Top 10 Greatest American Idol Performances

[@MsMojo]

Does our list hit all the right notes? Let us know below, and be sure to also check out our video of the Top 10 Biggest American Idol Scandals - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nV7Fl61oYsZ4m9E

[@Kentertainer]

What about Imagine by David Archuleta from Season 7?

[@joelvelasquez2582]

Definitely not!!! You forgotten Jessica Sanchez and Tamayra Gray!!!

[@dianewilliams7197]

It would have been nice to hear more of them singing!

[@kellymcguire1114]

Bo BIce's "In a Dream", Blake Lewis's "You Give Love a Bad Name", Jason Castro's "Hallelujah", and pretty much any performance by David Cook are all missing from this list, they were better than some of the ones you did mention. I have watched every season, and these performances still stick out to me.

[@johnfrederick3384]

Where is Melinda Doolittle. One of the best ever. My Funny Valentine as well as Home were my favorites

[@jonathanfalkowsky672]

I've always loved watching Kelly's journey from the first audition to 20+ years later to now - a talk show host, grammy winner, mom of 2, millions of albums sold worldwide, and 9 studio albums

[@sue-lynncroteau3864]

I think Kelly should have been #1

[@ericryanyawl9401]

@@sue-lynncroteau3864 they are afraid to look obvious

[@jonathanfalkowsky672]

Now going on album number 10

[@JOHNNYSGIRL1960]

Clay will always be my favorite!

[@88feji]

Carrie Underwood is more successful than Kelly Clarkson as the higher selling singer ...

[@mdturnerinoz]

Adam's version of "Tracks of My Tears" brought tears my and my wife's eyes" Oh, and I'd say fronting Queen sort of shows how REALLY GREAT HE IS! Really like Haley's Led Zeplen image.

[@PiscesMoon2You]

I love how Simon kept criticizing Jennifer Hudson and didn't think she'd make it then went on to win an Oscar. She's awesome.

[@TonyBrion]

Not just an Oscar… EGOT status!🙌🏾

[@cherylreinell857]

That’s why he’ll never find another 1D. Oh wait, he didn’t. One of the female judges is responsible for recognizing their talent.😂

[@hedunlap]

@@TonyBrion Also a TOKEN

[@dybruce1]

So glad to see Candice on here! Truly one do the finest singers this show has ever seen. Her performance of Lovesong was world-class. I feel like Tamyra Gray ‘House is not a Home’ should be on this list- that was a real game-changing moment in the very first season. David Cooks ‘Billie Jean’ was out of this world too.

[@bennymora3086]

All of the singers are great that they can become great musicians!🎤

[@JulieDelahooke]

I was just gonna say Tamyra should be here

[@hayleydouglas]

You missed out David Cook's Billie Jean or Always Be My Baby performances - he was absolutely phenomenal in both of these songs

[@angelablack7946]

Exactly! I don’t agree with this list.

[@hayleydouglas]

@@angelablack7946 the only people I agree with being on this list are Clay Aiken and Adam Lambert

[@robinnugraha2869]

Agreeee

[@kailamitchell1802]

1000000000000000000% agreeeed

[@shivtim]

There’s only room for 10… lots of good stuff will get left out!

[@kriscynical]

I think Solitaire was more THE performance by Clay Aiken. You know you've nailed a song when the original artist says "This isn't my song anymore; it's yours."

[@stephaniemajors7697]

Agreed. Solitaire gave me chills

[@kriscynical]

​@@stephaniemajors7697 Very nice pfp! Adam is my all time favorite AI contestant, hands down no contest. I ADORE his voice. I got to do the VIP experience for his GlamNation tour where you got to meet him, and he was SO SWEET. He's so down to Earth and humble. And tall. 😂 I'm an illustrator for a living so I gave him a print of a portrait I did of him in that awesome GlamNation top hat, and he FLIPPED over it. "YOU drew this??! This is amazing!!! Oh my god!!! Fanart is my favorite gift to get from fans! Thank you so much!!" Then he gave me a bear hug and stepped away from the meet and greet for a moment to stick his head in the band's dressing room that was a few feet away so he could set it in a chair, telling them, "Don't let this get damaged, okay???" before coming back and giving me ANOTHER hug and thank you. He also signed a second print I brought for myself. I had a health crisis during his AI run where for a couple MONTHS I didn't know if I'd ever be able to draw again, and being bedridden to my dad's recliner the only thing that got me through the long nights alone in the living room was listening to his version of Mad World on repeat, so it's a very special song for me. Sorry for the info dump! Adam just has a special place in my heart. 😅

[@johnwiesner9590]

I remember Simon didn't seem to like Clay.

[@urhypeboy]

No. Nothing can beat Bridge Over Troubled Waters.

[@annalissac]

Happy to see Melinda Doolittle represented in the Honorable Mentions. I don't recall the performance receiving much buzz at the time but I love that it's still remembered after all these years

[@TonyBrion]

That was EASILY the best performance of that season. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@trgoohileshea2820]

She was amazing! Why she is not a Grammy award winner is beyond me.

[@shonda79able]

I remember that performance. I was hoping it would make the list.

[@blugreen123]

Fantasia's "Summertime," Adam Lambert's "Mad World," Joshua Ledet's "It's a Man's World," LaPorsha's "Diamonds," there are so many!

[@aaronlawrence3274]

It’s a man’s world is the one I listen back to at least three times a year

[@kellyl13]

I agree; I have a list of 50! I also prefer La'Porsha's "Diamonds" to "No More Drama", but they're both great along with "Glory".

[@briansherrod1916]

All of the above I agree!

[@janejones7638]

Adam's Mad World honestly made me cry. I believe this was the last week he tried to win. I personally believe he helped the winner win. This guy got exponetially better and Adam played it safe. I think he wanted to be himself and not some "Idol" that didn't fit his mold.

[@janejones7638]

@@aaronlawrence3274 I forgot this performance and I'm going to listen to it. He was so amazing in this song. One thing I don't like about AI is that they have these stupid theme weeks. Some singers get dumped because they couldn't fit into the theme. Adam Lambert couldn't do the country theme but was able to change it to meet his style. Not everyone has that ability.

[@AmandasBooktopia]

I think Kelly Clarkson should have been number 1. I mean, everything she sang was killer. And Daughtry should have been on the list for his Wanted Dead or Alive performance. And Jordin Sparks should have been on this list somewhere. I mean, she was 16 when she was on American Idol and her voice was just outstanding.

[@terricunningham6810]

I so agree about Daughtry...I have 99% of his bands CD's..

[@sue-lynncroteau3864]

I agree about Kelly! That woman can sing anything! She has major talent! She will always be my favorite!

[@twangkz]

Yes to all three. Jordin Sparks’ I Who Have Nothing gave me chills.

[@patwooster3851]

Yep, agree!

[@donaldholderdoc2910]

Great list but not my placement ranking I'd definitely move Carrie much higher. 'Alone' was beautifull but I would have used her cover of INDEPENDENCE DAY. I also put Katherine McPhee's cover of OVER THE RAINBOW. Her cover was the number 1 viewed songs on social media.

[@LisaLove-15]

David Archuleta's Imagine should be on the list. He has the voice of an angel and poured so much into that performance and took a classic and truly made it his own. I can't believe it's not even an honorable mention

[@jennifersmith9344]

I thought of that one too. So good!

[@stairie]

My brain immediately went to that performance when I started watching this. I can't believe it's not on the list!

[@CarolWestjohn]

He was sooooooo good!

[@믹서-k3r]

I agree. I love his performance of angels too

[@taralucas7172]

“Hemorrhage (In My Hands)” by Chris Daughtry was the most memorable to me. His performance took this competition to a whole new level!!!

[@aroldojunior4409]

Adam Lambert is so underrated! He's so talented! He deserves way more!

[@johannf36]

I used to feel that way, but listening to him with Queen reminds me of the gap between him and Freddie Mercury. There will never be another Freddie though I guess.

[@aroldojunior4409]

@@johannf36 I kinda disagree bcs he was not actually trying to replace Freddie, the whole thing was about paying tribute to Freddie's legacy.

[@NYChica23]

And they didn't even put what I consider to be his best performance on here, because while everyone goes nuts over Mad World, I think Tracks of My Tears was better and way more underrated

[@tracygarrett3952]

@@NYChica23 I think Adam's best performance was A Change Is Gonna Come. He made me love a song I never cared for. He transported himself into another place which was visible by the way he acted afterwards. He had to shake it off and get back into the moment.

[@moonlight2487]

YES!

[@wendybrown500]

Haley Reinhart was always underrated. Her talent is continuously overlooked.

[@acciotardisalohomora6302]

I stopped watching years ago when Simon was still being mean but I watch these videos to see some of the performers

[@kerrischillinger3435]

@@acciotardisalohomora6302check out her rendition of Creep with Postmodern Jukebox. She’s amazing.

[@flowerfaeri]

Love Haley! The judges were always over harsh with her.

[@trgoohileshea2820]

She was consistently fabulous!

[@rockysmith2462]

Honestly Haley was smoking hot and can sing like an angel! I fell in love within seconds 😍😁

[@JOHNNYSGIRL1960]

To Love Somebody, Solitaire, and This is the Night, Mack the Knife, and every other song he did on that show was perfection! Clay Aiken was and is still so amazing!

[@sandrahatherley2184]

Yeah Clay

[@claudeabraham2347]

Clay got my votes that year. Ruben was great, as well as Kim. But to me, Clay was really great.

[@thisgirlchris]

Yes, Solitaire

[@stellagal2]

All I know is that when Jennifer Hudson sang Circle of Life, I literally had chill bumps running all up and down my arms. It was fantastic.

[@henrywilloughby2327]

LaToya London - All By Myself. She got almost no screen time in the auditions or Hollywood week and then delivered that performance and said "I will NOT be edited out of the running" and claimed her well-deserved spot. Also glad to see Melinda Doolittle on the list. She was a powerhouse.

[@shonda79able]

She did a great rendition of "Get Here" as well.

[@briansherrod1916]

Fantasia, La’Porsha, Candice Glover, Jennifer Hudson, Haley Reinhart, Adam Lambert, Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet the list goes on. Powerhouses on this show!

[@MrNorcal81]

Don't forget LaToya London, a great singer who like Diana DeGarmo, Fantasia Barrrino, Kat McPhee (who got great reviews when she stepped into the lead in Waitress in the West End and then Broadway) and others who went on to do musical theater. We saw her in the national tour of The Color Purple, in San Francisco. It was "local girl makes good" since she was from, I believe, Oakland.

[@TeamTasia418]

Agree

[@rahulvaswani749]

Kelly Clarkson?

[@rbishop95]

Bridge Over troubled water is only number 9?!! 9?!! That was a game-changing performance. I STILL remember it vividly 21 years later, and i’ve not seen it in full since. He was a phenomenal contestant

[@lisahartman805]

Adam is the BEST!! 💖🎶🫶

[@moonlight2487]

YES!

[@kathyterpstra6857]

I think Adam Lambert's "Whole Lotta Love" should have been in this list.

[@torguezz4580]

Best American Idol performances Always be my baby - David cook Alone-Carrie Underwood Black or White-Adam Lambert What if- Chris Daughtry Billie Jean- David Cook Against all odds- Scott Savol I can't get no satisfaction - Adam Lambert Hallelujah- Jason Castro You make me feel- Kelly Clarkson When you Believe - fantasia barrino

[@sassykaren7587]

I can’t believe that you didn’t mention Chris Daughtry 😢

[@samkingsway6564]

My first thought too!! He should be at least an honourable mention 100%

[@terricunningham6810]

yep he is so good

[@johnwiesner9590]

Especially since he is the most successful non winner from that show.

[@moonlight2487]

@@johnwiesner9590 *one of the most successful non-winners

[@johnwiesner9590]

@@moonlight2487 As a recording artist, Chris Daughtry is the most successful non winner. Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert became very successful in different ways.

[@maineman5757]

Some of the best music of the generation came out of American Idol and I watched it all happen live with everyone else. That feels more special then a record being put out by someone already established. That desperation isn't there in the same way or isn't at all.

[@LadyKC67]

I miss the old Idol.

[@tswanson7354]

David Cook Music of the Night is one of the best performances period. To me he cemented his win with this performance. I am so glad I bought it from iTunes so I can listen to it anytime I want.

[@damemarthafalker6738]

Agreed! I've been saying it all along, Fantasia needs to do an album of Broadway standards, specifically ballads because when she turns her focus to that genre, injecting renewed life into those classic musical poems, she shines the brightest.

[@robertantonnyc]

We are all waiting for the Gospel album.

[@RoseAmber-f4z]

Adam Lambert singing that Led Zeppelin song was off the chain! Of course everything he does is off the chain. I saw him in October with Brian and Roger in Atlanta and he did not disappoint!

[@annalissac]

I often think about Simon's prediction that Carrie would sell more records than any previous idol winner. Not only was that true, but she would also sell more records than any winner after her too!

[@janejones7638]

In this video they said Kelly was the biggest star. It depends on what you mean by star. Carrie is the biggest in terms of selling records and probably money. Kelly had many songs on the Pop chart which Carrie doesn't have. Kelly now has her own syndicated TV show. If Carrie ever quit music, I bet she could do the same. So there's no clear winner.

[@pjj9491]

Well...although not a "winner" Adam Lambert

[@johnwiesner9590]

​@@janejones7638Carrie's success has been in country music, and she has been a Grand Ole Opry member since 2008. Carrie is currently on her sixth concert tour, and I don't hear much of Kelly doing concert tours. Kelly and Carrie are clearly the two biggest success stories from Idol.

[@shivtim]

@@janejones7638 and J.Hud has an Oscar

[@NYChica23]

I wouldn't say Simon's prediction on being the best selling Idol winner was entirely true, because while she is a successful performer, I'd say Kelly Clarkson still edges her out in that regard

[@cathm8523]

Adam Lambert #1 for me.

[@moonlight2487]

Same

[@olgavillavicencio9791]

same ❤

[@TheeGate]

This list was incredibly correct!!! But we need part 2 of this list. JESSICA SANCHEZ, JORDIN SPARKS, KREE HARRISON, ANGIE MILLER, PIA TOSCANO, CHRIS DAUGHTRY... cummon now🔥🔥

[@TrulyMademoizelle]

I need to see Joshua Ledet's 'When A Man Loves A Woman "-season 11 on this list! He got a standing ovation.

[@sandralouth3103]

So hard to say one is better than another. I personally love Adam Lambert voice, I also think Minda Doolittle deserved a spot of more than an honorable mention, but they all are wonderful.

[@lonellfletcher]

Interesting to see Katharine McPhee’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow NOWHERE on this list

[@CarolWestjohn]

That was an astounding performance, I AGREE!

[@rebeccaward2280]

because it was awful.

[@sheilamcdonald58]

Exactly

[@wdwnanab6221]

Love Fantasia! Her Summertime performance was stunning! Every performance from Adam Lambert could be on this list! But it's a great list.

[@lizj7217]

I forgot how fantastic Clay was- Adam was always my favorite through all seasons

[@happymv5350]

Too much commentary!

[@sambetta21]

totally agree. I saw your post after I wrote the one above. Might have been nice to hear them instead of her yacking

[@captgeorge75]

Lovesong and I Who Have Nothing - Candice Glover Diamonds - La'Porsha Renae Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Katherine McPhee You Give Love A Bad Name - Blake Lewis A Change Is Gonna Come - Syesha Mercado Mad World - Adam Lambert

[@TeamTasia418]

u just a hater

[@bryanalstoncoxing]

If “Summertime” by Fantasia isn’t on here the list is invalid. That performance she did on the floor literally united the entire country and it was clear she was going to win!

[@lancesmithmusicman]

Yep it's on there and its number 1

[@DANNYTHEFROG123]

Number 1

[@jackthrone5555]

I thought her rendition of Elton’s Something About The Way You Look Tonight should have been released as her own version it was amazing.

[@sandranorman6451]

Remember how we only had to watch that “Summertime” vocals by Fantasia-never watched the show again until the season finale.

[@bryanalstoncoxing]

@@sandranorman6451 Yeah I still vividly remember watching that Fantasia performance live and my mom tearing up by the end. EVERYONE was buzzing about it the next day at school. It was a masterpiece

[@kellyl13]

Where is Bo Bice's "In a Dream"? And David Cook? You could pick any one performance from at least half of his repertoire on the show. For not including these in at least the honorable mention section, I'm gonna share one of my unpopular opinions: Allison Iraheta did "Alone" better than Carrie. However, I am pleasantly surprised that you included La'Porsha.

[@bb3dgmm412]

How is Heartless not on this list?! Best idol cover by far!

[@ivaroa]

How the music producers convinced Lady Gaga to give permissions to an unreleased song for Hayley to perform (one of her best) is impressive. I enjoyed her entire journey.

[@stacyfabiszewski4633]

Everyone was so fantastic, I enjoyed ALL of them, Kelly Clarkson..... WOW! Ms.Mojo..... you forgot Katherine Mcphee

[@patwooster3851]

Yes! So did I forget about her! She definetly should be on this,list!!

[@cheneethompson5756]

I came here to see my man david archuleta!

[@sheilamcdonald58]

Somewhere Over the Rainbow!!!!!

[@toddmueller6646]

You needed to include Lakisha Jone's "And I'm Telling You". absolutely one of the best ever

[@queentangy]

I was thinking about lakisha as well

[@gaylehofer4344]

Absolutely! Still gives me goosebumps!

[@amberjohnson4820]

I truly loved all these performances. There was one performance I was hoping was on here, James Durban, singing the song Uprising by Muse. That night he stood out because it was a way to channel his frustration over having Tourette’s syndrome. (I believe that was the case) EPIC PERFORMANCES by all these singers!!!!!

[@janelaughrin5153]

I agree with you 💯 %! I didn't know that song before his performance, and it was amazing. Love how his entered the stage with the drum line accompanying him!

[@dylanlazarus2017]

You forgot Chris Daughtry

[@pokey4200]

Is a real shame he did not win that year

[@pickmeup1990]

No Allison Iraheta's Someone to Watch Over Me? That girl worked so hard against the production to get herself into 4th place

[@nonnieofsix7107]

Adam Lambert is my fav!

[@dkbif]

Elliot Yamin - "A Song To You" Blake Lewis - " You Give Love A Bad Name"

[@terricunningham6810]

yep Blake Lewis...he's on my play list

[@craftysue519]

Blake Lewis’ performance of that song was my husbands all time favorite AI song. He just mentioned it again the other day!

[@bethwerrell1010]

Elliott Yamin is so talented!!!!

[@lindahuffman2556]

Where is Chris Daughtry for any song? He was fantastic!

[@ralphjuanillo2072]

I think Jessica Sanchez’s “I Will Always Love You” performance deserve a spot on the list as well

[@acidibace]

Oh, Fantasia in the number 1 spot is QUITE ALRIGHT WITH ME! That was the best American Idol performance to me! I agree with this list as well. Thank you for the trip down memory lane, and for the honorable mentions! Shout out to Jennifer Hudson, too. "Circle of Life would have been #2 for me. SN: Joshua Ledet's "When A Man Loves A Woman" performance deserves a Grammy! He left IT ALL on the stage that night!

[@JulieDelahooke]

Tamyra Gray’s version of A House Is Not A Home should be here. That performance is iconic!

[@saramatthews7159]

oh my goodness yes i loved her rendition of that

[@lido5975]

Yes! That is one of my favourite Idol performances of all time. She was stunning

[@lucascarter5595]

There so many honorable mentions that did not get mentioned. Where is Katharine McPhee's Somewhere over the Rainbow? Jordin Sparks Walk Alone? David Cook Billie Jean? Tamyra Gray House is not a home?

[@MockeyMokey9958]

Daughtry singing Johnny Cash song ⚫️ 💯💯💯

[@thisQ143]

Melinda Doolittle and Casey James were my faves as well. They are so talented! I’m glad they were part of the honorable mentions! Can you please make another list? I’d love those guys to make it. 😊 Fantasia deserves the top spot! She’s just incredibly talented!!!! ❤

[@francesely9694]

Chris Daughtry Walk the Line deserved at least an honorable mention

[@armymydaycaratnctzenatinyaroha]

joshua ledet’s no more drama was sth else imo, letting loose but still being in control of his vocals

[@marlonliendo1220]

OMG... literally when I first saw the top 10 one moment I thought of the Candice Glover Lovesong cover, from time to time I keep reminding this performance, is incredible. I've watched that season and when I saw that cover of Candice that traumatized my brain. It's been so many years and I keep reminding it every certain time and I keep singing her cover. She was so shocking with that performance

[@SnowyOwl0731]

I can't believe Bo Bice's "In a Dream" A CAPELLA version isn't on here! Truly one of THE BEST performances EVER on Idol!! Shame. :-/

[@journeygirl4ever]

Loved Bo so much! I loved him much better than Carrie! I loved how exciting he was to watch and he was gorgeous too!

[@terricunningham6810]

i agree...love Bo Bice as I have him on my playlist.

[@craftysue519]

My favorite performance of all time on Idol! I really wanted him to win. I saw the AI concert after this season and he blew Carrie away.

[@lawrencesilver4661]

No Kidding. That was an amazing performance.

[@maryferrara4884]

Yes, Bo was my fave, he should be here!

[@janulake]

I would place Adam Lambert as number 1!

[@TeamTasia418]

he is good but nothing is beating Fantasia summertime

[@sandralouth3103]

I concur. I think Mad World was better than all others

[@moonlight2487]

I would place him as number 1 idol contestant, as well.

[@amandaredd3057]

Fantasia did a remarkable job with Summertime

[@janejones7638]

It's one of my favorite songs. I wanted to give her an ovation in my house. It was phenominal and she absolutely deserved her win.

[@TeamTasia418]

agree

[@motherlove202]

I agree; I believe that performance cemented her winning

[@grirl007]

I remember being gob-smacked at the end of the performance. I knew I was watching something unprecedented in the moment. And while there have been MANY other idol performances of this caliber, this one stands out as it was the first MAGICAL one. :)

[@TeamTasia418]

@@grirl007 yes she was amazing u should check out her recent songs like The WAY AND Fighting from her Sketchbook album its amazing also

[@richatlarge462]

Lots of great singers, but let's get real here: the best all-time performance on American Idol was the audition by Angie Miller singing her own song at the piano "You Set Me Free". A true artist performance, not just a singer.

[@davidcausejo]

Huge omissions - Katharine McPhee’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, Tamyra Gray’s “A House is Not a Home”, and Pia Toscano’s “I’ll Stand By You”

[@johnwiesner9590]

Carrie Underwood's performance of "Alone" should have been at least top 5.

[@janettepellegrini9772]

Missing 2 of the greatest performances! Constantine Maroulis singing Bohemian Rhapsody and David Cook with the Billie Jean cover of the late great Chris Cornell

[@bethanytaylor1704]

How did Katherine McPhee's Somewhere Over the Rainbow not make it in?

[@LisaLove-15]

Her version is my all time favorite

[@patrickkelliher9962]

Absolutely!!

[@patrickkelliher9962]

She also had the best stage presence and the way she took her ear monitor thing out!! 🔥

[@shivtim]

Then she married that 80 year old man that groomed her

[@pipper70]

One of the best put together and narrated videos on KZbin. I was both surprised and entertained. Loved it.

[@tiger31623]

Kelly clarkson first American idol winner

[@LouisianaCityboi]

Pia Toscano's "I'll Stand By You" will always be my favorite Idol performance.

[@andreveach7520]

Chris Daughtry doing "Innuendo" by Queen was EPIC

[@sarahsimpsontaylor6017]

Really. Who is Simon? No one with any personal talent. Jennifer Hudson has become one of her generation's most incredible talent. He sees her boot in his mouth everyday.

[@maggieb8499]

Clay Aiken doing “Starry, Starry Night” was one of my favorites.

[@JOHNNYSGIRL1960]

Me too, but I liked every song he sung.

[@JOHNNYSGIRL1960]

Clay should have won. He was robbed! He was always safe on the show and gave 100%.

[@strawberryshortcake2354]

What about David Cook Billy Jean?

[@Mollykat5054]

Clay blew me away ❤

[@briansherrod1916]

Trent Harmon Chandelier cover is perfection!

[@grumpy0952]

Jordan Smith must be in the top 5 with his versions of Chandelier, Set Fire to the Rain, Halo, and of course Somebody to Love. Any one of his performances blows most of these away!

[@grumpy0952]

And yep, I realize Jordan was The Voice. 🙂

[@online_idol]

Let’s go Haley and Jena! Most underrated ladies of idol! Also I make similar content 😅

[@favoriteco-worker17]

Yaaas you’re my actual favorite KZbin channel

[@lillianfredriksson1890]

Adam Lambert all the way. He is masterful.

[@allisonkatz9678]

Katherine MacPhee - Somewhere over the Rainbow

[@urhypeboy]

Agreed

[@grahtman]

The disrespect to David Cook's Always Be My Baby by Mariah Carey.

[@halag]

Adam Lambert should be Number 1 - he broke the show

[@moonlight2487]

Indeed

[@patrickEleganisme]

Yessh.. summertime by fantasia is absolutely the best performance ever on american idol.. but there is another legendary performance that didnt mention here... Circle of love by zoanette johnson.. she is very underestimated by everyone from the audition but surprizingly give great performance when sing that song ..

[@janellerod4865]

ALL OF THEM WERE AMAZINGGGG🥰🔥

[@jon13ful]

Siobhan Magnus Paint it black still one of my fave performance

[@MyMoonlightLily]

This isn't even close to the top 10 greatest American Idol performances.

[@creating1_c1999]

Haley's "House of the Rising Sun" still gives me goosebumps!

[@xxviiirkyjqn]

Same here.

[@CindyRac-cu6lx]

Kathrine McPhee's Over the rainbow was outstanding!!

[@caroljaynecreatives5676]

Yes! That was beautiful. She and Kelly are the two I always remember from Idol.

[@jonathanfalkowsky672]

Adam Lambert was cheated. I remember watching it live when I was 7.

[@moonlight2487]

Yeah, he was the best in my opinion.

[@deannacechowski2927]

I think it worked in his favor to be the runner-up. Had he won, he would've made the album the producers wanted him to make. Instead, he got to do what he wanted. Seems to have worked out in his favor.😊

[@Beatles4Sale.]

I still have this recording on my phone! It’s my fav from Idol…❤❤❤

[@jazzyd312]

Yes, he was!!!

[@lisalarsen2384]

Same I was PISSED 😂

[@Kentertainer]

What about Imagine by David Archuleta from Season 7?

[@CatzCraze]

For me it will always be Hailey Reinharts House Of The Rising sun. Absolute perfection!

[@kerrischillinger3435]

My favorite too.

[@rockysmith2462]

Yes such a talent and so incredibly beautiful!

[@kathleenkishkabibbles2759]

I will never understand how Adam Lambert didn't win.

[@marcmg2240]

Great job! It would also be nice to be able to listen to the whole performance after your comments. Perfect choice of singers!

[@johneagan4263]

This was an iteresting compilation with some fantastic choices. Others could include Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Katharine McPhee, Imagine by David Archuleta, Band of Gold by Kimberly Locke, I Who Have Nothing by Jordin Sparks, and A House is Not a Home by Tamyra Gray

[@trgoohileshea2820]

Fantasia absolutely blew it! I have heard performances, but that was..EPIC!.

[@LuvTadnDixie]

David Cook should be on this list somewhere.

[@Iprsmrk]

"Like the rent is due tomorrow" LOL

[@D.7458]

"And Im Telling You, Im Not Going" by Jessica Sanchez not even on the Honorable Mentions? Fact: When Jessica performed it for the first time Ms. Jennifer Holliday's Team told her she should check it out and that made her say "THAT SONG SHOULD BE PERFORMED LIKE THAT, NOT EVEN ME COULD DO THAT" and so she decided the next night to come out and do a performance with Jessica Sanchez because she loved it so much and not to mention SHE IS RETIRED FROM SINGING AT THAT POINT.

[@zwenz365]

Clay’s performance as low as #9 is unbelievable

[@cchild12789]

If Candice Glover isn't on here, this list isn't legit. Love Song is one of the BEST all time AI performances.

[@janejones7638]

I forgot this performance. I'm going to look up many of the songs I forgot. She was amazing in that song.