BEST American Idol Performance ever!

Clay Aiken performing Bridge Over Troubled Water on American Idol. This video includes the judges comments.
Yeah, of course it's my opinion. It's a lot of other persons opinion, so why not title it that way. ^^

[@CandyR6552]

Still watching & enjoying in 2024!

[@darleneb2104]

Same here

[@thebeardedcanadianadventures]

Same. Still one of the best.

[@chrisbae1880]

Same here

[@ShyLo05]

Me too!

[@susana.1232]

Me TOO ❤

[@brianbirnbaum3278]

Thiis is the most memorable performance ever from American Idol. Clay won this evening, and should have won the season...... it is almost 19 years later, and I still love to watch this fantastic performance.

[@catrinalawrence393]

I agree 😊 Clay is a very good singer the bridge over trouble water he did a awesome job 😊

[@dawniepoo2]

This is the most memorable performance of all times!! Clay won that day. He was way better than Ruben!! LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS AND HIM!!

[@brianbirnbaum3278]

@@dawniepoo2 -- I totally agree. Clay won the season as a performer. Ruben was very likeable, and he did a great job. Kimberley Locke was terrific too!

[@KevinDay22]

If every vote cast was counted, Clay would have won hands down. That night Clay and Ruben only had ONE phone line open, which is ridiculous. Every season going forward each contestant had 3 lines and 4 hours for the finale. Just having one line open basically ensured each line was jammed the entire 2 hour window and thus the outcome was essentially a random result. It's been revealed years later by producers Clay came in 1st place every single week by such a significant margin it was more than the other 11 combined. It was 100% a phone capacity issue and still irks me to this day lol.

[@brendajohnson5975]

I was in awww when he sang Solitaire. His high notes were AMAZING

[@kathymaloney1034]

Unbelievable!!! Clay Aiken should have won American Idol !!!

[@susana.1232]

Absolutely ...he should have !

[@sylviabuchanan3749]

I have always thought Clay Aiken was the best voice ever on American Idol.

[@lividea]

17 years later I still think this is one of the top 5 performances of Idol ever. I love the way he just casually walks up to the microphone from backstage, in perfect time to start the song.

[@lexsoft3969]

Yeah that moment looks cool. His gimmick too, when he moved his head to the side. Those, along with his vocal ability, made him look like a professional already.

[@adammontoya5759]

Agreed I remember watching this when I was a junior in high school. How time has flown. :(

[@rainymoon9848]

Yeah, this was one of my favorite idol performaces, as well. Other favorites: Bo Bice- In a Dream, Fantasia - Summertime, Jordin Sparks - I Who Have Nothing, David Cook - Music of the Night, Paris Bennet - The Show Must Go On, Anthony Federov (sic?) - I Surrender and Incomplete.

[@rainymoon9848]

Yeah, this was one of my favorite idol performaces, as well. Other favorites: Bo Bice- In a Dream, Fantasia - Summertime, Jordin Sparks - I Who Have Nothing, David Cook - Music of the Night, Paris Bennet - The Show Must Go On, Anthony Federov (sic?) - I Surrender and Incomplete.

[@Profswife]

OH YESSS!

[@christinamellow9824]

This is definitley THE BEST PREFORMANCE ON AMERICAN IDOL. CLAY FAN FOREVER.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@normacollinklein8159]

After all these years this performance is the best ever!❤

[@kathrynphillipps9019]

His pitch is FLAWLESS

[@melo8130]

Clay Aiken SAAAANG DOWN that night. The way he walked out on stage, the choir bringing the background vocals to life, this performance was soo powerful.

[@Phoov23]

One of the best voices to come out of Idol!

[@leonapireo6391]

Absolutely!!!

[@Melinda8162]

@@leonapireo6391 2nd that!! 🎉. 😊 👍👌💓

[@meganarchibald1490]

I just saw Ruben and Clay on tour this week. Clay sang this song at the end and blew the roof off! Standing ovation before Ruben even came out to do his last song. SO. GOOD.

[@annvear2904]

I've watched this for years and I still get chills every time. Hands down the best performance ever on American Idol.

[@eddieharrison3801]

Totally agree

[@TreasureA11Gold]

This is Clays best performance but it’s mediocre to Ruben Studdard performances.

[@B-ch6uk]

He did that so effortlessly too. Fantastic.

[@debbieclark6495]

Remember the Clay Aiken who auditioned? If you’re out there Clay- You was robbed! Still love you! Such a talented singer!!

[@jasonbathurst3199]

Clay totally should have won that season! He slayed this Bridge Over Troubled Water!

[@angelalosole5846]

Both him and Ruben are fantastic and have great music careers.

[@angelalosole5846]

They are going to be doing a reunion tour together to celebrate the 20th year since their season.

[@bryanmartin5901]

I have literally watched this thousands of times, but hadn’t in years… *CHILLS* every single time

[@olliecYoung-xj5cf]

Clay should have won American Idol that year! Amazingly talented!

[@catrinalawrence393]

Wow wow 😮 awesome job 👍

[@marymagdalene3004]

I think he won.

[@vickiewilson5674]

Agree he could sing alot better than Reuben not any doubt i really believe it was rigged.and nobody's gonna change my mind.

[@brandib5591]

What's crazy to me is how effortless it seems for him. He doesn't strain for one note. He never touches his earpiece trying to make sure he is on pitch. it's just he says "OK let's do this..." Love it.

[@marytoth9521]

THE BEST

[@aniklestari1484]

Amazing performance...great

[@lindakorbel6018]

The low notes are fabulous

[@diananutt1517]

@Brandi B. 🌿I didn't watch "Idol" regularly. It was great, but I knew I'd have to miss some for work, so I treasure KZbin now❣️ Came here now after watching Clay win $300,000 for charity on "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" and needed to see more of that fantastic guy! (Btw, he had the right answer for $500,000 but wouldn't chance dropping back to $25,000!) Smart careful guy.💚 When this song was a hit for Simon and Garfunkel in '69, I was a bit homesick, having just joined the 🇺🇲Marines🇺🇲 and felt it was too sad for me right then. But Paula was right on when she said Clay gave us a brand new song❣️He is wonderful not just as a singer but a beautiful person as well❣️💚🌿

[@jeremyhobbs7312]

Still gives me goosebumps, so good!

[@virginialeblue8366]

Both Clay and Ruben remain good friends to this day, and I absolutely love to watch them perform together! They are both SuperStars!

[@lilimarlene7813]

This is the one and only year they should have declared a tie. I love them both. 🥰🥰

[@rbkknight7406]

Well one of them is anyway!

[@strangementalitypaperYT]

I remember in an interview, Clay described their competition as more like a partnership.

[@philkingmke]

Uh, Ruben is no superstar lol. Hes a big, cuddly teddy bear who can sing a lil bit. He doesn't hold a candle to Clay's talent...but I also realize it's not just about talent when you have America voting.

[@franblakely6361]

@@philkingmke Actually I just saw them in person in September. While they were both about equal on AI, they now perform together and the show was perfection. However, Ruben held his own, as we are very high up here in altitude and Ruben never missed a beat, Clay (my fave) was seeming to struggle at the end of the show keeping long notes, as the air is so hard to get used to here from ground level and they only arrived the day before.

[@archiemcustodio4801]

What makes this a great performance is even his body and facial expressions are timing the music and the notes. He was riding along and in the zone. Every note is pitch perfect especially the last climactic note in the end!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤

[@naamaprasad7473]

Absolutely brilliant...I watch this performance over an over again. Clay should have won... my personal opinion.

[@lorigirio2448]

Hands down… Clay should’ve been the winner. In my opinion. His voice is always so perfectly composed and beautiful. This was when idol was the show to watch.

[@mikkigonnion1627]

Still here 2020 😷 Still can’t get enough of the Aiken 17 yrs and all it takes is one 1 u tube vid And back in love again

[@samanthawhitaker7074]

Watched this with my grandma when it aired, I think I was 7. This is one of my fondest memories, she passed away from breast cancer soon after. She loved Clay Aiken, we enjoyed his music together. She bought his debut album and I used to listen to it on my CD player. Forever in love with his vocal abilities and tone.

[@kerenshulman]

Clay was my favorite American Idol's singer, what a powerful voice!

[@jeannedemaria7252]

This performance was absolutely amazing. I have watched Clay through the whole season and he definitely should of won hands down

[@shelleyUSATX]

I'd forgotten how beautiful his voice is. Love this!

[@penguinZ85]

I was shocked when he didn’t win after a performance like this.

[@yvonnemercer5601]

Yes agree as well .he did his thing that night.Ruben as well but I think when clay said he could make number 1 or 2 at his audition the man knew in heart the gift God him .yes he came in second but he blew up after that.!

[@lcretzlaff]

After all this time, he still gives me goose bumps! Wish he was still singing.

[@jaxsmith1204]

He's doing such important work politically now, though. He's found his purpose. I'm so proud of him

[@melaniekey246]

He is. I just got tickets for him and Rubens 2023 tour

[@lovesfall2168]

Clay and Ruben are touring 2023

[@melaniekey246]

@@lovesfall2168 I know because I got the tickets for a concert in NC!! Can't wait!!

[@lovesfall2168]

@@melaniekey246 I want to go to their concert, but none close enough to me. I was at the last one they did together it was great.

[@ericstidham8199]

as a cancer patient i listen to this every time i take chemotherapy just to get me through the sickness and unability to eat....its Clays version that makes all the bad go away....i know Clay never reads these comments but if by chance he does....THANK YOU CLAY FOR UR AMAZING VOICE AND SHARING IT WITH THE WORLD AND MOST OF ALL....ME...FOR HELPING ME FORGET THE CANCER ONE SONG AT A TIME /

[@slyseyes]

I hope you're doing better today, Eric.

[@carolcole570]

Eric Stidham . Are you still with us, Eric ? I sincerely pray so !

[@misfortune8833]

Know it late but hope you get better

[@jeffwalters79]

Lost my father to cancer 3 years ago, hang tough brother!!! I hope Clay does read this, it would be an inspiration to him as well as other cancer survivors 👍

[@mbaguil69]

Hope you’re still with us Eric 💖I’m a cancer survivor- still battling the fear god bless you

[@georgepeterson9923]

Clay just killed it here! This was the best Idol performance ever. This came when the show was at it's peak.

[@jeannemichaud5052]

The ultimate best AI singer and performance 👏, all the other comments say it also for me. His voice just makes my heart and soul soar, and still does, God bless

[@petrella1972]

I still don't know how he was the runner up!

[@StreamHypeBoyByNewJeans]

No the show peaked in season 7, not season 2. Stop spreading lies

[@Melinda8162]

💯%

[@lescawe]

The “fix” was in ….. only way Clay lost! Still makes me mad after all these years!😳😱😖😫😩😢😭

[@billwendybauman585]

I watch this so often it's ridiculous, but this is by far IS the absolute best ever Idol performance. I just don't know how he did not win in 1st place, he slayed every song, every performance, and tore the roof off with this performance, even Simon says! LOL He won by all practical rights, no doubt. Every time I watch this ...I still get goosebumps on that last lyric & note. Clay Aiken - amazing performer & singer! Love it sooooo much! winner!

[@adamwarlock3530]

Clay was my all time favorite. Such a great voice. All his performances were flawless.

[@nicole9345]

This performance never gets old. Have lost count how many times I've watched it. Magnificent vocals showcased in a magnificent song.

[@1834gail]

God, you have blessed this man with so much true talent! My mother loved him... She recently passed away. While she was on life support, I would play clays music to her. She loved "Mary did you know" my brother, her first born child died suddenly! When I would play clays music, her heart rate and blood Pressure would stabilize. She loved you CLAY. God bless you for giving her this happiness....I appreciate what you gave her!

[@bethvinsant7284]

Performance still gives me chills💕💕

[@carolynnomura271]

This popped up in my feed. I loved Clay Aiken as a natural vocalist and as a person of character. He is aiming again to be a U.S. congressperson. Congress needs persons like him -- down to earth and self-confident without ego. He OWNED that stage.

[@christosioannou9628]

Amen!

[@vascorfael7223]

Hes a democrat and an awful one at that so no

[@JOHNNYSGIRL1960]

He already did run twice and lost both times. He also recently said he isn't going to run any more!

[@susanemminger6690]

Hope he wins

[@omarromo5293]

This guy has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard! OMG!

[@ronniestawsky2487]

I agree

[@ronniestawsky2487]

What happens to hin?where is he now?

[@gaylelindstrom4361]

Ronnie Stawsky p

[@desiderata4445]

And very good looking too.

[@serafpano8488]

Really. Do you listen to alot of music. Out of all the talent in this world. He's at number 10000

[@susansmiley3213]

Clay was my all time favorite....love his awesome voice. He should have won.

[@joangentile2731]

Clay has one of the best voices ever!! Love his voice!! 💖💖💖

[@k.g.m.254]

I don't even think this could have been better. His voice is incredible.

[@MrsMupp93]

I keep coming back to this performance every once in a while. I enjoy it everytime and when the performance is over, I always ask myself, "How did this guy not win..?"

[@carltonbost236]

He didn't win because it was a popularity contest. I voted for Clay myself. This is my favorite song, of all time, and he did an interplanetary rendition of it. I stopped watching American Idol when Jennifer Hudson was voted off. She did better than anyone, and was sent home, and that touched a nerves with me. I've done talent shows, in the past, and prefer judges only evaluations.

[@umbrastar]

I don't know if this is true but I heard that Clays phone line was getting so many votes that for whatever reason not all of hits votes were counted and they got dropped.

[@ignezmaciel2102]

...because he is gay....i was furious too.... and today who is the very best ????? Clay !!

[@LADYBIRD501]

same here MrsMupp93, I'm wondering the same thing to....i wish he could have won he really deserved it.

[@jaelmarshall6565]

Because black people are better at EVERYTHING

[@laurielongbottom4170]

That voice. OMG, that voice!! I truly have chills.

[@makeupboss3568]

Clay was awesome, his stage presence was phenomenal, his voice never faltered, and had very clear and concise diction when he sang those songs . Why he didn’t win is really beyond me. I don’t understand people . I voted for him every week . I put myself in the position of the judges , every week I would use my musical knowledge to the test with every contestant. I knew he’d be up against Reuben at the end , but never in a million years thought he’d lose . I’ve been singing since I could talk and my parents encouraged me and nurtured my talent , I should know something about music . I’m now 48 , I don’t sing as much as I used to, I do sing in the shower sometimes, though.

[@nicoleroberts9612]

I downloaded this from Napster back in the day. When I lost that MP3 player, this rendition by Clay has still made it onto every device that I use to listen to music since. I still love his version of this song and I still can’t believe he didn’t win after this.

[@imcharming72]

This truly was the BEST performance ever from all seasons!

[@joannebelliveau3842]

The best rendition ever! Still gives me chills after all these years

[@loria6433]

I'm still watching this in April 2021. My go to song when I'm feeling down. Amazing performance, Clay! 🤗🙏

[@zaidabuffkins6149]

Now it's May 2023!

[@beverleyrogers7269]

After all these years, I still believe Clay should have won the season. He was amazing throughout the show and finished with this amazing performance. A winner in my books, who was robed.

[@yvettejones5323]

Clay deserved the win. Ruban was good but Clay was spectacular! This performance was amazing. I still remember it 20 years later.

[@TritoneChris]

100%. Clay was robbed,.

[@caroldwyer4471]

This song is one of the few that shows off his lovely, rich lower register. Hearing it gives me goosebumps.

[@andrewcramer9200]

Ruben was meh.

[@scottwallace1]

11 years later. I still remember this vividly. So good. Love the arrangement. Love the accompanying choir. Love his performance. And that ending and last note. Goosebumps!!!

[@janemcclain8516]

I’m still watching in 2023. Just beautiful

[@jenniemedina9347]

Am I the only one watching Clay singing this amazing song in 2022 ???

[@ron100]

There is a true American idol. No one deserved being a more true American idol ever. Most definitely should have won.

[@ladyofwisdom2]

Clay slayyyyed this. His voice is so big, powerful& soulful. Wow❤❤

[@carlyhuffman1139]

This man is getting me through Autism,a disease that obviously chose me!!!! The word thanks will never be enough,but I do thank you Clay Aiken,and I love you very much!!!! God Bless You,and yours always!!!! I'm always here for you,Clay,and Aiken's!!

[@MadTracker]

His natural lilt, and how his voice soars -it just cuts through the air, astonishing!

[@wendymarksfiolek2290]

Brilliant. I can't believe he didn't win that season.

[@lisaswanson9811]

He totally got robbed on American Idol

[@mshappyapple8663]

I can't believe it either. I haven't watched Idol since.

[@Pixie449]

I think it’ was fixed. Lol They were pushing Ruben all season..

[@SlimyShellos]

I watch this almost every day. Puts me in a great mood

[@BedfordFalls7]

Clay has a fantastic voice. After watching this after all these years of watching Idol, I think the singers were better back in the beginning. I haven't heard a voice like his since this.

[@simoneyoung6618]

Of course they were better singers back then. I haven’t watched it since Jennifer Hudson.

[@darlenesalisbury3815]

I can't believe how many years ago this has been. Totally my favorite American Idol performance ever! Well done Clay!! Well done!!

[@donnatrammell7538]

It's been some years, but listening to Clay, I still say, he should have won.

[@Ellypoem]

I think the overwhelming majority feel that way. Rightfully so.

[@peggyjeffcoat8985]

He is amazing! He should have won that year..so incredibly talented!

[@Kingman422]

I remember this particular performance like it was yesterday. One of the best renditions of this song ever!!! 👏👏👏

[@Mollykat5054]

Never forget this young man. Ever! I saw him live in concert and guess what? He was flawless!

[@glennacordill8028]

I saw him sing this in concert the year after Idol. Everyone ended up singing with him and that was amazing.

[@jbsmg]

This is the best season of Idol, and this performance was easily top five, probably top two all time.

[@togelz]

to this day Clay is my number 1 favorite American Idol contestant, and to this day i think this is the best American Idol performance of all time

[@troytrotter1569]

I saw him in concert a couple times, and he was fantastic!!!

[@pamelamonahan1776]

Totally agree! He was terrific in concert!!!

[@GregwGa]

Truly, one of the greatest performances ever on American Idol.

[@leanneibrigya4342]

He was incredible...love his rendition!

[@lauramcnally1805]

I was blown away by this performance and his calmness. Clay should have won that competition hands down!!!

[@karenbaker2566]

Such ease, paired with flawless control and stunning power. ❤

[@victordunson719]

Y’all know good and damn well Clay was the best singer that season. Come on !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@BarryCCloud]

Brooklyn tabernacle choir

[@winkieblink7625]

So was Adam Lambert on his season.

[@jentours]

yes i think he should have won the final

[@OwnMySunrise]

Wrong. Ruben was

[@makeupboss3568]

He most certainly was. He uses the gift of his voice. That’s what Idol was all about, vocal talent, .

[@zambianactdj3446]

The best idols performance I have ever seen and over a decade letter I still come back to watch it even when I have the audio .... great stuff he should have won it all

[@sherryy1743]

It's July 2022....I'm back watching this awesome young man sing a perfect song! Love the look he gives Simon!!

[@rwilson7197]

Wow! What a beautiful powerful smooth engaging voice he has. Also, Clay Aiken has the most lovely voice for Christmas songs. His Christmas CD, "Merry Christmas with Love" is my favorite Christmas CD.

[@joany11swatch14]

He should have one that year. I always thought he had an amazing voice. Gives me chills he so good. 😀❤️

[@marrinewilliams2432]

Still AMAZING!💕all these years later. This song is so needed at these difficult times.

[@nancyjohnson50]

My all time favorite performance of Idol. I still remember that performance.

[@patrickmiller1834]

The best rendition of this huge classic. I was shocked he pulled it off so well

[@shawtypooh80]

Now this is when American Idol was worth watching!

[@belladarling4256]

I watched seasons 1-6 and that's it. Got too commercial after that.

[@darkmagician2521]

Are you saying David Cook is bad? Because he is one of the best I have heard who happens to be a wonderful lyricist.

[@delaineroach6859]

shawtypooh80 Q

[@MekaJ1]

shawtypooh80 yes it was!

[@alexanderpytko5394]

I think it peeked when Carrie Underwood won but then it went downhill. It really collapsed when Simon left. His brutal honesty was essential to the show and it motivated the contestants to do better. Not only that, his brutal honesty was ENTERTAINING!

[@usmi92]

Legendary Performance...makes it look so easy my god. I saw him return for season 12 as a guest...to keep performing just like this..not losing a beat years later...this man is in a class of his own. Much respect Clay.

[@dancinggrandma2023]

Most beautiful voice I've heard! I could die peacefully if listening to Clay when I take my last breath.

[@tammylewis9324]

Dianne…. Bought Clays first cd and it’s played OFTEN while driving. Never tire of his beautiful voice

[@user-yg1je8db2e]

Definitely one of the BEST to grace the Idol stage

[@nkyryry]

I remember watching this live and thinking it’s over. That performance was epic.

[@musicmaker4him901]

My favorite Idol contestant of them all! His sound is so beautiful and unique! No one sounds like him!

[@lindapeters797]

Clay was a true performer and he was so exciting to watch he differently should have win that American Idol !

[@Briancrobinsonspeaks]

man, still one of the best live performances ever

[@carolvevle8190]

I saw Clay, when he first performed! He has an amazing voice!!

[@giggles2302]

I've seen only one episode of Idol. This was my first time watching this performance, here in 2022. REALLY late to the party but still enjoying every last note of this INCREDIBLE talent. Imma buy his albums, for real! Even though he's running for Congress, I really hope he makes more music at some point because talent like this NEEDS to be shared in abundance!

[@charlenepatton4052]

I love this episode. My favorite. Clay should have won. Amazing!!!!!!

[@edab1253]

Many years later, i still watch this vid, his voice OMG!

[@justforjacob]

he has the kind of voice that sounds like everything is so effortless to him. smooth easy listening voice like flowing water. his is my favorite cover of BOTW. we used it for choir.

[@sidneyleejohnson]

At the end of the day what mattered the most is not whether he won or lost but whether you supported his career by buying his music or attending a concert after AI. I was lucky to catch him at a concert once and bought his music before music subscription services kicked in. So now just be sure to keep track of his new releases (should they appear) on Spotify, Itunes, Amazon, or Google music services and show your support.

[@Johanna-fw3fd]

I've read that they cut off how long the applause lasted for this performance. Clay fan from the very beginning - his audition... a phenomenal singer, second to none!

[@bethfrancis9396]

I am watching now and have so many memories of Clay! Best performance ever!!

[@hart3254]

He really brought the house down with this song. Best performance on Idol ever bar none. I felt so bad for him when he didn't win. He was robbed and he knew it. The producers didn't want his image, so they gave it to Ruben. Ruben was good but IMO Clay blew his doors off. I think Clay was the best singer on Idol ever.

[@josephaquino2074]

Affirmative action baby

[@theschnauzers]

It wasn’t until season 15, the final season on FOX, that anyone matched this level of performance. Trent Harmon’s cover of Chandelier, the second time, for his finale to win.

[@carolynnomura271]

Though I agree Clay should have won, I think it's wrong to point to chicanery by the producers. The vote, Ryan said, was extremely close. Ruben had a teddy-bear quality and a smile that warmed the hearts of lots of viewers. Clay's gay vibe probably bothered some people, too, as was probably true with Adam Lambert.

[@hart3254]

@@carolynnomura271 it's pretty common knowledge why the producers had Ruben win instead of Clay. Because they would not allow a gay american idol since the show was supposed to be a family show. I remember calling in to vote that night of the finale and you could not get through to vote for Clay. The fix was in. American idol is concerned with image and marketability. I guess they thought Ruben had a cooler image. More marketable. The season of AI with Adam Lambert same thing. He was clearly the best but he didnt win because hes gay. There was def some tricky things going on with the phone lines to vote for Clay.

[@humbleness777]

Man, I remember this, I kept voting for him which I honestly felt that he was the sure winner. That's alright, I still love him even till today.

[@cece7767]

His voice is one of the best that Idol produced. He should of won, and I remember being devastated when he lost. But he definitely came out on top.

[@ameliabousman1553]

Clay Aiken's voice and stage presence during each performance always topped Rueben Studdard by a mile. He should have won 🏆

[@melaniebrooks7121]

They were both amazing but I agree with you Clay is amazing

[@scootbundy7198]

stop.

[@lindakorbel6018]

I assume there's more freedom if no. 2

[@andrewcramer9200]

​@scootbundy7198 why? Ruben was boring as shit.