to mention my sweet little Elliott. He blew me away several times, but when he sang "A Song for You," I was left speechless.
Carrie's "Alone" is the greatest single Idol performance. That was the night you realized she was going to not only win but become the superstar she is today(wasn't that the night Simon told her "not only will you win, but you'll sell more records than any other winner"?).
Bo's acapella(?) version of "In A Dream" is second.
I agree with the list except for leaving out the Carrie Underwood song, and how about the Bo bice, In a Dream. He did an acapella version - that was hauntingly beautiful. One of the few songs I have remembered.
You forgot to mention Melinda Doolittle - My Funny Valentine -excellent. I also loved everything that Daughtry did, but especially - Have You Ever Loved a Woman and Blake Lewis - All Mixed Up.
That was the night you realized she was going to not only win but become the superstar she is today(wasn't that the night Simon told her "not only will you win, but you'll sell more records than any other winner"?).