10 of the Best American Idol Performances

American Idol has been the show where contestants from around the world compete against one another to see who has the best skills in singing. From opera, r&b, to country whatever type of song it is that you can sign it can earn you a spot as the beast American idol. Here are 10 of the best American idol performances. 

1. Skylar Laine

Skylar came marching right out of the gate in no time right at the start of the season, with a top 25-week performance that was nothing short of a stunning revelation. From her beautiful Faces song choice to the sassy delivery to the fun table-turning of Rod Stewart’s original misogynistic lyrics, there was a lot to enjoy about Skylar’s vivacious performance. It was just the cowgirl-boot-kick up the bum that this show needed.

2. Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood has probably been in the music industry longer than anyone. It was her audition on American Idol that got her where she is today. Carrie Underwood auditions for American Idol back in season 4 where the young ginger did not show that much charisma. But this characteristic of hers and dynamic heart cover was the first sign that she had the potential to be the next American Idol. 

3. Jennifer Hudson

Carrie Underwood is not the only music veteran to have made a big come-up in making it big in American Idol. When Jennifer Hudson first performed on the show, she ended up in the bottom three with Fantasia and LaToya London, during one of the craziest elimination nights ever a couple of weeks after performing this tour de force. However, Jennifer Hudson put on this powerful performance proving that she is a sign of the greatness for what’s to come for her next in her music career.

4. Kris Allen

Back when American Idol had been going on for a few years, Kris Allen’s performance was probably the most game-changing in American Idol history. Going into season 8, Kris was tied with opposing singers Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert who we all thought would take the win over Kris. However, when Kris performed an acoustic version of Kanye West’s track “Heartless”, the decision was pretty much unanimous. Kris then made it to the finale being chosen over Danny after this, in what was a perfect example of never doubting the underdog at the last minute.

5. Fantasia

When you hear the name Fantasia, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? For me, the thought of Queen of R&B comes to my mind. For nearly 20 years, Fantasia has been making a name for herself being at the top of billboards for her record and album sales. Back in season 3 of American Idol, all of America was surprised when Fantasia displayed a spectacular performance of the Porgy and Beast classic “Summertime”. Fantasia’s name was circulating in the news for quite a while, but it was her amazing performance that showed everyone she is one of the greatest singers to ever grace the Idol stage. Even guest judge Quentin Tarantino was impressed. If can get a compliment from movie legend Quentin Tarantino, you have a status to watch out for. 

6. Kelly Clarkson

Back when American Idol first launched, Kelly Clarkson was the first runner-up of the series. When Kelly Clarkson made her debut singing “Natural Woman”, she chose to wear a suit and tie. This right here shows that Kelly is making a statement for feminism on how a woman should naturally look without the stress of society telling woman how to dress. Since this performance, Kelly has been American Idols number 1 girl ever since.

7.  Jason Castro

Many singers and other contestants may have already covered this Leonard Cohen classic track, but Jason Castro still to this day remains the definitive American Idol when it comes to this song. The song really should have been taken out of reality television after how he performed this song with such perfection. His performance was so popular that iTunes and Apple music downloads of other artists such as the Cohen, Jeff Buckley, and Rufus Wainwright versions skyrocketed the day after this aired earning him a spot on the billboard.

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8. Heejun Han

Heejun Han made a statement of what most people think of judging a book by its cover. Arriving in a button-up suit only to rip it off and shouting out a phrase popularized by the song “My Life” while looking reminiscent to figure like Jon Peter Lewis, Taylor Hicks, Casey Abrams, Magic Cyclops, and Norman Gentle all at the same time. Even though this may have been planned, this act of his lead up to Heejun’s performance as both a genius of both music and performing arts.

9. Elise Testone

I may be a little late to figure it out, but I am just now understanding to realize how season 11 was such a fantastic year. Seeing that so many performances on this list came from that circle. It was probably the last truly great American Idol season, Elise Testone no doubt was another highlight. Elise took an amazing risk by covering Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love”. What is so unique about this track is that it is the most complex song in the world to sing. But Elise did not let that stop her from rising to the occasion.

10. Adam Lambert

Ok, this was probably hands down the most electrifying performance on American Idol history and the most exciting one of all time. Adam knew how to get people’s attention and make those who adore him faint. On one of the biggest nights of his life, Adam took a strong stance, making it clear that he planned to stay true to himself, even if that meant freaking out Randy Travis with his Goth image. What amazed the crowd was having the honor to sing side-by-side with the hall of fame rock and roll band “KISS”. Since that performance, Adam Lambert has become the new age of modern rock stars.

American Idol is that show where we can all come together, and watch people put their skills to the test seeing if they have what it takes to be the next big singer.