Top 50 American Idol Performances of All-Time

[@ml-gr4mh]

I've had to go back several times in the past several years to listen to Diana's "Don't Cry Out Loud" performance. Incredible!

[@vickiewiseman7112]

And Kree and Jordan and Jennifer and Jena Irene and Haley and David!

[@paulabeajustinestation7714]

American idol used to be so good :(

[@Kim-rf5et]

The singers now are next level. They are better now except Kelly clarkson. They are better today. Kelly is the only one who could win again with the amazing talent that’s on there now.

[@julieanderson100]

I remember standing up after Fantasia's Summertime and saying, "Yes! Yes! Yes! That was amazing." It was one of the best performances I've ever heard. Felt like I was watching a Broadway show.

[@thousandyardgavri2785]

I swear in these lists there has to be House of the Rising Sun Summertime Lovesong Mad World Those are the top tier performances

[@RobertLombardi04]

Awesome list, but I think Casey Abrams’ rendition of I Put A Spell On You is one of the best IMO

[@graysonthomas1433]

Juanita Barber’s “What About The Children” should definitely be on here! It was such a flawless performance! Loved it!

[@bonniebrown5102]

When I think back to performances I still remember 15 years later, you missed David Cook signing music of the night from Phantom of the Opera. Also, I think Clark Beckham deserved a showing on this list!

[@ek6321]

So much talent throughout the years. Thanks for the reminder. Fantasia's Summertime is unsurpassed.

[@sergiobernardo8083]

Haley Reinhart Is the Best

[@aliciabrice850]

Nope

[@ryan422423]

Yea no she’s good but nothing like Adam lambert his voice is just crazy unreal

[@evelynwashere13]

Fantasia absolutely should have been #1!!! Thank you!

[@nicholegajadar1950]

One of Jessica Sanchez’s should have at least been in the top ten…. She was one of the best singers to ever be in that show

[@daniellemisin4049]

List is totally missing anything by Elliot Yamin, he was amazing!

[@daniellemisin4049]

Ok, thank God! This was breathtaking love Elliot!

[@lucascarter5595]

I love that this list included Diana DeGarmo, Vonzell, and Syesha.

[@sleong]

Thank you for putting up the FIRST time Fantasia did summertime(top 7) and NOT the 2nd time. The FIRST time was the better one. Also for putting up the 2nd time Jordin Sparks did Broken Wing(top 2). The 2nd time was better.

[@richardmoore3749]

My top 4 Haley house of the rising sun 2 Jennifer circle of life 3 Adam mad world 4 Fantasia summertime

[@chrisjacobsen5558]

jhuds “weekend in New England” is stellar. So many good singers in here. Ridiculous!

[@tanyagonzales2976]

Jordin Sparks performance should have been much higher on the list.

[@sonnychauhan1447]

clay Aiken solitaire and bridge over troubled water should be here also adam lamberts tracks of my tears and kelly clarksons stuff like that here should be number 1

[@daniellemisin4049]

David Archuleta! OMG voice of an angel!

[@aaronwilkins4459]

What is Lauren's terrible Candle in the Wind here?? Carrie's Indep Day only 47???

[@vickiewiseman7112]

That's their opinion..

[@tommymarx391]

When you got to number two and Fantasia's "Summertime" was still not on the list, I was going to lose it. But then that was your number one choice, and I am good with that. I still remember watching that show when she first sang it, and I was completely blown away.

[@AwesomeJayYu]

37 and 38 are both iconic! timestamps: 3:38 and 3:56 😁

[@BarbaraBuschLight]

Angie millers song you set me free is my favorite original to come out of idol!

[@UniversalMokenTroll]

"Creep" seems to bring out the best in a singer.

[@vickiewiseman7112]

@@UniversalMokenTroll ♥️

[@theblackdog2399]

Haley Reinhart is still going strong. Here she is in Seattle the other night: kzbin.info/www/bejne/baLUdJVugdp1fc0&ab_channel=HaleysTusk

[@akosijepoy7935]

i miss the old idol!

[@michaelhartling6809]

Me too. It is too much about the judges now. Especially Katy Perry. It isn’t even a talent show. It is a marketing show and a showcase for the judges. I My daughter tried out the first year it went to ABC,and honestly she is at least as good as anyone on the show now. There are a few things on KZbin by my daughter under Litwinmom or just Madi Hartling. She has moved on to pursuing her pharmacy doctorate now,but still sings some. I realize I am a little biased,lol. But it really isn’t about talent anymore. The show jumped the shark and should have been done when it left Fox.

[@chrisjacobsen5558]

Thank you for the recognition of Paris Bennett and “These Foolish Things” stunning

[@dreman1970]

Heres one that should be on the list....Trent harmon doing chandelier....that performance was better than at LEAST 6-7 ones on this list....and caleb johnson should be on here again with dazed and confused....and his version of dream on should a LOT higher on this list...he absolutely nailed that....

[@vickiewiseman7112]

Thank God someone else appreciates the talent of Trent Harmon and especially his Chandelier rendition...

[@MelissaThompson432]

Michael Johns 😢😢😢 RIP.

[@vickiewiseman7112]

WHAT????? Did he pass?

[@Queen.Sindel]

Elise testone not here ? And i feel like there should be more from Jessica Sanchez. 😒

[@reneebrooks2722]

Elise's runs were OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!

[@prkrmc6457]

Jessica Sanchez had a huge but hollow voice. Some people just don't get it that hitting high notes doesn't equal holding someone's attention or heart. That girl can out-sing anyone, but it's just not pleasant. I'm surprised she's even in this video. None of her performances were that memorable.

[@fredfranchi7502]

excellent list but no Siobhan Magnus

[@theblackdog2399]

Why? She never makes lists. She just wasn't good enough.

[@BarbaraBuschLight]

The Black Dog false but okay!

[@kensiblonde4203]

How awful that the later seasons cut to the judges during performances

[@johnerllouiserollo1787]

vienna by elise testone is sadly not here.

[@reneebrooks2722]

This is an amazing list but it's time to update it. Phil Phillips' rendition of "Volcano" is one of the best and ANYTHING of Clark Beckham's should be added, particularly his rendition of "Every Step You Take."

[@allthenicethings771]

Jena Irene’s Creep should’ve been high up this list.

[@dancarpentieri7762]

I totally agree! It was so good. It doesn't matter who your favorite singer is, that performance was insanely good.

[@vickiewiseman7112]

Absolutely 💯

[@amandawintemute1347]

Katherine Mcphee’s performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” should have been included in this list.. it was such a beautiful performance and a turning point in American Idol…

[@gabrielzanin9515]

Where is Phillip Phillips Volcano cover???

[@reneebrooks2722]

YESSAH!!!! That was sooo AH-MAZING!

[@BarbaraBuschLight]

I’m so glad angies original is on here buuuuuut 38??? Easily top 10 for me! But overall, this is a fantastic list!!!

[@unclebozo9845]

Where the hell is James Durbin's Uprising!?!?

[@theblackdog2399]

Where that off pitch performance should be, in oblivion hopefully forever.

[@paulabeajustinestation7714]

Cant believe haley didnt won her season!

[@aliciabrice850]

Thank God she didn't she wasn't that good

[@thousandyardgavri2785]

I honestly cringe when I watch Scotty. I simply don't feel him. I wished he wasn't so hyped back at s10

[@azzz7279]

a lot of people on here act like everything Haley touches is gold but Scotty deserved his win

[@vickiewiseman7112]

@@azzz7279 naww! And I'm NC born and bred but no he wasnt the best that season!

[@MW53516]

Just put Crystal Bowersox entire discography at a tie for #10

[@mrgrandi]

Candice Glover was hands down the best vocalist i ever saw on this show. Her voice was too perfect to be real!!

[@SeanDonovan-V802]

Kelly, Jennifer, Carrie, Haley, Diana

[@MakeUpByBar]

So: 46 should be WAYYYY higher!!!!!! 41 should be higher too 36 should be TOP 10!!!! 32 RYKM?!?! That the best song ever for a winner!!! 31 should be higher! 30 MOST DEFINITELY should be higher! Same with 29! She’s perfect! 27 is top 5!!!!!! 26 IS MY NUMBER ONE🎊 PERFECTION!!!!! 24 is top 10! 23 is top 5!!!!! 17 is the most memorable! Top 5! 4 is tie for my number 1🎊 But so many are missing and awful ones are mentioned!🤦🏻‍♀️

[@jacobmccain8794]

I’m sad for not one Angela Miller performance! Girl was a beast that season with Candice Glover!! She was my winner pick!

[@vickiewiseman7112]

They were BOTH beasts!

[@graysonthomas1433]

Funny that #28 is the song Jennifer Hudson got eliminated on, just proves to you that she deserved to stay

[@nelsdanburg5407]

Am I the only one that thought Kree Harrison's Up to the Mountain was like... REALLY bad? It was incredibly pitchy and shouty in parts. I think that Crystal Bowersox's version of it was much better so I'm glad you at least had it higher. Also, Lauren Alaina's Candle in the Wind and Phillip Phillip's Home should not be here. They weren't terrible, just not very memorable performances worth anything.

[@spacecowboy364]

Replace number one with number four, "House of the Rising Sun" by Haley Reinhart, and I'll give you an up vote.

[@natehugo5750]

Nobody can touch Fantasia's rendition of Summertime. Just nope

[@thousandyardgavri2785]

@@natehugo5750I love Fantasia's Summertime too but Haley Reinhart can

[@luisamorim8114]

Trent Harmon and Porscha was after this list but they would definitely be in it.

[@westwardmedia9375]

Joshua Ledet's "It's A Man's Man's Man's World" Is EASILY THE GREAT PERFORMANCE In The History Of American Idol. Also Where's Hollie Cavanagh's "The Climb"?

[@vickiewiseman7112]

Good questions!

[@luisamorim8114]

First Philip Phillips home was the best original. But it’s missing his moving on out song. If I’m looking at performers, I’m not looking for who can sing the highest notes. That gets tiring after awhile, and just feels like scream after awhile. That’s what this list felt like. For best singer, definitely Jennifer Hudson. But, Best performances that were great from beginning to end was definitely house of the rising. Summertime. Somewhere over the rainbow. Caleb had quite a few big performances. But Jena Irene’s can’t help falling in love takes the cake. And house of the rising a close second.

[@jordangabriel4634]

Elise Testone and Clark Beckham can be in this list as well

[@jenigalia]

adam lambert ftw

[@user-kt2cr5qi3h]

Candice Glover - I Who Have Nothing ?? Jessica Sanchez - Turn The Beat Around ?? Brooke White - Let It Be ?? PLUS WHERE IS Siobhan Magnus - Paint It Black ??!!??!!

[@theblackdog2399]

Man...I can't imagine Candice Glover being spurned by a man, much less even being with a man,

[@theblackdog2399]

@Daraso Maxwell Lamonte, Candace Glover's version of "I Who Have Nothing" sucked to high heaven cause it was totally lame and unbelievable. I mean, can you imagine a fat ugly water buffalo like Candace Glover ever being with a man, let alone being spurned by a man? If you can, you have a way more active imagination than I do. As the version of the same song sung by Haley Reinhart was not only far more emotional and dramatic but also far more believable at the same time in comparison to Glover's lame version. Not to mention that Haley sang it a lot better as well. Indeed, it was like Haley was Lorena Bobbitt furiously waiting for her husband to return home after a long night of partying and womanizing. Knowing that she planned to lop off his penis the instant he fell asleep.

[@BarbaraBuschLight]

Okay but Siobhan Magnus is so underrated!!!! That cover deserves so much recognition!!!

[@aliciabrice850]

@@theblackdog2399 you are an evil sick person and you sound like a racist I'm sorry

[@vickiewiseman7112]

Jessica DANCE with my Father

[@loreliecam5564]

Good list. I would have added all disco songs of Vonzell.

[@SeanDonovan-V802]

I was ready to be disappointed by this countdown and kept thinking "ok, yep, that deserves to be on this list but where's this performance?" And then it would come on.

[@GerlindeSchaumann]

Why isn't Lakisha Jones included? Her 'This ain't a love song' is the best Idol song ever!!!

[@booedyglampire8683]

Where is Amber Holcomb ????

[@kimberlycurran2204]

I remember being in love with Lee Dewyze.

[@carolinemixonbraxton4963]

Me too thought I was also in love with Michael johns too

[@markj1921]

Haley Reinhart!!!

[@jpetteys3801]

Jena 😍😍😍😍

[@drums4life937]

Dalton Rapattonis bird set free should be #50 all the way to #1. Literally the best performance on American idol in history

[@Jason-qj6ci]

No lol

[@drums4life937]

@@Jason-qj6ci yes lol

[@dancarpentieri7762]

Yeah umm no.

[@drums4life937]

@@dancarpentieri7762 what is it in your opinion then

[@dancarpentieri7762]

@@drums4life937 honestly, it wouldn't make my top 50. I realize these lists are highly subjective, and It's a good performance, but it isn't on par with the performances on this particular list, and he isn't nearly as talented as most of the singers.

[@jcplaying5063]

Angie Millers Halo should have made this.

[@mkeptrangli]

Bo Bice singing In a Dream is by far the best performance in American Idol history.

[@vickiewiseman7112]

One of...

[@mkeptrangli]

@@vickiewiseman7112 No it’s the best. He decided to sing it without the band, so if he forgot the lyrics he would have been screwed. He pulled it off perfectly.

[@tobythetabby4395]

44 should be a lot higher in my opinion

[@stephrayy]

David Cook’s Billie Jean and hello Adam Lambert Mad world, and whole lotta love. Hailey’s House of the rising sun & Benny & the jets. Melinda’s little valentine Candice’s love song Fantasia’s summertime

[@dancarpentieri7762]

Jena Irene Creep # 37?!?!?! Give me a break. That's top 5 EASILY!!!

[@Mariolittle13]

Malaya Watson's take me to the king is one of the best

[@saalbers5074]

Obviously not an official list just someone's opinion

[@joeschizoid7762]

Chris Daughtry "I Walk the Line"????

[@Nonduality]

Where's my failed audition?

[@amundergrace5278]

lol jessica sanchez I love you I do and stuttering everybody has a dream nobody supposed to here and And Iam telling you.. lol never forget those best live on Idol plus jacob lush house is not a home and god bless a child wahahaha funny top 50

[@aleksgz1149]

Adam Lambert the Best!!!!

[@lct8954]

I can get with this list

[@Adam-ij1fg]

The Kimberly Locke erasure...

[@jewski6852]

Clay Aiken's bridge over troubled water is 7 spots too low

[@thousandyardgavri2785]

How is Melinda's Im a woman/I got rythm/Home/As long as he needs me not here

[@ABoyd-hx9rh]

ESPECIALLY I've Got Rythmn

[@LittleMarySunshine4]

the kelly clarkson disrespect ... smh

[@bertiesmith4178]

One person's opinion, but I don't see anywhere saying it is in order.

[@PlumbPitiful]

There's a little red number in each black box that says the singer and song title.

[@WCI2128]

Colton Dixon

[@GRomance0804]

Wait no Inseparable by Jasmine Trias Find Your Love by Candice Glover Superstar by Ruben Studdard Part Time Lover by Nikko Smith Yesterday by Syesha Mercado Papa Was a Rolling stone by David Hernandez

[@deannebenkert6700]

Obviously your a Haley fan!

[@benjespina]

Loved it that Hemorrhage made it high.

[@sundayelephantcreatives1544]

Where is "And I Am Telling You?"

[@theblackdog2399]

It didn't make it. It didn't make any other lists either. Oh well.

[@zachsummers2872]

Phillip Phillips Volcanos

[@lucascarter5595]

After Haley Reinhart's season is when I stopped watching fully. The production push to the final country duo was so obvious when Haley was THE vocalist of that season. Girl had so many iconic moments in one season

[@theblackdog2399]

Where is "Rolling in the Deep" sung by Haley Reinhart? It should have easily made the list considering all the shit songs you put in this list, and not to mention that "House of the Rising Sun" should be number one, as opposed to number 4. Meanwhile, Candace Glover at number three 3, I might understand if it was number 42 or 43, but not number 3. Give me a fucking break.

[@theblackdog2399]

@HollywoodsFinest You need to get your ears checked and at the same time, understand that Randy, who is not even a freaking vocalist for Christ sake, was deliberately sabotaging Haley during the entire season at the producers behest. Haley was pitch perfect as always when she sang Rolling in the Deep. In fact, it was one of her finest performances. In you want to point your finger at someone who was not pitch perfect during his latter performances, point to James. As when the pressure got turned up, he caved like a worn out suit and repeatedly was off pitch. Nonetheless, Haley Reinhart was not only by far the best contestant in her season but is also one of the best ever to have appeared on the show. The only reason why she didn't win the show was because American Idol permitted power voting. Had American Idol no permitted power voting, Haley would have won the show easily in a land slide. Now a lot of people like to point and claim she wasn't really that good because her post American Idol career has been somewhat mediocre, but that's only because Haley herself has intentionally held herself back by refusing to sign a record deal for years. As she has been approached and has negotiated with virtually all the big major record labels but so far, none of them have been able to sign her. With the result being Haley and her career always remains very obscure.

[@theblackdog2399]

@HollywoodsFinest Stop following Randy and get your hearing checked because that is perfect pitch. Oh yeah, stop lying. You hate Haley Reinhart with a passion.

[@FireAngelChris]

@HollywoodsFinest lol exactly

[@row759]

Carrie Underwood's "Alone" should be in no. 1 slot, period.

[@tabithasikora7644]

Too bad Michael Johns passed away right before he was to release his first CD 😞

[@vickiewiseman7112]

Please please tell me he didn't pass??!!!! What??? 😲OMG..

[@shadowhunter9835]

​@@vickiewiseman7112 a few years ago. A blood clot.

[@jimmynelson9518]

Philip Phillips at #48? Should be in the top 10....

[@dancarpentieri7762]

He's terrible. Didnt even deserve to be in the top 10. A bunch of teenage girls voted him through. Garbage

[@georgethomas7814]

If thats the best 50 i am surprised that this show lasted so long. I hope its just poor production.

[@ambience2876]

Fantasia was the worst winner ever

[@thousandyardgavri2785]

Ur ears are the worst then

[@thanhdatphan6883]

Danny Gokey?

[@teresadement5360]

Haley Reinhart...Really???

[@nelsdanburg5407]

Yeah, I agree, she should've had WAY more entries on here! One of the best female Idols ever, up there with Carrie, Kelly, and Fantasia. Definitely should've won the already insanely talented Season 10. Lol literally nearly every single performance of hers could be on here and I don't think anyone would argue.

[@theblackdog2399]

By far the best American Idol of all time.

[@kifyanaga9639yeah]

no.18 nope

[@KitzKevin]

Hunter Pan ii

[@nelsdanburg5407]

No idea what you're talking about lol. A phenomenal performance from one of Idol's most underrated contestants. Definitely deserves to be as high as it is.

[@romellh7457]

I can tell what kind of person mean this list 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@geminitw4868]

screamfest

[@raliballen1]

Home is not a "great" vocal performance

[@thousandyardgavri2785]

Melinda's home is great Phillips is meh

[@markstrunk6644]

Where in the hell is James Durban best ever you’re picks 5 of them sucked

[@meganamy9719]

James Durbin's "Uprising" deserved to be in a top 10 of best performances on this show. And the Adam Lambert performances were not his best ones. IMHO of course....

[@aaronwilkins4459]

WTF Kree Harrison at 42. Whoever did this list- its shit, and then Jordin Spark only at 41 with the Bassey cover

[@theblackdog2399]

Compared to Haley Reinhart's version, it shouldn't even have made the list.

[@colz83]

Carrie and Clay were the only pure sounding ones. Everyone else was waaaay too screechy and gave me a headache.

[@shawnuel]

I like soulful vocals that aren't horribly overwrought. But Clay is the polar opposite of soulful to me. His version of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and Adam Lambert's version of "A Change is Gonna Come" are my least favorite performances in Idol history. Clay sounded like a Karaoke lounge singer while singing a Gospel tinged inspirational classic, and Adam mistook sounding herniated for being soulful. For me, his upper range was unbearably screechy.

[@theresalundy1744]

How is Haley Reinhardt in here 3 times??? She was terrible

[@thousandyardgavri2785]

Cuz she is great. Simple as that

[@meganamy9719]

I didn't appreciate her at the time, probably because I had another favourite that season, but listening to her now I can say yeah, she was a good singer. I also missed Trent Harmon because I was so focused on someone else but his rendition of chandelier should also be top 10.

[@vidpie]

Well, Haley has a Platinum record to her credit now and is the most-viewed vocalist to have appeared with Postmodern Jukebox (hundreds of millions of views). Current monthly Spotify listeners: Scotty - 3,190,131 Lauren - 4,188,388 Haley - 5,466,185 The numbers for all three are excellent compared to most Idols.