Carrie Underwood - Alone (American Idol) 720P HD

The greatest American Idol performance ever?

[@fontanabanana]

The way Simon so convincingly and accurately predicts exactly what happens makes the whole thing even better than it already is

[@dontworrybehappy8080]

How can you not? She was so good on this one. I loved it.

[@lilmama28]

@@scottm2828 not better than Kelly Clarkson. Almost but not quite.

[@lilmama28]

@@scottm2828 Kelly is also a mega star to this day. I bet Kelly’s net worth is more then Carries. I don’t know for sure just a guess. And I’m a huge Carrie fan! I love Carrie and Kelly!

[@lilmama28]

@@scottm2828 actually I just googled it, and others have also googled it because there was already a search for it. You were right Carrie is the more successful artist! I stand corrected!

[@StreetDisciple86]

For real and even he fell short of how much of superstar in every sense of the word she became. She revived country for women, men and country as a whole. The accomplishments she's had on the music industry and country music are unfathomable

[@rossco2024]

This was the moment we all knew Carrie would become a superstar. So happy she took the risk!

[@davidwatson3456]

The backup singer is incredible. Right on the mark!! Remember the backup singers and band are ALL LIVE

[@DT-hp8de]

Carrie was trying to win, but that backup singer trying to put her kids through college!

[@L4u84S]

Exactly my thought!!

[@zekecalom3263]

I was thinking the same thing: "The backup singer is out-singing Carrie..." lol

[@Anna_Stetik]

Simon should have given the backup singer a record deal.

[@coolbreeze5683]

​@@zekecalom3263 that backup singer was showing restraint in her voice as well. Imagine if she was the main act and belted it out 😮

[@tootsleigh81]

The backup singer, the band, Carrie…it’s all perfection.

[@Coll7373]

For me at the time, this sealed the competition for her.

[@rbishop95]

Coll7373 agreed. I still remember this performance vividly

[@kylejnicholson]

Oh totally!

[@TylersTake]

SAME. This and her finale performance always stick with me

[@suesebree8670]

I was rooting for Bo after Anthony Federov was elimated.

[@row759]

@@suesebree8670 Bo knew he had no shot at beating Carrie.

[@smpa422]

Carrie Underwood's story is incredible, she goes from a 21 year old girl who grew up on a farm and never flew on a plane, to an international country superstar who revolutionized the country music industry. Completely unbelievable!

[@row759]

Not unbelievable, Carrie had the talent long before she came to Idol. Idol just showcase and open the door for her.

[@smpa422]

robert gardell I know its NOT unbelievable, I am saying that out of awe and amazement, as in "Wow." Its a form of expression many people use. No need to be so literal.

[@row759]

I am not be she so literal. Carrie still doesn't think she is that great of singer. She tried out for Idol, not thinking nothing was going to come out of it. She did out of couriousity, more than anything. She was actually shocked that she went to Hollywood and kept advancing and then winning.

[@row759]

Shaun Palm If you watch "Behind The Music", she never thought she win the whole thing. She just did for the heck of it. But as Randy Jackson pointed out, Carrie had the right vocals to be a winner from the start. Simon said "bluntly", what everybody was afraid to say publicly.

[@lisakay1004]

God works in mysterious ways!! She's so blessed!!

[@docholliday1543]

No one, besides maybe Carrie herself, is enjoying the fact that Simon was 100% correct more than Simon. Like him or not...he knows his business.

[@mitchmoody3912]

agree 100%

[@row759]

Carrie took all of Simon's advice and got better. As a matter of fact, the week before this performance. Carrie sang a boring song as Simon called it. And he was waiting for her to take a good song and sing it. And then she did this song and then Simon said those words.

[@row759]

Simply put Simon wasn't afraid to say it aloud. That night, Carrie won it that night. Idol didn't like it that Simon said that. They were afraid to lose ratings. People wanted to watch Carrie perform. After Carrie won, the ratings went down. They weren't going to find someone better and they never did.

[@roter13]

he told tori kelly that her voice was annoying so he isn't always right

[@MrJford55]

I wouldn't say Adam Lambert better but he's right there with her. And as a performer on Idol and after he was - is the best

[@derekk9202]

Most memorable performance (for me) in all the years I watched Idol.

[@ambera6101]

Mine too I think of her anytime I hear the song

[@katiesykes2215]

It really was

[@xancypillosi9497]

Yup!!!

[@bluecolor1600]

NOBODY can compete with ANN WILSON EVER! Least of all overrated screamer Underwood!!!

[@justamaninTN]

This one, Ring of Fire by Adam Lambert and Natural Woman by Kelly Clarkson.

[@eddie195777]

Simon Cowell knows talent. He nailed the call on Carrie Underwood. The first time I heard her sing, I knew she'd make it. She is so genuine and talented. How can you not like her.

[@row759]

Carrie said she never figured out why Simon wasn't as mean as he could have been. Carrie knows Simon hates country music. Well, Simon saw in Carrie what everybody saw in Carrie. Carrie is an excellent singer, Carrie was raw talent then.

[@steveb7429]

Paula Abdul, and the way she speaks to Carrie , is so sweet and genuine and kind. You can tell that Paula is just one of those genuinely nice people. The world definitely needs more Paula Abduls.

[@musicandmoviefan9217]

man that back up singer is incredible and deserves some serious props!

[@brianmurphy9039]

carried that shit , FOR RealZ

[@julesprovido6712]

I remember this performance like it was just yesterday. This was peak American Idol right here.

[@seanhalloran6414]

I still look back at this clip sometimes. I knew as soon as she got to the chorus, she won this competition. That was the moment.

[@kingnothing77685]

This still gives me goosebumps today. I remember watching this live.

[@therachealg]

I watched this entire season with my mom, and I remember when Carrie auditioned and my mom said “she’s going to win.” And I was like yep you’re right. It’s just crazy. Carrie Underwood is an amazing singer. This entire season was just packed full of amazing singers. Best season idol ever had in my opinion.

[@xancypillosi9497]

Me too. Amazing

[@jeremykarnik2859]

Me too! I said from her audition that she was going to win and this just solidified it.

[@ruthesuhm5914]

I was waiting for my daughter to give birth to our first grandchild and the waiting area had American Idol on the TV. Carrie performed such a memorable song. Sweet memory!!

[@jennafox8556]

You know a song is good when it gives you goosebumps.

[@jeremykarnik2859]

This performance was when she officially became a star. I knew from the beginning that she would win and 15 years later, she’s still a mega-successful country artist.

[@dlh7989]

Especially when you watch her performances back in order, this is definitely it. You can see it all there in her audition and especially Independence Day in Hollywood but then with her first finalist performances, she's great but there's some timidity there, the judges weren't totally feeling it, even though they kept saying she was the best, I kinda get how they were waiting for the superstar moment. This song just finally had the right kind of drama to prove she was the winner.

[@xancypillosi9497]

Yup. 100%

[@user-ns1um8kq7i]

It's actually insane how good Simon's intuition is...

[@jessiev4440]

acb 1994 I don't think it's just intuition. It's experience.. he already can see the audience that would buy her records and how to market her. Carrie Underwood is talented and very marketable especially in the country music market which doesn't change much but she can sing pop, too.

[@JenJHayden]

we tend to forget all the times he was wrong 🙄

[@dlh7989]

@@JenJHayden Of course but it doesn't discount that this was a very savvy prediction on his part. He just saw it.

[@JenJHayden]

@@dlh7989 the original poster stated it's insanely good as if this is commonplace. it is not different from luke bryan saying to laine hardy 'you could win this whole thing". captain obvious.

[@DT-hp8de]

He's like a musical talent psychic/prophet

[@keithwessel3531]

Still watching this in 2024. This won her the show. Loved her then. Love her more now cause she’s a GNR’s fan & has sung w/them a few times. Props to the back up singer. She was awesome as well.

[@user-hd5bh7uj6t]

This performance is a GAME CHANGER for the entire season of American Idol … til now 2024!

[@seanyates5769]

This is when we knew Carrie would be the best Country Music Singer of the 21st century.

[@JRY13sp]

Wow, Ryan Seacrest appears to be 14 in this video.

[@tiffanymichelle3130]

Jeff Young ahahahaha!!!!

[@mikedupont3585]

He was also on steroids apparently....look at those arms...

[@PatriotS-rv2lh]

🤣🤣 seriously

[@michaelsmith9753]

😂😂 just snort laughed

[@paololim3513]

And so far Cowell's prediction is spot on. Not only more records than previous Idol winners but almost every Idol winner that came AFTER her.

[@PlumbPitiful]

Not almost all. She IS the top selling American Idol contestant of all time.

[@TheRenard10]

She also is the top selling female Idol over every female musician, living or dead.

[@utopianverve]

Literally couldn't tell you a single winner after her. There was the gray haired dude the next year. Adam Lambert would've been the last contestant I even remember on the show and he didn't win and couldn't even be openly gay during the show

[@z7123]

She won hands down after this performance. Stellar. "Somebody Pinch Me"

[@phscsantos]

That moment when Simon literally gives you the future

[@jorgecordovapiana8116]

Pedro Henriques he is like a magician hahaha

[@caseyenquist4880]

Simon called that for real

[@kneebarx]

Wow looking back he is correct better than fat Kelly Clarkson

[@kneebarx]

Although Adam Lambert is not doing so bad himself

[@jdawg7388]

@@kneebarx Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are worlds above Adam Lambert

[@Hengieh27]

Simon totes prediction was spot on! Carrie Underwood is still killing it! Love her!

[@jilldurham5498]

Not totally. Taylor Swift sold more albums than her in 2008 by selling the most records.

[@bryankramer3567]

@@jilldurham5498 his prediction was that she would sell more albums than any other previous Idol winner, this had nothing to do with Taylor Swift.

[@justdolphy2814]

Carrie sounds amazing but that back-up singer really served the piece (and Carrie) well! YES to both of them!

[@sombodydenuccio]

I second the back up singer

[@michaelwilhelm2148]

Indeed ... I completely agree

[@hedunlap]

The back-up singer was Carrie herself, pre-recorded track.

[@dljtwo]

Sharlotte Gibson

[@patriciaalvarez7473]

100% agree! That's exactly what I was thinking when I first heard it. Heard her sing this song with another background singer and didn't have the same impact.

[@tlc33365]

I love how when she gets ready to do her belt notes she takes a little step then gives you a look that she is ready to take on the world.

[@ronaldo101000]

She won it at this moment

[@thunn35]

I don't watch American Idol, but my family does. I happened to walk in when she sang this and I was floored. I said they would be crazy if that girl doesn't win

[@Amanda-pi2nr]

I love that moment when you can practically see it in Carrie's face that she realized "I've got this" and then she just let go and kicked it up a gear. Props to the backup singer for hanging with her and kicking it in to gear as well.

[@sarahburgess1411]

Yes! I think it's the smile at 1:20

[@wndowpayne]

@@sarahburgess1411 I think its at 01:09..

[@tjwash5118]

I think it’s at 121 1/2 seconds

[@kevinburke6055]

Carrie literally looks better now at 40 then she does here at 22. She’s a fine wine.

[@jeffring8954]

I so disagree, she looks so much better back then by far.

[@erickreyes7902]

​@@jeffring8954 shes good for her age....

[@DustinMont]

Perhaps the most memorable and iconic Idol performance. It brings me right back to when we all knew Carrie would become a superstar.

[@nickjunior88]

That BACKGROUND SANGER!!!!!!!!

[@martindavd]

Yes

[@TheNiatorres]

But how awesome was her background singer... WOW. Together they sounded fantastic!

[@chrisopper520]

She gets better and better as the song goes on, a truly remarkable performance.

[@bheckypangan1813]

I watched this performance in 2005, still gives me chills up to this day ❤

[@charlescoleman2140]

This was such a killer performance. My fav Idol performance by her

[@alejandrasoto-caballos1612]

Katharine McPhee blows Carrie out of the water vocally. No contest.

[@lefty2149]

This was, in my opinion, the most magical and moving 90 seconds in Idol history. We got to watch as a star was born in real time. Carrie’s talent is only matched by the internal beauty and sweetness she exudes.

[@Rockfanist]

Extremely well said, to which I agree 100%! Still gives me goosebumps!

[@mbuk_8940]

100%!!! This was THE performance to top all performances. 😍😍

[@dcool2u2]

Same! I remember watching this. When she got to chorus I thought ..omg... there it is! This girl can sing anything!! ❤️

[@thebigjimmyd]

@@dcool2u2 Yes! I held my breath for that moment because nailing those notes will make or break the song and she nailed it. This season was roughly when Tivo first came out and KZbin wasn't a thing yet so the only way to rewatch live shows was either VCR or Tivo. I saved this episode for as long as I had Tivo and would watch this performance all the time.

[@dcool2u2]

@@thebigjimmyd I just watched it again. Even the way she ended with that last little run on the word "alone" was so good! Every note was right on pitch the whole performance! I wonder if she does this song in her concerts.

[@muzikizfun]

So many people badmouthed Simon for his critical comments and ways. But this was the night he showed the world he knew his business and got the respect he deserved! Here in 2024, the 3 most successful artists ranked in reverse order Adam Lambert (est. worth $25 million); Kelly Clarkson (est. worth $30 million): and Carrie Underwood (est. worth $200 million);

[@stephaniedaigle5930]

My God She's Gorgeous!!!! Completely flawless!!! And just so down to earth...even to this day she still does her own makeup ( on tour...for the red carpet..etc!) I'm in Ottawa Canada ( where her Husband is from) I love having her be a part of this city!!

[@cheerthug]

This performance still gives me chills

[@dstre17]

I remember watching this live. And getting goosebumps when she hit the chorus and those notes.. This song really brought her to the pop side and people take notice. She has a power ballad voice!

[@Jeffieboi]

I already had her pegged as my favorite, but I'll lever forget this performance from 2004....so 12 years ago now. I couldn't believe this sound came from someone without a record deal. That's why the first 6 seasons were so superior.....the use to actually cast someone with a talent that was almost impossible to imitate/

[@row759]

Everyone knew Carrie was going to win American Idol when she first auditioned. Every other contestant fails to measure to her.

[@headstrong777ism]

Carrie=great, Backing Vocals=Dayumn!!! :O

[@amitnagpal1985]

Number one. I really really enjoyed this season of American idol. Good memories.

[@madmaxheisenberg9310]

I stood up, applauded, and cried, I grew up in this era of Heart and 80s rock

[@buffalobill7901]

Great job she can really really sing. Doesn't hurt that she's singing such a great great song by Heart.

[@heidimcaninch7387]

I remember this moment this performance is iconic!

[@MyCaliforniaSweethea]

Imagine if she had sung that whole song, she woulda had the whole place on their knees. She's got an amazingly powerful voice.

[@solodad001]

She is not as good as Ann Wilson, though....

[@seanosomething]

sorenrules THANK YOU..... not anywhere near the same suburb as Ann....not even close.

[@pastorpaulfbc]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4Kai6CXgZdnbpI

[@JoannaJedrzejczyksForehead]

sorenrules true that. Ann’s voice...flawless.

[@cohokid6936]

@@solodad001 Nobody is

[@liajohn1838]

I have always loved this performance!! Was Soo damn good, and the back up singers...omg...they all harmonize so nice..and the violins....sighs..just so beautiful!!

[@gtech2053]

Love this! It's absolutely beautiful! Shoutout to the background singer nailing the soprano part!

[@tjjones8049]

The Back Up Singer DID THAT!!!!!!!!

[@generalcaeser9176]

Wow, Simon you were right she is #1 with nearly 16 million records to date! =)

[@generalcaeser9176]

Are you saying Carie's music doesn't have substance? Just clarifying.

[@generalcaeser9176]

Wow ok 65m! =)

[@jethrodassam]

+General Caeser Simon knows his shit.

[@batoolabbasi2746]

+sarahbbyy acually being in pop it would be easier for kelly to sell more than carrie. but carrie has kept her celebrity interesting with her looks, constant voice improvement, better live preformances, etc etc

[@batoolabbasi2746]

***** oh i get you! i agree as well but what i meant by live performances wasnt that kelly isnt good live but carrie's performances are more exciting with her look, her band, her running around the stage the glamour of it all. I think both artists are very talented but carrie's main priority has been her career and she has been grinding hard ever since idol. Kelly on the other hand has taken constant breaks over her career for other reasons. i do believe both are again quite amazing vocal powerhouses.

[@mbuk_8940]

I read somewhere that she was topping the public vote every week, but I think this performance most certainly won her the competition. Just absolutely amazing! 😍😍

[@TheRenard10]

Jealous

[@joeblankenship377]

Simon just saw dollar signs everywhere around her when she sang. Perfect blonde American hottie, I got a damn poster of her on my wall. I love Carrie Underwood.

[@whatadanimal23]

She won this competition with this song.

[@huckfinn303]

Rooted for her since her audition. Best season of any reality competition show. So much nostalgia!

[@thediesel4910]

If you like Carrie Underwood and haven't heard her sing "How great thou art" with Vince Gill playing guitar you ha e to watch it. The ending is amazing!!

[@TUMNIAISETU]

This performance was amazing when I first watched it live and still is now. What a beauty! Great to see this in 720p quality! Thanks.

[@oskieguiamadel234]

I’ve watched this so many times I’m in awe of the band and the background singers. Sounds heavenly.

[@emilyme23455]

Simon's intuition is spot on

[@Welcox438]

One of her best songs on American Idol.

[@kyrhamsingkharnehlang4844]

The hair !!!!!! And the backup singer too is really good

[@junkybox]

Who came back here after Kelly sang this on Kellyoke? 😄

[@theocpod1742]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4LanniKfsSHsJI

[@jakesitsonatreewaitforshre1852]

Lol

[@TheFreeSkate]

@Revit UpNow lmao. kelly rough on all her high notes. its all throat with her

[@TheFreeSkate]

@Revit UpNow difference is, im not die hard fan like you guys of these singers. I heard both and Carrie feeling and pitch is effortlessly, Kelly struggles to much on higher notes these days. as well she losses feelings on those karaokes because she adds way to much adlibing on so many notes you cant use it one every note lol. There is a reason carrie blew by kelly in record sales and awards! #Facts

[@TheFreeSkate]

@Revit UpNow LMAO. Carrie has been praised by Heart themselves and as well praised by steven tyler and Sebastian bach. Gted the trend all 3 are ROCK legends. I think you're a fan of Clarkson, youre sounding a bit bias and or just deaf. This is her on idol and Carrie kills this!! Heart invited her to sing with them its on youtube because o how good she did it.

[@TheNiatorres]

The background singers gives me chills, perfect blend.

[@ldrouin27]

The back up singer is incredible.

[@suchasongbird]

Wow that backup singer was/is a star! What a voice!

[@tennishighlightsplus]

I'd kill for a full version of this song with this arrangement (violins, bass, backup singers).

[@IzzyKawaiichi]

I remember being 9 years old and wanting her to win so badly. The first CD I ever owned was her first album. I don't follow her music that closely anymore, but every once in a while, I'll go checking it out. What's Carrie Underwood put out recently? Pure gold, of course.

[@dellianaesmonde-white5832]

I loved this! Carrie is such a great singer, and this performance was actually the reason I found out about the band Heart--and have liked them for 11 years now. This video is pretty special and it's funny to look back. Plus Ryan looked so young man.

[@jaseholland2836]

I have watched this exact performance over...and over....and I just cannot believe how absolutely INCREDIBLE this is.

[@naeem3484]

This performance lives rent free in my head. Soo good! Her rock bounce to the beat kills me. 😂❤

[@nicholasmatott1216]

Flawless. Carrie was destined to be a superstar

[@nelsdanburg5407]

Pure perfection, Carrie absolutely crushed it! The backup singer was truly amazing as well! Easily goes toe to toe with Heart's version itself

[@sherryjoyner5328]

The orchestra had a good time with this one.....i always did love this song!

[@khalidabdullah8343]

Wow! Love Carrie! Love this performance of her! Totally Mesmerising!!! Even more on HD! ❤️

[@snowcat60]

OMG I forgot just how good she is....this gave me goosebumps and almost made me cry...!

[@TheVCRTimeMachine]

People criticize Simon, but he has an eye for the type of thing the sheep will devour and he could see early on that Carrie Underwood was that thing.

[@thediesel4910]

My wife was watching this while I was watching a baseball game and I heard her singing and turned my TV to it and was in awe of this girl singing this great Heart song. I had never watched American Idol before but I watched every minute of it the rest of the season. I never watched it again. I think we all knew that she was going to be a star!!

[@maryhollingsworth4627]

it doesn't get any better than this girl

[@booklover6198]

Mary Hollingsworth oh yes, it does! Ann Wilson for example!

[@YDVDNVRR]

The background singer is a monster singer.

[@brianmurphy9039]

so much this!

[@glamkakes3783]

I always loved this performance especially the background singer she killed it as well

[@DraGnFly007]

Amazing! Shout out to ALL background singers as well! Carrie sure has blossomed! 💗💗🎤💗💗

[@Fishing4life1997]

simon’s predictions are always spot om

[@jdkey76]

That background singer is killing it!!!! #harmonies

[@giantsfan8872]

This music needs to come back out...period

[@Bruddahlekii]

Vonzell was my favorite from this season but I knew after this performance that Carrie Underwood was going to win.

[@bluesky5384]

The only winner I actually predicted from early into the season! I was just a teenager lol

[@Flips420]

0:53, her eyes, makes me freaking melt. Just so freaking beautiful. Omg...

[@johnguillen68]

I just love the way she sang this song. What a voice. Damn, she is beautiful to look at.

[@RisherTNgarden]

Simon SAID IT! This performance give me chills every time! Carrie can outsing ANYONE effortlessly

[@Dlive2005]

Contestant Total albums sold 1. Carrie Underwood (season 4, winner) 16,389,000 2. Kelly Clarkson (season 1, winner) 14,150,000 3. Chris Daughtry (as Daughtry) (season 5, 4th place) 7,204,000 4. Clay Aiken (season 2, runner-up) 5,069,000

[@Dlive2005]

Simon was right

[@CBAKER637]

Here in 2022 and I’m blown away every time I watch this. 🤯🤯🤯

[@xmichaelwood]

Carrie Underwood looking like an everyday beautiful girl here. Before she became so fit. This sealed the competetion for me this season.

[@Jeffieboi]

+Michael Wood Let's be fair though...post fit....Carrie is one of the hottest women on the planet. Not only is she hot...but she's pure of heart. She loves animals, and you can't really top that as far as being an amazing human being.

[@Datboi1337PlaysGames]

+Jeffieboi No, she is THE hottest.

[@mayborn2576]

This was 10 years ago so she better be fit at 30

[@aerojean11]

yesss

[@Rockfanist]

TheNumber85 8

[@snapperco]

Still chills in 2019...those first few BIG vocal notes .....BOOM!!!

[@KristieWilson]

the performance that I believe sealed Carrie’s victory that season. she was so amazing.

[@jessiev4440]

I thought she had a great country voice but when she came out and rocked this tune-a favorite of mine- that made me take notice! I bought her first album:)

[@BushinRyuCat]

It's 2019.... And yes, this is STILL American Idol's BEST performance!!

[@kneebarx]

You know I was thinking the same thing this still is the best performance I’ve seen on American Idol. i’ve never seen someone sing the song better than the original

[@Aquariusxx]

This performance & Kelly’s natural woman performance are my favorites!

[@faheemreed1007]

It really is!

[@ABadHairDay]

Not the very best but one of the best for sure

[@sfpincchicago]

Good God!! Never watched American Idol, but her talent is evident here!! She's like Ken Anderson, CM Punk, or Shawn Daivari. It was only a matter of time before someone noticed her talent...

[@bunzthompson236]

Simon knows who's good and what's good, I bet he shut a few of his critics up with this comment...