Top 10 Greatest American Idol Performances

When Season 4’s country diva decided to do a song totally outside her wheelhouse, it paid off in dividends. With her blonde hair done up in retro curls and her big eyes looking right into the camera, Carrie Underwood belts out that immortal chorus with undeniable power. The performance was so good it prompted the show’s toughest judge, Simon Cowell, to make a game-changing prediction. Underwood would prove he was right to believe in her by eventually winning the season. Her take on “Alone” was one of the big reasons why she emerged victorious. Also, shoutout to the backup vocalist who’s singing that harmony like the rent is due tomorrow.

You know it’s serious when they bring out a whole choir. During the season 2 finals, eventual runner-up Clay Aiken completely blows everyone away with this gospel-inspired rendition of the classic Simon & Garfunkel tune. It’s the last time he’ll get to perform for votes, and you can feel just how much he wants to win through his velvety smooth vocals. Now, some may say that standing ovations are given a little too freely nowadays. But when Aiken hits that impressive last note, he more than earns his. Just ask judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson!

Few artists can channel their own pain and passion into a relatively short performance slot quite like this Season 15 runner-up. La'Porsha Renae was forthcoming about her private struggles while on the show. Her rendition of Mary J. Blige’s empowering tune “No More Drama” is a prime example of why she connected with audiences so deeply. She rips through the anthem with fire and strength, commanding the stage like a seasoned professional. As soon as it’s over, Renae, the judges, and even Ryan Seacrest are overcome with emotion. It goes without saying, but so are we.

This then-teenage chanteuse was almost an early-out in Season 13. When she failed to earn enough public votes to advance past the semi-finals, she was saved in the Wild Card Round. Soon, she proved herself to be one of the strongest performers of the season. Accompanying herself at the piano, she delivers a measured and powerful interpretation of Elvis Presley’s timeless song, "Can't Help Falling in Love". Visible chills strike judge Jennifer Lopez as she listens. After the performance is over, Lopez actually walks onstage and gives Irene a kiss and hug. Haunting, elegant, and unforgettable, it’s clear that the contestant set the new standard for all future interpretations of the song.

Season 3 saw some amazing singers controversially be sent home long before their time. Powerhouse Jennifer Hudson was one of them. She hit her stride during the Top 9, with a powerful cover of “Circle of Life” from “The Lion King.” It’s so good, she even blew away the song’s composer, guest mentor Elton John himself, during rehearsals. Her elimination a few weeks later, and the landing of the season’s Black women in the bottom three, prompted John to call out the show’s voters. But given her career since finishing in 7th Place on “Idol,” it’s safe to say Hudson has had the last laugh. If this performance proves anything, it’s that she was always destined for stardom.

From week to week, this Season 10 finalist surprised us all with her versatility and technique. “Idol” audiences could always expect Haley Reinhart to own the stage. Her take on “House of the Rising Sun” is no exception. While the arrangement is taken from the Animals’ version, Reinhart’s raspy delivery and varied approach to the classic folk song make it unmistakably hers. Whether she’s wailing on a high note or cooing a low one, every moment and choice feels perfectly measured. Even the judges, who many felt were sometimes unnecessarily hard on her, couldn’t deny the greatness of this particular performance.

Arguably the most successful of all the show’s winners, Clarkson’s vocal prowess is fully on display throughout the first season. Still, when it comes to picking the best performance from her winning run on the show, “Natural Woman” is the easy answer. It requires some real courage to take on an Aretha Franklin classic, but Clarkson performs like a pro in her iconic bowler hat and tie. Also, who knew she could hit a whistle tone like that? If her 20+ years in the industry are any indication, Kelly Clarkson really has fulfilled the show’s original premise: to find the next superstar.

We could always count on Season 8’s eventual runner-up to bring the drama, and bring it he did on multiple occasions. For that year’s “Year They Were Born” theme, Lambert chose the 1982 Tears for Fears song, “Mad World.” However, he opted for the haunting, stripped-down cover of the song featured in the 2001 film “Donnie Darko.” If you ask us, the choice is the right one, as it allows him to better show off his incredible vocal range. Lambert’s theater background is evident throughout the performance. He doesn’t just sing the song – he feels every word of it. Even the notoriously critical Simon Cowell gives him a standing ovation!

This season 12 champion was known for her big voice and big heart. No one could nail a ballad like Candice Glover. Still, nobody could have predicted the heights she would reach with her take on “Lovesong,” originally recorded by the Cure and covered by Adele. Ten seconds in, Glover puts her stamp on the song. She takes gorgeous liberties with notes and phrasing like a seasoned jazz vocalist, and brings the classic to new, impressive heights. It’s so impressive that judge Mariah Carey coolly walks onstage afterwards and pelts Glover with a handful of celebratory glitter. Honestly, that might be up there with winning a Grammy.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Joshua Ledet, “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” by James Brown
Ledet Leaves It All on the Stage

Trent Harmon, “Chandelier” by Sia
The Season 15 Champion Hits All the Right Notes

Maddie Poppe, “God Only Knows” by the Beach Boys
An Emotional Performance Dedicated to Poppe’s Mother

Melinda Doolittle, “My Funny Valentine” by Chaka Khan
A Controlled & Technically Flawless Rendition of a Jazz Classic

Casey James, “Jealous Guy” by John Lennon
Season 9’s Third Place Finisher Showcased His Vulnerability with This Cover

“American Idol” has seen its fair share of barnburners, but no one brought the house down like Fantasia Barrino. Her performance of “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess” truly epitomizes everything that makes the show so great. From the floor of the stage, she blew the rest of the competition out of the water with sheer lung power and effortless vibrato. It’s a truly magical moment and we’re all really lucky it happened. Fantasia was ultimately declared the winner of season 3 and treated us to an encore of this performance on finale night, receiving an even bigger ovation.