One of the most groundbreaking shows that FOX gave us viewers was reality singing competition, American Idol. It broke ground for other competition series such as So You Think You Can Dance, The Sing-Off, The X-Factor, The Glee Project, The Voice, and many more. We reach the end of FOX’s 30th birthday week, and we are pleased to do so by taking a look back at a show that kept everyone (at least during the first few seasons) glued to their TVs (and phones).
After twelve amazing seasons, we have seen so many fantastic performances on American Idol, starting from Kelly Clarkson all the way to Trent Harmon. Let us take a look at our Pop10: Favorite American Idol Performances.
10. Haley Reinheart (Season 10): “Bennie and The Jets”
We start our Pop10 Countdown with Season 10 competitor, Haley Reinhart. This performance of “Bennie and the Jets” is so fresh, and her voice is fantastic.
9. Clay Aiken (Season 2): “Bridge Over Trouble Water”
We are taking this way back to Season 2 of the show. With this performance, Clay Aiken really made this song work perfectly. The low register of his vocals and overall feel of this performance is great. No wonder why he made it to the final two.
8. Lee Dewyze (Season 9): “Hallelujah”
I absolutely loved this performance from Season 9 winner, Lee Dewyze. He made this song his own, and the addition of the guitar made the song even better.
7. Kris Allen (Season 8): “Ain’t No Sunshine”
Lets go back in time to Season 8 with our crowned winner, Kris Allen. I think this was one of his breakout performances. The song, accompanied by his excellent piano skills, just brought this performance to a whole other level.
6. Carrie Underwood (Season 4): “Alone”
We are going back to Season 4 with one of our most successful American Idols, Carrie Underwood. This performance of “Alone” was really a breakthrough for her and is still probably one of her best performances to date. Her high-powered vocals and overall stage presence is what have made Carrie so successful.
5. Adam Lambert (Season 8): “Mad World”
I loved this performance by Adam Lambert back in Season 8. I believe that this showed a different side of him that we weren’t used to yet on the show, and it worked for him. He totally rocked the performance.
4. Phillip Phillips (Season 11): “Home”
When I first heard this song from Phillip Phillips, it just made me smile. He had always been my favorite from Season 11, and this song proved why I loved him so much.
3. Blake Lewis (Season 6): “You Give Love A Bad Name”
During Season 6 of the show, we got introduced to Blake Lewis. I was hoping he would win so the world could hear his beat-boxing skills, but Jordin Sparks is perfect as well. This performance of “You Give Love A Bad Name” made my mouth drop (in a good way). His interpretation was spot on, and it brought out who he was as an artist.
2. Fantasia (Season 3): “Summertime”
Need I say more? I mean come on. Lungs of steel and a fantastic voice.
1. Kelly Clarkson (Season 1): “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”
This performance I believe was the breakout performance for our first ever American Idol, Kelly Clarkson. She brightened up the stage every week she was on and never faced an elimination. That is why “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” is our number one favorite American Idol Performance.
But wait! — before we finish, I have to give an honorable mention to our first American Idol winner for the emotional and breathtaking performance of her single “Piece by Piece” she sang on the series finale of the show. It was raw and from the heart. Check the performance out below:
Well, there you have it: our Pop10 Countdown of favorite American Idol Performances. Did yours make the list? Let us know in the comments below what your favorite performances of the past 12 seasons were.
